Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday delve into the fascinating history of our favourite dancewear! Today we’re heading back in time, right back to January 31st, 1905, to see what tutus were up to in this exciting era!
As always, before we hop aboard the time-travelling train to 1905, let me share what's happening in the world of my London. We've had the most delightful weekend - a performance at Covent Garden by the brilliant Diaghilev Ballet! The sheer energy and innovative moves left me positively mesmerised! Speaking of the Diaghilev Ballet, have you seen the new line of dance shoes at Fortnum and Mason? It's all the rage for elegant ballet and, oh my, the craftsmanship is breathtaking!
Now, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a stylish jaunt back to 1905!
You know how much I adore my pink tutu - it's my absolute favourite - but imagine, my darlings, that in 1905, a ballerina wouldn't be caught dead in one! They weren't the bright and whimsical creations they are today. Instead, tutus in 1905 were typically crafted in a single layer of tulle, either white or a subtle pale shade, giving a very elegant and romantic look. Think romantic swirls, dreamy lines, and flowing grace!
These elegant tutus were designed to accentuate the ballerinas' movements and showcase the intricate footwork, much like a lovely flowing poem about grace and beauty.
And you know what, it's all thanks to the ingenious Marie Taglioni! Her ethereal style, that emphasis on light and fluid movements, influenced everything about how ballet looked! Can you believe it's almost a century later and she's still shaping the way we think about the ballerina's costume?
Just think, back then, a tutu wasn't just an article of clothing. It was a symbol of purity, beauty, and an ode to classical grace. Can you imagine? Ballet in the early 1900s was pure, refined, and elegant. And to think, in just a few short decades, the tutu would take on new dimensions, become shorter, with layers, with frills and colours! The evolution is incredible!
And what were the dancers wearing with those dreamy white tutus?
Of course, the beautiful dancers in 1905 didn't just wear their graceful tutus. They were styled from head to toe with equal elegance! Imagine this, darlings, satin slippers, dainty, delicate, and soft. I mean, who needs clunky dance shoes when you can twirl effortlessly in these beautiful shoes? And to match their delicate feet, they wore equally exquisite soft cotton tights. And on their hair? An elaborate braid of tightly bound, shiny strands with maybe a decorative ribbon. A touch of simple but graceful elegance.
Speaking of elegance, a true bon ton ballet fan wouldn't go to the theatre in anything less than their finest clothes, darlings. In 1905, high society flocked to ballet performances in the grandest ballrooms, with the gentlemen in elegant suits and the ladies in sweeping, fashionable gowns, a spectacle of the very finest taste!
But enough of my fashion observations, let's return to our historical voyage, back to January 31st, 1905.
On this date, if you were lucky enough to be in London, you would have witnessed the magical ballet La Fille mal gardée - a timeless story about a young girl who is destined to be with someone she does not love! How dramatic! How absolutely enchanting!
A simple, sweet storyline, full of warmth, charm and love, woven beautifully with delightful and joyous dances - it would have been the perfect start to your evening! In fact, on that very day in 1905, in the grandeur of London, dancers in those beautiful tutus spun across the stage, enchanting audiences with stories of romance and passion, love and happiness!
That day, right there in the elegant surroundings of a grand theatre, the ballet world witnessed a timeless spectacle of beauty, and the delicate beauty of the white tutus, symbolising grace, elegance, and charm. Just imagine it! How enchanting, how wonderful!
My darlings, isn’t it fascinating to look back on the history of the tutu, how it's evolved over time, reflecting the trends, emotions and art of each era?
Until next week, dear friends, keep twirling and remember, there is always a perfect tutu for every occasion - and yes, there is indeed a pink one for you, too!
Keep those pink tutus ready and don’t forget to join me here at www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for more ballet history and adventures!
Happy Twirling,
Emma.
