Bonjour, mes chères ballerinas!
It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday and another thrilling trip through history! I'm Emma, your pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-loving time-travelling guide. This week, we're jet-setting back to 1905, the year the tutu really started to twirl its way into the hearts of the world!
Today, we're standing on the grand boulevards of Paris, where the Parisian chic was reaching new heights. Think flapper dresses, bold colours, and – you guessed it – beautiful, elaborate ballet tutus.
I'm absolutely smitten with the style of tutus back then. Gone were the days of the super-fluffy romantic tutus with yards upon yards of fabric. In 1905, we see a shift towards the tutu de ballet, a shorter, more practical tutu with a structured design that emphasised the grace of the dancer's lines and showcased the movements in all their beauty. Think flowing fabric, intricate layers, and a touch of daring flair.
Imagine walking into a Paris theatre in 1905! The air would be filled with the rustling of silks and satins, the delicate scent of perfume, and a palpable sense of excitement. The star dancers, like Anna Pavlova, were the idols of the time.
But what was really happening on this specific day?
Well, on 30th May 1905, a big ballet show, La Peri, was presented by the renowned Ballet Russes company. La Peri was based on a fairy tale, and its magical theme really captivated audiences. Now, imagine that show combined with the exciting evolution of tutu styles. The combination was, let me tell you, pure magic!
The Ballet Russes, founded by Sergei Diaghilev, made history by bringing a truly dazzling spectacle to Europe, pushing the boundaries of performance and choreography. Their ballets weren't just dance shows - they were elaborate, stunningly beautiful, and wildly popular. You can't talk about ballet tutus in 1905 without acknowledging the monumental influence of the Ballet Russes.
I, of course, couldn't resist popping into the theatre to see the performance myself! It was just magical. The ballet was stunning - delicate, elegant, and bursting with breathtaking technique. And let's talk about the costumes, shall we? Those ballerinas twirling in their breathtakingly beautiful, structured tutus...it just made my heart skip a beat.
You know, it's funny how the styles we see on stage eventually trickle down to our own everyday wear. You wouldn't catch me going for the supermarket in a full tutu, but let me tell you, the elegance and flow of a dancer's tutu has had an incredible influence on how women wear dresses today. Isn't it fabulous?
*To get us in the mood, I even tried out my own 1905-inspired tutu look. *
(Emma shows off a stunning, light-as-air, tiered tutu with pale pink satin ribbon detailing. It is much shorter than her normal puffy tulle style but still incredibly glamorous. She also sports a flowing, white, satin shirt that compliments the tutu and is accessorised with delicate, lace gloves. A blush-pink satin hair ribbon adds to her whimsical, Parisian charm. )
How do you like this week's look? What other eras should I try out next for #TutuTuesday? Do you have any particular fashion or historical eras you'd like me to explore? Let me know in the comments below!
Before I jet back to the present, let me leave you with this thought - fashion is all about having fun, exploring different eras, and, most importantly, twirling with confidence!
As always, darling ballerinas, until next week!
Emma xo
*P.S. * Remember to follow us at @pink-tutu on social media for even more updates! This month we're hosting a "Twirl Into Summer" challenge, with fabulous prizes for our favorite #PinkTutu outfits. We'd love for you to participate and let the world know why you, yes YOU, deserve a pink tutu in your life!
And keep your eyes peeled on www.pink-tutu.com. I'm just bursting with exciting news and fun events - coming soon! I promise to tell you all about them in the next blog!
