Hello my darling tutu lovers! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to take you on another whirl through ballet history. Today, we're travelling back to 30th June, 1903 ā a day filled with dance, fashion, and, of course, tutus!
Let me tell you, my darling, travelling to the past is like stepping into a glamorous storybook. It's a thrill to witness how styles have changed! I find the best way to get my head around the changes is to observe the clothing. But how better to understand the style of an era than to take a good old fashioned journey into the world of ballet!
So, picture this, my lovelies: it's June in the City of Lights - thatās Paris for you non-time travellers. And at the majestic Palais Garnier Opera House, a masterpiece of architecture in its own right, they're staging "The Sleeping Beauty." This ballet, a triumph of choreography, costumes and music, continues to be a favourite, and with good reason! This timeless classic was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, a Russian musical maestro of genius! A genius who, if only he had known me, could have introduced such a splash of colour into his composition - more pink! Oh how much fun he and I would have had with pink tutu costumes and sparkling diamantĆ©!
Tutus - What's Changed?
My dears, in this particular time, those delicate tutus weren't quite as fluffy and frilly as what weāre accustomed to seeing now. Back in 1903, the tutu of the day was - drumroll please! - the "romantic" tutu! The tutu design is simple yet beautiful; with layers of soft tulle creating a romantic swirl and floating motion on stage. But of course, you canāt talk about the āromantic" tutu without also mentioning its cousin, the "classic" tutu - a lovely piece, yet, it was less common than the "romantic" version! You see, the "classic" tutu is a single layer of tulle that comes just below the knee, while the āromanticā style sweeps beautifully towards the stage floor, giving the impression that the dancer is almost floating! Itās enough to take my breath away!
Now, my dear pink tutu lovers, imagine the beauty of that sweeping, graceful, "romantic" tutu! If I could travel with a trunkful of these, well, you'd see a flash of pink swirling all over Paris and beyond! It's absolutely dreamy!
The ballet of course wasnāt just the costumes - the setting of the Parisian Opera House itself was a stunning spectacle. The grand hall was bedecked in ornate decoration and sparkling chandeliers. In those days, the theater had a grand ambiance - an experience you simply had to witness.
Now I hear you saying āBut Emma! What are your personal reflections on these time travel trips? ā
I'm delighted you ask! For me, travelling back in time is like a delicious dream ā especially to a place as culturally vibrant as Paris, the very birthplace of some of the most famous fashion trends we see today! Youāll find Paris oozing with chic style and fashion, a beautiful tapestry that captures the essence of Parisian elegance and glamour. Oh, it's intoxicating! But you know what my favourite part is, my lovelies?
It's seeing ballet. I adore the grace, the power, and the storytelling woven through the movements! And while I do admit I am quite partial to a fluffy, multi-layered tutu, those āromanticā tutus have a captivating beauty! Thereās a sense of timeless grace that truly steals my heart.
Now donāt you forget my lovely pink tutu lovers, we're here to celebrate all things tutu, to learn about the evolution of the tutu, and maybe even inspire you to add a pink tutu or two to your own wardrobe! After all, whatās life without a touch of pink tulle and sparkles?!
Join me next week for another dive into Tutu Tuesday. Until then, may your days be filled with pirouettes, perfect pliƩs and enough pink tutus to go round! I'm signing off now - time to dash for a new adventure. I have an entire trunk to fill with pink tulle!
Ciao for now! Love,
Emma
Donāt forget to browse through my Ballet Tutu History blogs. All available on www.pink-tutu.com.
