Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back with another #TutuTuesday post! Itâs a joy to be back on the pink-tutu.com blog and chatting about all things tutu â as always! This week, Iâm feeling especially whimsical, as Iâm whisking us back in time to a truly magical era: September 8th, 1903. Can you imagine? Imagine stepping back into a world where horse-drawn carriages jostle for space with steam trains, where women's fashions are delightfully extravagant, and where the allure of the ballet stage is captivating the hearts of the elite.
Before we embark on our journey, let me just say - the train journey to 1903 was absolutely delightful! I'm a big fan of trains in any era, but there's something especially charming about a first-class compartment with plush velvet seats, lace curtains, and the gentle clinking of teacups. Of course, I sported a lovely pink tutu under my travelling skirt â just for a touch of ballet-inspired flair, you see!
Now, back to 1903! I landed in Paris (what else for a ballet fanatic, eh?), a city that was just bursting with creativity. You can feel the magic of the Belle Epoque all around - the vibrant street life, the cafĂ© society, and, of course, the stunning theatre productions! Ballet, in particular, was a key part of the Parisian social scene, with the OpĂ©ra de Paris being the epicenter of elegance and artistry. It was here, at this very grand institution, that Isadora Duncan, a pioneering dancer, gave one of her ground-breaking performances! Imagine, dancing in flowing Grecian-inspired garments, free from the constraints of the rigid ballet tradition, showcasing the beauty of movement â utterly groundbreaking, and such a revolutionary idea!
But let's talk tutus, shall we? You might be wondering: did tutus even exist back then? And my darling readers, they most certainly did! But perhaps not in the way we envision them today. While the classic "tutu" as we know it hadn't fully evolved yet, there were early forms, more like loose, billowing skirts, or what the ballet world then called "tutus". It's important to remember that tutus werenât merely fancy clothing for dancers; they were integral to the movement, to conveying emotion, to narrating stories through every graceful leap and pirouette.
Todayâs tutus - especially the âRomantic Tutuâ, that stunning cascade of tulle with its breathtaking fluidity and volume, began to emerge in the latter half of the 19th century. A key figure in the evolution of the tutu is Carlotta Grisi a legendary ballerina! In 1841, in a production of "Giselle", she famously wore a dress of white tulle, with a shorter, fuller skirt than any other before it! And this was a truly pivotal moment in the history of tutus. Suddenly, a dance outfit that used to be all about layers and constraints, was now showcasing movement and lightness in a truly beautiful, feminine way.
Imagine the sheer excitement! These early forms of tutus, although different from the iconic designs we see today, helped to lay the foundation for the extravagant and ethereal tutus that came to define the ballet stage! From delicate pastel shades like lilac, baby blue and pale green, to dramatic, full-length black tulle, these early tutus added a touch of romance, grace, and an undeniable âwowâ factor!
Now, imagine stepping into a theatre in 1903, on this very day. You might be sitting amidst a sea of silk dresses, shimmering jewels, and dapper gentlemen in their top hats and tails. But in the centre of the stage, a vision in white tulle or pink-tinged satin, dances a ballerina. She leaps, twirls, and flows like a dream, her every move infused with passion and grace! The audience, enthralled, murmurs and applauds as the dance brings stories to life. It was, after all, a time when the power of ballet lay in its ability to transport its audiences to a realm of wonder, imagination, and pure, ethereal beauty.
As we wander through 1903, letâs make a stop at a boutique, shall we? Now, even though tutus were still in their early stages, Parisian shops were teeming with elegant gowns, ornate hats, and delicate accessories, designed for a society that embraced fashion with unparalleled zeal. You could find the finest fabrics, lace trims, and feather embellishments - an explosion of beauty and creative spirit that would make any modern fashionistaâs heart skip a beat. Imagine just browsing the endless array of ribbons, laces and floral appliquĂ©s - what an exquisite wonderland of textile delights! It is in these bustling Parisian streets, amid the elegant fashion houses, that the essence of the ballet tutu was beginning to form, the way we envision it today!
But my love for the tutu doesn't end on the stage, darling readers. Itâs a statement of joy, femininity, and a playful twist on everyday life! That's why, throughout the week, I will continue to embrace the spirit of the tutu in all its glory! You'll catch me popping into a London theatre for an enchanting evening of ballet (perhaps even the London Coliseum - what a truly beautiful venue!) Then it's back to Derbyshire where I love catching the train down to Sheffield. I must confess, I might even indulge in a spot of tea and cake wearing my pink tutu at my favourite spot by the park! Because even in Derbyshire, tutus make every day feel like a graceful pirouette into the world! After all, a pink tutu is always a perfect reminder to dance through life with joy, grace, and a little sprinkle of magic.
Until next time darlings, donât forget: embrace the tutu spirit â whether it's on stage or in your everyday life. We'll be back here next #TutuTuesday, swirling through the wonders of tutu history together! Donât forget to share your favourite tutu stories and photos in the comments. Let's keep this tutu love going!
Yours always, in tulle and twinkling, Emma
(This is blog post #3741!)
