Hello dearies! Welcome back to my blog, Pink-Tutu.com, for another dazzling #TutuTuesday! I'm Emma, your time-travelling tutu-loving blogger, straight from Derbyshire, England, and today we're stepping back to October 3rd, 1905, in the heart of Paris! Oh, the fashion, the excitement! Just picture me, in my beautiful pink tutu, twirling along the Parisian streets… and let’s not forget the delicious aroma of croissants and fresh coffee wafting in the air!
Now, where were we? Ah, yes! Tutu History! This week we're diving into the exciting world of early 20th century ballet. You might be surprised to know that 1905 was a truly magical year for tutus, even though they're quite different from our lovely frothy ones today.
Let's rewind a bit. The first tutus, born from the ballet classic, "La Sylphide," were quite simple, actually just shorter ballet skirts made of white, very sheer, white tulle. Back then, the tutu's purpose was practical. The lightweight fabric allowed dancers to leap and turn with greater ease, unlike the more cumbersome earlier skirts. And while the styles evolved through the century, the goal always remained the same: to allow the ballerina to move like a feather in the wind!
So, imagine my delight as I step out in Paris today! October 3rd, 1905, was a busy day in the city of lights. On this very day, the Palais Garnier, the home of the Parisian Opera, was hosting a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty"! It’s hard to imagine a more magical way to experience the magic of ballet than in a grand, elegant venue like that. And speaking of elegant… the costumes were already taking on some fascinating details, my dear readers!
Imagine: a ballerina, her beautiful long hair in a perfect chignon, and she's wearing a graceful tutu. It isn't the full, poofy version we see today. Instead, it's made of several layers of tulle, often layered in delicate colors with beautifully crafted embroideries. Think graceful swoops of fabric and exquisite, elaborate detail! These weren't simple tutus, no, they were works of art!
Now, you must be wondering what's I'm wearing, right? My outfit for today’s trip? Oh, I simply couldn’t resist! It’s my pinkest, most sparkly tulle tutu. It's just a tad more whimsical and modern than the tutus of the day. I had it custom made by my favourite designer in Derbyshire, Mrs. Figg's Tutu Emporium - the fluffiest and dreamiest place for a tutu lover. She gets it, you see! We share a love of all things tulle and pink! It’s a perfect blend of elegance and playfulness.
And guess what, my darling tutuballinas? The thrill of the trip doesn't end there! Paris in 1905 was an exciting place for fashion! You’d be swept off your feet by the Parisian streets! The hats alone, dear readers, were worthy of a whole separate blog! Hats, hats everywhere. Feathers, bows, and so many stunning designs.
The styles, my dear readers, are beyond words. There are flowing silks and delicate lace in such an array of colours. Imagine exquisite bonnets trimmed with delicate lace, flamboyant sashes adorning elegant bodices, and delicate gloves worn by all the fashionable ladies of the day. You simply cannot resist a shopping trip, trust me! Of course, after a busy day of touring the city and the opera house, there's nothing like enjoying a delightful afternoon tea with macarons and cream!
I always find it fascinating how the past shapes the future! This historical tutu trend gave us some really inspiring styles we still see in ballet today. So next time you're watching a ballet performance, be sure to take a moment and appreciate those breathtaking tutus, dear readers! And if you really want to celebrate your love for dance and fashion, put on your fanciest tutu and dance the night away, just like I’m doing right now!
Don’t forget to check back next week for another thrilling journey through ballet history!
See you next Tuesday, my dears!
Emma
#TutuTuesday
www.pink-tutu.com
