Bonjour mes amis! It’s Tuesday and you know what that means... time for another installment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! Today, we’re stepping back in time, or rather, back on the train, to 31st July 1906! My latest time-traveling adventures have taken me to none other than Paris! And let me tell you, this city never ceases to amaze me with its elegance and fashion-forward flair.
Now, this time period is fascinating, dear readers. Just imagine the thrill of attending a performance by the legendary Vaslav Nijinsky! Yes, the very same Nijinsky who was dazzling audiences with his iconic choreography, including that mesmerizing "The Afternoon of a Faun"! Talk about the epitome of grace and athleticism. But, enough about these brilliant performers for now! Let's delve into the world of ballet fashion - because it’s my #TutuTuesday, and I live for tutus!
Now, in 1906, tutus were really starting to make their mark in the world of ballet. Gone were the heavy, restrictive costumes of yore! Instead, we see an emphasis on flowing, lightweight fabrics that showcased the ballerina's every graceful movement. This is what I call true artistry!
What was the quintessential tutu of the day? Picture this: delicate tulle, layered in multiple rows, ending at just above the knee. Imagine it shimmering with light under the theatre's spotlights! The "romantic tutu," as they were known, was the star of the show! We even see the beginnings of a "pouilleuse" at the bottom. A subtle suggestion of what would later become a prominent element in modern tutu design, making for a look that is still as elegant today as it was then.
Let's chat about the iconic dancers, those trendsetters of the time! I'm speaking of, of course, Anna Pavlova and Tamara Karsavina! Their movements, so light and airy, so expressive - these were the ladies who brought the tutu to new heights, showing it off with pride in every stunning performance.
But let's not forget the significance of these "new" designs for ballerinas. Imagine finally being able to pirouette without worrying about layers upon layers of heavy material! Imagine being able to move with an airiness and freedom you could never achieve in those heavy, stiff skirts of the past! Talk about liberation and grace combined!
The evolution of the tutu is a fascinating one, and these changes reflect not only the advancement of fashion but also the evolution of dance itself. As ballerinas' skillsets and demands for athleticism increased, the designs of the tutus they wore adapted right alongside them!
Speaking of advancements, what are we doing today to honour our lovely ballerina predecessors? I, for one, am sporting a delightfully blush pink tutu - a tribute to the elegance and timeless style of this era! It just goes to show how timeless these pieces of clothing are - with only a dash of creative design, it can transcend time and make every era feel equally chic!
My dearest readers, while my journey to this moment has been a whirlwind of shopping, ballet performances, and a bit of time travel shenanigans (of course!), this blog is my little way of bringing a bit of that joy to you!
And remember: a tutu can bring joy to any day - a mantra I like to repeat while exploring all the colourful and magnificent offerings of the past. It’s never too late to embrace the elegant fashion of your heart's desires, regardless of time! Now, let’s head to the ballet for the next time-travelling adventure! Until next week, dear readers!
Happy tutu-ing!
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for your weekly dose of tutu-related delights. And, of course, share your #TutuTuesday stories on Instagram! We love to see what lovely designs are making their way onto the stage these days.
