Hello, darling dears! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another captivating chapter in the Ballet Tutu History series. Today's journey whisks us back to the glorious year of 1904, to the heart of Parisian ballet, a time of breathtaking beauty, exquisite artistry, and - you guessed it - fabulous tutus!
Before I embark on our delightful time-trip, I must tell you - my train ride was divine. The carriages were upholstered in sumptuous emerald velvet, and the views were a breathtaking symphony of French countryside - I've already found the perfect new outfit to wear on my next trip, inspired by those glorious rolling hills. I simply must stop off in London on the way home for a little shopping spree - my dressing room is begging for a little update. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, dear reader - a handsome gentleman helped me carry my pink satin handbag on to the train! You can't beat those kind, gallant souls for chivalry.
Speaking of my handbag - inside I have my special pocket-sized notebook - I have a special page dedicated to each year's ballet fashion trends. Right, let's dive back to September 20th, 1904!
Imagine yourself in a plush, candlelit theatre. The air crackles with anticipation, the orchestra begins to play a majestic waltz, and then – a ballerina steps onto the stage. Dressed in a billowing, white tutu of fine tulle, shimmering with sequins and feathers, she begins to dance, each movement a perfect swirl of elegance and grace. This was the quintessential ballerina of the era, and this, dear friends, was the golden age of the Romantic Tutu!
The year is 1904 - the era of "The Sleeping Beauty" and "La Bayadère." Ballerinas weren't just dancers - they were symbols of pure, ethereal beauty, their bodies draped in garments that resembled clouds, with abundant tulle cascading from their waists in dramatic, flowing layers. The "Romantic Tutu" was a vision of elegance and airy grace, perfectly embodying the spirit of the time. Think wispy tulle, light, airy, almost like a gentle breeze in fabric form - the essence of feminine grace, in every layer of soft loveliness!
Don't think that fashion has stood still! We see the silhouette beginning to change with a nod to 'Art Nouveau', an artistic movement at the forefront of design and beauty in Europe. This new era meant that our ballerinas, already stars, were moving into new, elegant territory.
Today, September 20th, 1904, was the day that the celebrated dancer, Anna Pavlova captivated Paris - at the "Grand Gala" organised for the benefit of "the widows and orphans of the soldiers of the Russo-Japanese War" held in Paris! Can you imagine being there? It must have been a night of enchantment. Just picture the excitement as Pavlova entered the stage! This woman, already a legendary figure in the dance world, was in a performance celebrating not only the beauty of ballet, but also the courage and sacrifice of soldiers. Such a wonderful way to weave together artistic expression with a meaningful social message! You can imagine my pink tutu dancing in delight at such an occasion, so full of inspiration and elegance!
However, the world of fashion, much like ballet, was in constant motion. We are standing on the cusp of something big - a new movement called “Art Deco”, was soon to transform the world of ballet into something bold, dramatic and oh-so stylish. You can see it brewing in the wings, so to speak, with bolder, more geometric design touches appearing. Imagine a graceful silhouette with daring embellishments. Think glittering jewels, contrasting lines, sleek, shimmering silhouettes and a hint of the jazz age just waiting to burst onto the scene! It was going to be amazing. I simply couldn't wait to see what this new era held for the ballerinas and the tutus.
Before I whisk you back to the present, let me remind you, darling reader - a pink tutu is the perfect complement to any occasion - it's elegant, fun and will transport you to a world of wonder! After all, what’s better than dressing in a soft pink tulle delight and twirling to your favourite waltzes! Why not go to your local ballet class and embrace the wonder and grace of a ballet tutu!
That’s it from your fashion-forward time traveller, I hope you loved our time trip, don't forget to stay stylish and #WearAPinkTutu!
See you all next Tuesday!
Yours in tutus, Emma
