Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday! Today, we're going to be stepping back in time to the 10th of November 1903, a rather pivotal date for ballet tutu history (and a day, funnily enough, when the London tube had its first accident! ). It's amazing to think, really, how much ballet has evolved from then to now!
Let's hop on that time machine (powered, of course, by the pure joy of a thousand pirouettes), and head off to the heart of the ballet world - Paris. There’s so much for me to see and to do there! Ooh, just thinking of all the chic cafes and the fabulous vintage stores, it gives me goosebumps, let alone the amazing ballet! The scent of the Seine, a delicious pastry in my hand...I simply cannot wait!
Paris, in 1903, is brimming with artistic energy! The Moulin Rouge is dazzling, the Belle Époque is in full swing. Now, to be honest, at first glance, the ballet tutus weren't as exciting as our glorious modern masterpieces - but then, wouldn’t that mean no fabulous leg extensions? No! Of course, the tutus have changed their form, becoming lighter, longer and even with a lot more volume over time, but those graceful poses are just as important then as now.
In 1903, ballet tutus, as I’ve learnt from my trusty dusty vintage fashion book, still clung to a rather romantic and Victorian feel. Think tulle (a delight, of course), lots of layers and soft romantic shades. Think more * *frill and flounce than sleek and streamlined! The style is called "Romantic tutu", which has long layers and an asymmetric style (no, it doesn't have a single central seam - more a "gathered" look at the back, you see!). And of course, lots and lots of lace!
What a delight! These romantic, swishing creations gave ballet dancers that lovely, fluttering "fairy" effect, making the ballet dancers feel like real ethereal sprites dancing across the stage, enchanting all the audiences - think La Sylphide, a rather popular ballet from the time, with lots of pretty light-coloured tutu frocks - I will have to watch that one - it’s certainly one for the "must watch" list! I love finding these gems to explore the ballet history - who doesn't like a good bit of historical sleuthing?
The beautiful designs and the fabulous ballet itself just show that ballet and the art of clothing and design have a connection that goes way, way back. I believe that, to this day, they still perfectly complement each other - a twirl, a pose, the light catching the fabric… I think of all of the magnificent choreographers of that era (a favourite? Marie Taglioni. What a dancer, a legendary name in the history of ballet!). They're so iconic!
Today, though we can be proud of modern tutu creations, they definitely didn't forget where they came from. When we look at the lovely tutus from the early 20th century, it really highlights just how important history is in design. Today’s tutu designs are influenced by the "Romantic tutus". You can't deny the lineage - think of a lovely pastel "Romantic" tutu being transformed into a striking modern ballet costume. What a fabulous lineage - all connected! We don't see those early Romantic tutus in a museum dusty and neglected; they are, instead, a fantastic part of the inspiring evolution of modern ballet tutus. They’re part of the lineage!
Oh, did I mention the delightful pink ballerina shoes?! I saw the most glorious pink satin slippers in an antique shop yesterday, covered in dust, but the softest pink. What a beauty! That’s another one for the wish list! So, here's to the romantic tutus! This is how I am making this 1903 pink tulle tutu dream a reality (and get me back to the past).
The day after this post is Wednesday, the perfect time to grab a lovely hot chocolate after ballet class and have a little shop - or try some pink cupcakes (my current favourite flavour, although I am sure you all know it already). In the afternoon I have tickets for a fantastic show called Swan Lake, (no less!), a ballet that really shines the spotlight on ballet tutus. I can't wait to witness those elegant graceful twirls in the softest, lightest white tutus - I shall definitely share some photos, you know me, it will be posted across all my social media channels.
Next week I'm travelling back in time again! Join me next Tuesday when we travel further back in time and discover the fascinating evolution of the tutu - let's uncover the stories of dancers, designers and discover the magic of tutu history! But of course, do check out my other blogs and look back at past #TutuTuesday posts to enjoy some fabulous history and get all the tutu updates - from tutus of yesterday, the present, and those glorious future designs too. Oh, I'm just itching for another journey to Paris again, but you can't beat Derbyshire.
Let me know your tutu thoughts and any recommendations, but do always remember - a life without a tutu is just a little bit dull. Now, I've got to get ready - got to get dressed - which one of my beautiful pink tutus shall I wear today!
With love,
Emma
xx TutuTuesday #ballet #history #tutu #dance #pink #vintage #1903 #fashion #travel #timetravelwww.pink-tutu.com
