Hello lovelies, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com, where we celebrate the magic of the tutu! Today's #TutuTuesday journey takes us all the way back to the 8th of May, 1906, and let me tell you, darling, it's a delightful trip down memory lane! 🕰️
As you know, I'm absolutely smitten with travelling through time, exploring the history of dance, and most importantly, how the tutu has evolved throughout the ages! And what a glorious journey it's been. From the simple, practical designs of the 19th century to the intricate creations of today, the tutu has truly danced through time.
Today's post marks number 3880, can you believe it? 🤯 That's almost a decade of blogging, sharing my love for the tutu with all of you. Each Tuesday feels like a little ballet class, and it wouldn't be complete without a brand new tutu-filled journey through history.
Now, I just have to tell you about this magnificent train journey I took this time! I must admit, dear readers, it's not always the glamourous travel I imagine when whisked off to the past. First class can get a bit stuffy, and the engine certainly makes a racket, but I tell you, it's the thrill of discovering the unknown that really makes it worth it. You could say, the journey is as important as the destination, wouldn't you agree?
But what's waiting for us at our destination, you might ask? Why, none other than Paris, of course! This is where it all began, dear ones. The tutu's heart. The soul of ballet. And while I am wearing a fetching shade of pale pink to honour this very important time and location, I have to confess it's not quite the Paris of today.
Back then, the city of lights was a whirlwind of romance, and that same sense of romanticism and theatricality shone on the stage as well. In 1906, the Opéra Garnier was, just as it is now, a hub of artistry and creativity. I actually managed to get tickets for the performance of "La Traviata", a masterpiece of operatic drama. I must confess, I almost bought the opera house myself while I was there, it was a gorgeous venue, but, well, time travel can be quite expensive, darling, you know how it is! 👛
But what of the tutu back in 1906?
Imagine, dear readers, if you will, a delicate ballet tulle skirt, barely skimming the knees, with graceful layers that fluttered as the dancers pirouetted across the stage. These weren't the impossibly voluminous skirts we associate with classic "Swan Lake" or the vibrant "Carmen", which were just starting to be invented at the time, but they were beautiful and sophisticated all the same!
Let's not forget that in 1906, the "Russian Revolution" was on everyone's mind, and I do love how that influences fashion and dance so beautifully. Back in 1906, they were looking to simplify, and the tutus of the time were so delicate, but had such grace and flow that it was magical to behold. And even back then, the ballet world was all about individuality, darling, with every tutu as unique as the dancer wearing it. And who knows, this period might just have sparked my fascination with vintage dance! 💖
But let's not stop at tutus, dear readers! Fashion was undergoing a beautiful metamorphosis at the turn of the 20th century. 👗 Ladies had gone from tightly corseted silhouettes to looser, more flowing styles. Think "Empire waists", feminine drapes and lightweight fabrics. The colours of the era were delicate pastels, the quintessential "Belle Époque" elegance, and that pink just felt so good! It truly embodies the beauty of movement and freedom of expression, doesn't it?
The 1906 fashions certainly embraced the movement and grace that made their way onto the stage in those delicate tutus. As I ambled around Paris' grand boulevards and cafes, admiring the fashions of the era, it was impossible not to notice the undeniable link between everyday fashion and the ballet world. Those exquisite lace parasols carried by Parisian ladies even reminded me of a dancer's graceful arms extended in an arabesque! You know what, maybe those ladies were wearing their own version of "pink-tutu" elegance after all! 💖
Now, let me tell you, travelling through time is a passion, but my real heart belongs to my work at the "Pink Tutu Foundation", an organization dedicated to promoting the joy and beauty of ballet through various creative projects. We believe that ballet shouldn't just be for those on the stage, darling, it’s about bringing joy to the world! ✨
If you've ever wanted to embrace the graceful beauty of dance but weren't sure how to take that first step, I encourage you to visit the foundation's website and discover the amazing projects we're doing! Whether it’s dance workshops, community events, or helping make costumes for those who might not have the resources to do it themselves, we strive to make ballet accessible for everyone, young and old.
Remember, lovelies, we all have a ballerina within! 💕
And now, as the afternoon sun bathes my little corner of Derbyshire in a soft, pink glow, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement for our next #TutuTuesday journey. Where will time take us next, I wonder? ✈️
Until next Tuesday, keep twirling! ✨
Yours in pink,
Emma
