#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1904-05-03

Hello, my darling tutufarians! It’s Emma here, back from another jaunt through time to bring you the latest from the fabulous world of ballet tutus! Buckle up, darling dears, because today's adventure takes us to Paris, the heart of dance and fashion. Now, if you're anything like me, a Parisian escapade in 1904 is right up your alley. Can you imagine the opulent fashion, the exquisite food, and oh, the ballet!

I mean, let's face it, Paris was already synonymous with style even then! Think dramatic gowns, chic hats, and the beginnings of what we know as the "flapper" style - you know, all those chic bobs and swirling skirts! Imagine my delight then when I realised this was the year that skirt came into vogue.

But before we get carried away with the glamour of fashion, let's dive into the heart of today's #TutuTuesday - Ballet history! So, darlings, grab yourselves a cuppa (or maybe a glass of something sparkly, this is Paris!), settle in, and let's journey to the magical realm of tutus...

1904. This year, it's all about the burgeoning, oh-so-graceful Modern Tutu. This new form of tutu - shorter than its predecessors - allowed ballerinas more freedom and ease of movement. Imagine twirling like a dream in that voluminous, soft skirt! Can you picture the excitement of this new era of dance, when ballerinas finally felt the thrill of flight and expression on stage?

But my dearest lovelies, let's not forget its origin story.

This dazzling transformation was heavily influenced by the artistry of the legendary, the one, the only… Marius Petipa. Yes, this legendary ballet master, who has gifted us with ballets as glorious as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, revolutionised the look of the ballerina with his love of short tutus!

And if you were in Paris that day, what would you see? Well, let’s see, on the 3rd of May in Paris…

"La Revue Musicale" played at the theatre on the Boulevards! And what else was happening on the Parisian stage this week?
Oh, the elegance of those dance programmes! The thought of all those ladies in the stalls and the gentlemen with their top hats - just brimming with excitement for the spectacle ahead. A truly decadent and artistic spectacle! Now you see why this is the most popular period in history for tutus.

As for fashion? Well, imagine the exquisite fabrics and tailoring. Silks and satins are the key materials here, my dears. You can bet your bottom dollar that everyone is absolutely positively draped in luxury, with lots of ruffles and frills, making for an undeniably elegant, almost fairytale, feel! Just add a big, fancy hat!

You know, darling readers, my travels through time have given me an incredible perspective on this truly delightful history of ballet. And let's be honest, you simply can't talk about this history without acknowledging its enduring connection to beauty and feminine power.

So there you have it! The modern tutu was in full swing on this day in 1904. The grace of movement, the freedom, and the oh-so-chic appeal - what's not to love?!

I'm off to put on my own little pink tutu in celebration of this delightful era of dance. And you should too, darling tutufarians! Be your own dancing fairy in a world full of beauty.

Join me again next Tuesday for more Tutu Tuesday - remember, we are always looking for more ballet history adventures! Don't forget to share your stories, photos, and anything else you discover, I can't wait to hear about it!

Now off I go, back to the beautiful Victorian world, with the modern tutu still clinging to my memory... I promise a fun journey soon - you won't want to miss it!

Remember to stay pink,

Emma x