Bonjour, mes chéries! Welcome back to another installment of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of all things tutu! Today we're travelling back in time to February 20th, 1906 - get your Paris chic on, darlings, because this journey is a real treat!
(This is post number 3869 for my Ballet Tutu History blog. If you're new here, be sure to head over to www.pink-tutu.com for all the past posts! )
As a time-travelling ballerina, I've had the pleasure of exploring so many amazing periods of ballet history, but nothing beats Paris in the early 1900s! Imagine a city brimming with vibrant life, overflowing with a passion for artistry, and where, whisper it, tutus are truly making their mark.
You might be surprised to learn that tutus, our beloved symbols of grace and elegance, were not always as prominent as they are today!
Let's hop on the Orient Express (oh, how I love train journeys!), whisk ourselves back to Paris, and see what fashion delights await!
From Ballgowns to Ballerinas: The Tutu's Evolution
Back in 1906, the fashion scene was wildly different. The 'Gibson Girl' look was all the rage – big hair, full skirts, and lots of corseted curves! While those looks were beautiful in their own right, the world of ballet was a bit more… rigid! Ballerinas of the era were still mostly dancing in long, flowing skirts, not the whimsical tutus we know and love today.
Imagine the plight of the poor ballerina, desperately trying to pirouette in yards of heavy satin! It wasn't until the 1880s that the concept of a shorter skirt began to take hold, inspired by the elegance of the diminuendo, a graceful gesture with one leg bent at the knee and extended.
But guess what, my darlings? In 1906, Parisian designers were truly catching onto the "shorter is sweeter" philosophy! This year saw the birth of the tutu as we know it! The first tutus were designed by renowned costumier Paul Legouvé for Serge Diaghilev's groundbreaking Ballets Russes. Diaghilev, a Russian impresario, had a brilliant vision – to introduce audiences to Russian ballet with breathtaking sets, lighting, and yes, you guessed it – revolutionary costumes!
Imagine seeing these delicate, almost transparent, layered skirts billowing out, creating ethereal silhouettes! This revolutionary new look brought a level of airy grace and freedom to the stage that audiences simply had never experienced before.
The Ballets Russes caused a sensation across Europe, sparking a wave of interest in all things Russian and sparking the era of the 'classical tutu', still loved by ballerinas today! The traditional multi-layered, calf-length tutu allowed for freedom of movement and helped the ballerinas become lighter, almost like floating on air!
A Parisian Evening of BalletSince we've time-travelled to Paris, let's indulge in a bit of local culture. Let's imagine a sparkling night out, ladies!
On this very day, February 20th, 1906, a performance of "L'Oiseau de Feu," or "The Firebird", premiered at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris!
Imagine the thrill! Diaghilev’s company, the Ballets Russes, was on stage in full force! The entire city buzzed with excitement for the chance to witness the brilliance of this groundbreaking company, with its spectacularly flamboyant choreography, fantastical sets and stunning, intricately crafted tutus. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
We might see dancers swirling in vibrant hues of blues, reds, and oranges – think Russian folk-inspired artistry at its finest! Oh, the colours, the costumes, the passion! And to think, all of this was achieved by one daring gentleman, Diaghilev who revolutionised the world of ballet. What a visionary!
After the show, the Palais Garnier would have been bursting with excited chatter – everyone wanting to discuss the incredible dancing, the shimmering costumes, the incredible artistry. Now, imagine having that opportunity! Perhaps a sip of Champagne, a dance under the glittering chandeliers of a Parisian cafe? Ah, La Vie Bohème!
Finding Fashion InspirationThis is what it’s all about ladies! Fashion that sparks creativity, that moves us, and that captures the essence of artistry! This is what makes my time-traveling heart skip a beat!
From a fashion perspective, there’s no denying the power of tutus! They're about confidence, they're about feeling good, and they're about taking risks!
I can’t even describe how I would’ve loved to have gone shopping in 1906 Paris, just for a peek at all the elegant fabrics and the beautiful lace! Oh, to have had the pleasure of selecting a fabulous fabric for a pink tutu from the very Parisian fashion houses themselves! Now that’s an outfit for the ages!
And speaking of tutus... Let's talk pink!
Now, while a pink tutu wasn’t really a thing in 1906 (the focus was mostly on colours reflecting nature or cultural tradition), I think this year might be the perfect time for us to break some boundaries! Don’t let me stop you, darlings, it's perfectly acceptable to add your own vibrant colours! Who says a pink tutu couldn't become the newest Parisian fashion statement?
Remember, we can wear our history with style! Take your cue from the ballet world - go big or go home, and embrace a touch of whimsical beauty in every single day!
(And be sure to check back next week for another trip in time, darlings!)
Until next Tuesday, and don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter @PinkTutuBallerina - I love sharing my adventures in tutus with all of you!
Bisous,
Emma xo
This post is just the beginning! What kind of story could your time-traveling ballerina tell about her adventures in 1906 Paris? Tell me in the comments below - I love hearing from you, darlings!
P.S. What’s your favorite shade of pink for a tutu? I'm always searching for new inspirations!
