Hello my darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com! This week's #TutuTuesday post is extra special because I've just popped back in time, landing right in the heart of Paris on January 23rd, 1906. As you all know, Paris is the very epicentre of ballet and fashion. So, obviously, a trip to this time was a must for a ballet fanatic and fashion enthusiast like myself.
This post is number 3865 for my Ballet Tutu History blog, and if you've been following me for a while, you'll know that tutus, especially pink ones, are my absolute passion! Today, we're going to be focusing on the evolution of the tutu. But first, let's discuss the reason I travelled to Paris...
Today is the anniversary of the premiere of one of the most iconic ballets in history! Yes, you're reading this correctly, darling! On this day, in 1906, the one and only, The Firebird, by Igor Stravinsky, had its premiere! It was choreographed by the renowned Michel Fokine. This ballet revolutionised not just ballet, but the entire world of music and stage performance, It was the pinnacle of the artistic revolution of the early 1900s! I'm obsessed with the beautiful costumes and stunning choreography – it's absolutely captivating. It's actually quite hard to imagine a time before The Firebird, as it's influenced everything since. It's such a fabulous fusion of ballet and spectacle, with Stravinsky's bold and dynamic music pushing all the boundaries. As you might be able to tell, I may have gone a bit over-board watching it for the umpteenth time this morning… 🤫
Speaking of bold and dynamic... let's chat about the tutu.
A Very Brief (and Glamorous) Tutu HistoryFirstly, a tutu is a single-layer, short skirt that ballet dancers wear to help them with their steps and movement. Did you know that this iconic garment hasn’t been around all that long?
Before 1830, women performing in ballet wore heavy, long skirts, but Marie Taglioni came along and revolutionised ballet with the Romantic Tutu, featuring flowing, graceful layers. She wore a diaphanous, white skirt made of tulle that skimmed her ankles - so dreamy! This was truly a groundbreaking fashion moment. Just like those glorious silk dresses from a couple of centuries before!
Then, in 1845, Marius Petipa appeared with his vision of a shortened tutu, a tight-fitting style that fell at mid-thigh, to show off the dancers' athleticism. This revolutionary 'tutu à la française', or ‘French tutu’ gave the dancers the freedom to pirouette and leap. This fitted, shorter tutu remains a popular choice for most ballerinas. And don't forget the beautiful, sweeping skirts! I can't think of a better look for those incredible leaps, twirls, and grand jetés - or are those grand jetés? It's hard to tell with this skirt swirling so fast! 😂 Oh, and the bonnets – you have to love the bonnet! It completely finishes off this look! And then the incredible dancing – simply captivating. And I just love how these classic ballerina outfits from the nineteenth century complement Stravinsky's spectacular music. It all comes together so well, and is just beautiful.
After all, the French Tutu is one of the most important inventions for femininity, dance, and style.
Now we're up to 1906! The tutus were much more complex and elaborate. Anna Pavlova's iconic black tutu in 'The Dying Swan' remains one of the most beautiful looks. These exquisite tutus always manage to get my pulse racing – you can imagine them just skimming the floor. So dreamy, don’t you think? They're the absolute embodiment of graceful beauty and power! This is ballet at its finest.
I’m telling you, this period of dance was all about pushing boundaries, daring to be different – that's where all the magic happens. Just look at the incredible stage design and costume, music, and, of course, the tutus. What a fabulous combination. Just look at the ballerina in her romantic pink tutu, floating over the stage! Such poise! And those beautiful shoes - I love a good point!
As always, we can't discuss tutus without acknowledging the essential role of costumers and seamstresses who bring these fantasies to life. Imagine a ballet without these fabulous costumes? Just wouldn't be the same, would it? I adore watching the delicate embroidery and the endless creativity behind the tutus! Imagine all that work! This isn't just a few pieces of material!
## Fashion Inspiration - The Power of the Pink Tutu!
Now, let’s chat fashion! As I am clearly obsessed with pink tutus, I want to spread this joy around the globe. This iconic ballet fashion should be enjoyed by all, from toddlers to those glamorous dames at a ball. It's a symbol of grace and confidence, joy and happiness - don't you think?
If you want to wear a pink tutu on your day-to-day, I fully encourage you to give it a whirl! Think about how fabulous and exciting a bright pink tutu will look as you wander around Derbyshire. Everyone needs a bit of extra pink in their lives. Imagine the smiles! And everyone who sees it will be instantly happy. It will completely revolutionize your look and help transform your inner fashionista!
You might also be interested in finding a vintage ballet dress or tutu for the perfect look. Imagine being effortlessly stylish - don't you want to turn heads? I bet there's a ballet store tucked away in a quiet street. Maybe in Paris… A pink tutu isn't just for ballet classes – anyone can make this look stylish! Perhaps it could even help bring the glamour of ballet to everyone's life?
This period in history reminds me to be courageous and confident with my style and to dare to wear what I love. Tutus and ballet inspire me every single day. And of course, it is so exciting to share my fashion enthusiasm with all of you. Isn't that a beautiful thought?
I have so many ideas for my next posts – from more history about tutus and ballet to inspiring stories about women in the performing arts, there's just so much to explore and I can't wait to bring you along for the ride. I have to get off this train in Derby now to take another ballet class. But I'm heading straight back to Paris for a whole new series on ‘Parisian Chic’. I just can’t resist a whirl in those beautiful shops.
See you next Tuesday for my next #TutuTuesday! Until then, make sure you wear your pink tutu with pride, and don't be afraid to dance! 😉
Until next time!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
