#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1906-01-09

Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are always in fashion and history is just as sparkly as a brand new pair of pointe shoes. It's your girl Emma, and I'm thrilled to be back with you for another #TutuTuesday. This week, we're taking a trip through time all the way back to 9th January 1906! I mean, it's almost like time travel, and isn't that what we're all dreaming of, really?

This week's post is extra special as it’s #3863 of my Ballet Tutu History blog! I started this journey back when I was a wee ballerina, just learning my pirouettes. It’s crazy to think how many years this has taken, I guess I'm turning into a seasoned expert on tutus! But even with that much experience, there’s still so much to explore! This blog is more than just tutus; it's about the history of the ballet and its impact on fashion.

Speaking of fashion, you just HAVE to check out my outfit today! I found the most gorgeous shade of blush pink satin - the perfect choice to wear whilst journeying back in time. I simply cannot resist pairing a delicious pink tutu with a blush satin top, and I believe it's truly inspired by the era, if you catch my drift. As always, I'm wearing my trusty pearl necklace (my Nana gave it to me - a true heirloom), and my favourite pair of champagne-coloured heels.

Before we go back in time to 1906, let me tell you how I got here. This week I decided to try out the Trans-Siberian Railway - how decadent and daring, eh? Well, I think it’s the perfect way to go on a cultural and historical pilgrimage. It’s the perfect way to be surrounded by elegance and stories! And it gets me from Derby to…anywhere… which, to me, is perfect for my historic pursuits.

Of course, funding my journey and my fabulous tutu obsession is all thanks to the magic of ballet. Last night I took in a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Oh, it was just simply heavenly! It’s like something straight out of Swan Lake. The ballerinas, they are so effortless… and elegant. It just makes my soul happy!

I imagine this date must have felt just as special as today… 1906 feels like a pivotal time for tutus. You see, at this time the Paris Opera Ballet - oh my, you just have to see it, you can almost touch the magic! There was a real revolution going on there - they had begun their transition from the fluffy Romantic tutu that was a big pouf of tulle all the way to the sleek, classic style you see dancers wear today . It's an incredible change! The Paris Opera Ballet introduced the “tutu à la française”, or French tutu, that highlighted the length and grace of their leg extensions. It’s beautiful - it was just like I was transported into a storybook, darlings. The changes were a huge leap - think less Victorian and more Belle Époque. It's a style that feels truly modern… even by today’s standards, that doesn’t mean that it wasn’t excitingly avant-garde back then.

I took my morning off today to browse vintage clothing shops in St Petersburg, oh darling, what an adventure - it's like a treasure hunt for the best vintage - just divine. I saw an amazing 1900’s skirt in navy blue… so perfect to style with my trusty white tutu for a completely new vintage look… oh! Just wait until I tell you more about this find!

I can tell that the Parisian fashion scene back then must have been incredible, they know how to work an elegant ensemble. That feeling of freedom - so feminine, but not frilly. And you must imagine how a ballet tutu in such a context would look just enchanting.

Remember - there are no rules when it comes to fashion… you have to create what makes you feel beautiful, darling, because you're an original! We have so many styles of tutus to choose from! From romantic tutus to the daring short tutus… or the modern tutus! A tutu for everyone - just for you. I've spent all week looking for my own, unique way to make this year’s tutu stand out... I love trying different colours and accessories. Today it’s the shade of ‘Parisian pink’ that has really got me dreaming. Ah! And, to make this a little extra, I'm going to put on a pink tulle headband, I just have to!

One of the most important things to know about the history of the tutu is the history of the ballet… it is just as dynamic, dramatic and wonderful, darling! The beauty of it all - I see so much fashion history within the evolution of the ballet itself. It makes sense that the tutu is such a magical object! It tells so many stories – a perfect symbol of how beauty is more than just appearances. And a reminder that you can bring your own touch of magic to any moment - just like a tutu gives life to any ordinary day. Just imagine!

My ultimate mission, as you know, is to convince everyone in the world to wear a tutu - just one time. And this time travel is really helping! I even wrote my little blog today with a little tutu in my hand - for the inspiration I need for my upcoming tutu fashion post on www.pink-tutu.com. I’ve already started working on a tutu inspired dress that I think you’re going to just adore!

Right now I’m headed off for an afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel Europe. It’s going to be grand. In the meantime, don’t forget to share your tutu adventures! I love to hear about your own personal style and favourite tutus. Use the hashtag #TutuTuesday on Instagram, and you could get featured in next week's blog!

Until next week, darlings,

Love,

Emma, your vintage ballerina blogger

xx

P.S Don't forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for even more ballet inspiration. You’ll find everything from historical reviews of iconic tutus and my newest blog post on how to make your own tutu from old fabric (it's really easy! Just sew many amazing pieces and create something that is just for you.