Hello my darling darlings, it's your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday adventure! As usual, I've dusted off my trusty time machine, swapped my favourite pink tutu for a vintage number (it’s all about the historical accuracy, darling!), and popped over to the 30th of August 1904. Ooh, I love the Edwardian era – the beautiful dresses, the hats, the sheer amount of frills and lace. Oh my, I'm quite smitten!
This week we're going back in time to the world of ballet, a topic close to my heart. For centuries, the delicate, airy tutu has graced stages worldwide, capturing hearts with its beauty and grace.
The Rise of the Romantic Tutu
The year is 1904, and you know what's HOT? Romanticism! And in the world of dance, this means Romantic Ballet! Oh my, how I do adore these lovely tutus. Think lightweight, diaphanous fabric (think gossamer and chiffons), and a gloriously billowing skirt - so very feminine! The romantic tutu helped the dancers really show off their grace and artistry, giving the audience a glimpse of the dancers' exquisite lines and leg work. You can picture them twirling with the air, it's simply breathtaking!
Paris - The Heart of Ballet
Paris, the city of lights and love, is where the magic truly unfolds. Ballet is massive over here. Theatres like the Palais Garnier are filled to bursting each night. Every self-respecting Parisian would head to see a show at the Paris Opera. The costumes! They're to die for! I actually bought a beautiful replica of a tutu I saw a ballerina wearing on stage. Pure Parisian perfection, if I do say so myself!
What to Wear in 1904
Oh my, what to wear? You wouldn't catch me out of a fancy dress! We're talking full-length gowns with frills galore! But, what I find truly fascinating is that we also have the 'new' fashions starting to become fashionable. Ladies are starting to wear a new slightly less dramatic look - dresses just above the ankle! Such daring. The corsetry isn’t as restrictive as the past decades. The bustle (which is massive in the 1890s), is gradually getting smaller, giving a slimmer, more graceful look! Oh, it is all so chic. The hats? Don't even get me started! You'll be hard-pressed to find a hat that doesn't include feathers and embellishments – simply exquisite!
An Evening at the Theatre
A visit to the ballet theatre was a big occasion for ladies in this time period. Imagine a beautifully embellished silk gown with intricate details and flowing pleats! All those lovely swarovsky crystals we see now have got nothing on the tiny glass beads hand-stitched by talented artists. You would finish off your look with a hat – not forgetting a stunning fan – such a vital accessory for this sort of evening out, as it would give ladies a delicate way of adding that bit of mystique to their appearance. Of course, don't forget your dancing shoes! These were not for dancing at the ballet though (oh my no!). But beautiful slipper-like shoes - for formal balls - so dainty! I will have to find me some replicas to add to my ever-growing wardrobe.
London & Derby, My Hometown!
While Paris is the epicentre of the ballet world, the love of dance and its costumes is spreading rapidly throughout Europe, including my beautiful home of England, specifically Derby! Oh, Derby! Derby has seen many talented dancers gracing the stage at its beautiful theatre – the Derby Theatre - although sadly no actual ballerinas! The ballet isn’t yet quite the same hit as opera! You have to see some of the gorgeous tutus from my favourite era. If I could show you my wardrobe in my home time – wow – so many different tutus! From the airy wispy skirts of romantic ballets, the tight, almost sculpted skirts from the mid-century classical tutu to the modern dance (I can’t get over that fabric!) which uses these fabulous new fabric combinations – the sheer creativity! Oh my, I really do think tutus are my most favourite fashion accessory ever!
From Past to Present
Now, as a passionate tutu enthusiast, I believe that the tutu deserves its place in fashion history. These amazing garments represent a symbol of female grace and artistry – it is quite stunning when you consider how far ballet has come. From its origin in the 19th century, to its modern variations today – we see tutu design constantly evolving to reflect our ever-changing world – while staying true to the core of this elegant and delicate dance form!
So, what's next for us on the tutu time travel blog? Well, I've got a plethora of fascinating tutu topics for next week's #TutuTuesday! But I really do hope this inspires you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the world of ballet. If I could convince you to even don a tutu – I would be the happiest ballerina alive! Until next week, my darlings, embrace the beauty, grace and magic of the tutu!
Much love,
Emma, The Tutu Time Traveller
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