#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1906-07-24

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back for another dose of ballet history and all things tulle! This week, we're taking a delightful little trip back to the summer of 1906, a time when the world was just starting to embrace the freedom and joy of movement, and where the ballet world was brimming with innovative choreography and vibrant colours.

I've always been fascinated by history, especially when it comes to the history of dance. The way our favourite steps and costumes evolved over time is absolutely captivating. Today, we're focusing on the tutu! And let me tell you, the early 1900s were a time of radical transformation for the iconic tutu.

So buckle up, my darling dancers, grab a cuppa and get ready for a trip to a ballet class of the past!

The year 1906, a period of elegant innovation and artistry. The world of ballet was experiencing a captivating era of evolution. Now, while the classic romantic tutus were still very much in fashion, with their cascading layers of tulle reaching almost to the floor, the early 1900s saw the introduction of something a little more... daring.

It was the era of the shorter tutu, a playful silhouette that freed up movement and brought a fresh energy to the stage. Imagine swirling, pirouetting dancers in graceful yet lighter skirts, showcasing the elegance and agility of the ballerinas. Imagine them skipping, jumping, leaping with ease, no longer encumbered by layers of heavy fabric. It was truly a joyous and inspiring period!

The move towards shorter tutus also meant a new spotlight on the ballerina's legs. Think graceful curves, elegant muscle, and a playful display of strength. It was truly a celebration of female power in movement!

Now, let's travel a little further in time. I recently went to Paris, that magical city of dreams and tutus! There I witnessed the debut of Les Sylphides, a ballet by the revolutionary Russian choreographer, Michel Fokine. Now, Les Sylphides wasn't just about beautiful dancing - it was a game changer.

It broke free from the traditional story ballet of the time, moving towards a much more atmospheric, expressive style of dance. The music, the costumes, everything was perfectly intertwined. Imagine ethereal white tulle, a whisper of movement, and ballerinas gracefully swirling like snowflakes. This was where the tutu became more than a garment - it became a part of the narrative.

It's the beauty of ballet history: seeing how the tutu evolves to match the mood of the time. Imagine the ballet tutus from the grand imperial courts - regal, elegant, with a touch of extravagance. Now picture the whimsical tutus of the early 20th century – lightweight, free flowing, ready to capture the magic of dreams and flights of fancy.

The tutu's evolution truly showcases the remarkable adaptability of dance.

But it wasn't just Paris. The change in tutu style had reached the heart of the British Empire, too! A few months before my Parisian adventure, I caught a stunning performance at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. This historic theatre has always been a symbol of excellence and innovation.

As I entered the theatre, the elegant buzz of conversation mingled with the anticipation of the music. Imagine a warm summer evening, a hushed silence falling as the lights dimmed and the orchestra began playing those majestic opening chords!

The performance I saw that day was something I'll never forget. A captivating story, with breathtaking costumes that had this delightful lightness. There were short tutus in a spectrum of colour – imagine a dancer in a dreamy pastel pink, and another in a fiery red!

Seeing the dancers soar on stage was a real inspiration, a celebration of artistry and talent! The atmosphere of excitement and applause at the end, that feeling of being swept away into another world, made it such a memorable occasion.

The 1900s saw the tutus of London begin a wonderful journey – from the grand romantic ballerinas to the playful and athletic silhouettes of the new century! I find myself so enthralled by these changing fashion trends and the incredible influence of art on the design of ballet wear.

Speaking of fashion trends, this is where it gets extra fun! It's amazing how much the wider fashion world influences the world of dance. And let me tell you, July 24, 1906 was a day filled with fabulous fashion happenings!

It was on this very date that The Duchess of York was married to Prince Henry of Prussia. Talk about a big social event! Imagine the regal gowns, the glittering tiaras, the extravagance of the whole occasion. The Duchess of York, the future Queen Mary of England, was a fashion icon of her time, influencing trends not only in Britain but also across Europe.

Now, picture the world of haute couture in Paris, where famous designers like Charles Worth, Paul Poiret, and Jeanne Paquin were leading the way in fashion. Imagine exquisite gowns with flowing lines, shimmering fabrics, and an elegant blend of traditional styles and contemporary twists!

This period of early 20th century fashion, was one of such joy and confidence. Fashion wasn’t just about beauty - it was about the statement you made through clothing, a reflection of the personality and creativity of the era.

Think elegant evening gowns with empire waistlines, ruffled blouses with high collars, stylish hats with feather embellishments, and of course, a delightful explosion of color. Fashion at the time embraced individuality and celebrated feminine charm!

As you know, my favourite color is pink, so my tutu today is a dazzling shade of hot pink, so bright and uplifting. Imagine tulle so delicate, a hint of sparkle. I paired it with a vibrant emerald green bolero, and some classic white ballerina flats.

For my pink-tutu loving readers, let's channel those early 20th century styles! It’s about fun and feminine energy – Think ruffled tops, flowing skirts, and a playful use of colour. Don't be afraid to experiment, my dear dancers, because the only rule in fashion is that there are no rules!

And remember, we are living through our own unique period of fashion evolution, with styles blending historical influences with modern trends. Who knows, maybe one day, the bold fashion statements we make today will be part of the fashion history of the future!

Now, you know I can't resist giving you some ideas on how to enjoy your #TutuTuesday to the fullest! Here’s what you can look for this week:

• A Vintage Inspiration: Look at images from ballet performances of 1906 or go online and browse images of early 20th century fashion and ballet costumes! It’s fascinating how dance and fashion were intertwined during this period.

• The Beauty of Tulle: Have you always loved tutus? Now is the perfect time to celebrate the history of this incredible ballet fabric. Experiment with different textures and shades, because the possibilities are endless!

• Ballet Glamour: It's not just about the ballet, my dears! Let’s incorporate that elegant fashion vibe into our own outfits! A chic vintage-inspired dress or even a playful tulle skirt - the choice is yours. Remember, it's all about making your own style statement.

• Shop the Look: Have a fashion-themed ballet outing! Treat yourself to a ballet shop and try on some beautiful tulle skirts! It’s a perfect way to step into history.

That’s all for this week, darling dancers. Don't forget to join the conversation on our website! Share your own vintage fashion inspiration, your favourite tutu memories, or your most joyful pink fashion discoveries! Until next Tuesday, may all your pirouettes be flawless!

Stay fabulous!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com