#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1906-10-02

Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another fascinating #TutuTuesday delve into the history of the ballet tutu! Today, we're taking a trip back to 1906, a glorious era of elaborate costumes and breathtaking dance! Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a train journey to Paris, the epicentre of ballet at the turn of the 20th century!

Oh, wouldn’t you know it? Today is such a special day! We have the grand opening of the legendary Palais Garnier opera house! A gorgeous venue where you could expect to see Serge Diaghilev's Ballet Russes, which we’ll be getting to very soon, making waves with their dazzling performances! I can't wait to shimmy my way through the grand hall in my tulle masterpiece. Now, a trip to Paris isn't complete without a stop at the opulent Grand Bouquiniste for a good look at the newest dance fashions and gossiping with my lovely Parisian ballerina friends. A peek inside their toillettes will tell you all about the latest in Parisian haute couture – and maybe even a new trend or two to add to my collection!

Now, you all know that I adore tutus in all their frilly glory. It’s no secret! But this trip in particular is extra exciting because it marks the evolution of the classic tutu, you know, the one with the extra-long skirt! Now, while I love a good pouffy tutu as much as the next girl, in 1906 we're seeing some wonderful innovation! They’re moving away from the restrictive Romantic Era tutu and stepping into a bolder, more dynamic silhouette. Think of it this way - it’s like saying goodbye to your beloved classic pumps for a spritz of sassy, stylish new pumps!

It’s all about embracing movement. Can you believe it? The tutus, they are getting shorter, which gives the dancers more freedom to express themselves and their technique, without all those layers holding them back! Talk about a true liberation of the dancing body, wouldn't you agree? Imagine a graceful ballerina spinning, her pailletted tutu catching the stage lights and sending glittering sparkles across the audience! We’re definitely seeing a shift in focus towards lightness and fluidity – imagine, all those graceful, extended piqués and arabesques executed to absolute perfection! Sigh! It really is the epitome of elegance and beauty, my dear!

Now, a real must-do, once you arrive at the Palais Garnier, is the most delightful shopping excursion to the grand boulevard stores. If you ask me, they’ve always had some of the finest Parisian fashion, especially for dance wear, but it’s simply mind-boggling to see it all on display! Think: rows upon rows of silken gowns, shimmering satins, sparkling rhinestones… and of course, the tutus! And all in shades that range from the classic ivory to the most vibrant emerald greens! It's enough to make your head spin (and, yes, possibly leave you wanting to run through the shops screaming “take it all!” But darling, a true fashionista knows better than to go on a spending spree. After all, quality over quantity is my mantra!) We'll just admire from afar and let the inspiration take hold for later designs. After all, the true fun of being a time traveller is not about buying everything that shines, but appreciating its evolution.

So let's rewind a bit, shall we? It’s hard to imagine our tutus without mentioning that lovely Mary Ann, the Countess Taglioni – or, to those in the know, simply La Taglioni, of course. This magnificent dancer revolutionised our whole world of ballet in the 1830s with the revolutionary use of pointe shoes and, gasp a shorter skirt in La Sylphide! revolutionary ! Can you believe it? The thought was, this allowed audiences to see the elegant flow and graceful articulation of the limbs, the footwork, everything in perfect synchronicity, just glorious to behold. Can you see this graceful dance, oh, it is like the gentle, gliding movements of a swan! And to think, this was revolutionary – a real game changer in the ballet world.

And it is during this exciting time in Paris that the Parisian shops would offer so much! What a vision to behold – tulle tutus in every shade you could imagine - ivory, pink, baby blue, the most lovely golden yellows and everything in between! All vying to become the perfect ballet tutu.

And you wouldn’t be caught dead at a grand ballet without matching gloves and even bonnets adorned with feathers, a flourish of finest passementerie, oh the glamour of it all, the exquisiteness, I can almost taste the sweet tea and petit fours at one of the fashionable afternoon tea soirees. Now that’s a fashion-forward girl, my darlings, one with style and grace!

It wouldn’t be fair for me to mention fashion without giving you a little insider tip – if you're thinking of taking in a performance at the Palais Garnier in 1906, you will absolutely want to look tres chic and get into the spirit of this exquisite period! Let's have fun with this. We all know my style preference, but let's go a little bold and imagine you could also go for a dark colour and opt for a velvet bodice and then a flowy, wide, skirt – think romantic and timeless, like you’ve just stepped off the stage at the Palais Garnier. Add some lace, sequins, maybe a hat, and presto! a beautiful Parisian belle – ready for a night out!

Of course, I can’t not talk about Anna Pavlova, darling! Imagine: this brilliant ballerina wearing a shimmering silver pailletted tutu while performing a breathtakingly elegant swan-like choreography, and even dancing on the stage with a white-feathered hat to match, to die for, I say! The ballet world is obsessed with the grace and elegance of this revolutionary dancer. And for her style? A real inspiration. And that legendary Pavlova Swan choreography with that dramatic cygnet move at the end? Pure perfection!

There's another reason I’m thrilled to be in 1906, besides the fashion of course! Let's have a little look at what’s going on in the big wide ballet world. I think you are really going to like this – the birth of the iconic ballet, The Firebird. Yes, the Firebird! It’s no small thing – this is the very first ballet to be composed by the Russian genius that is Igor Stravinsky! What an unforgettable and magical piece! (Just be warned, it will make you want to leap and twirl and throw all decorum out the window! A must-see for all who love ballet, indeed.) With music that explodes into the concert hall and costumes that dazzle the eye, the dance reigns supreme! This production featured the extraordinary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky in the role of The Firebird - such graceful leaps, oh the wonder! We are truly witnessing the birth of a legendary story, my darlings! And don't forget the fabulous costume design by Leon Bakst! You've heard the word "dramatic", but you haven't seen dramatic until you see the beautiful rich colors of The Firebird costumes – a whirlwind of colours, textures and materials with such captivating storytelling and movement - it's all so exquisite! The colour scheme in the Firebird – you have to experience this, you’ll be transported straight into the Imperial Ballet in Russia, so evocative! And the colour scheme – the colour is so opulent with deep reds, ruby-like gems, black and silver that bring it to life, you won’t ever forget it. It’s exhilarating ! The colour scheme in The Firebird really revolutionises our perception of costume. You know it’s all about using bold and evocative colours to create an unforgettable visual experience. The use of deep reds and black, gold, jewel tones and everything in between. It's breathtaking, like witnessing a tableau vivant come to life on stage! It was quite the contrast to the romantic tutus, as you can imagine.

1906 truly ushered in a new era of fashion and creativity! You just have to see it for yourself to feel that incredible energy, that spirit of freedom and passion for the beauty of movement, both in design and choreography. If I were in Paris at this very moment I'd probably be getting lost in the bustle of Parisian life, sketching some fresh tutu ideas in my little notepad for my next collection! But I wouldn’t want you to go through the streets with empty pockets, so let’s talk about some tips for our time travellers. Let’s make sure you’re the most en vogue lady in the whole of Paris! Don’t go without your Parisian-style parasol! It will make your day – oh so lovely for a chic afternoon walk in the Tuileries Gardens or along the Champs-Elysees. Plus, the elegant and dainty bonnets in Paris, you simply cannot miss these. They're all the rage at a fancy social event, or simply for a little afternoon shopping! A real statement piece for a ballerina and a true Parisian, a classic look, and all for a day on the cobblestone streets.

And darling, how about a grand carriage ride through Paris? An elegant touch – especially if you want a truly grand entry into a social function – just for that dash of extra class! Imagine it, your own Cinderella moment as you glide along the boulevards! A real statement. But hey, you want to really blend in with Parisian style, then step out onto the grand Parisian cobblestones in a beautifully cut and detailed beaded dress - for that authentic 1900’s French style that you'll want to hold on to. Imagine the luxurious, luxurious gowns they sell! Just stunning, my darlings! So elegant! Just try not to be tempted, because all these gorgeous details and rich, beautiful fabric are all so captivating!

Speaking of exquisite materials – let’s take a quick peak at the fabrics being used for this year’s tutu masterpieces! Remember how much we love lace – the elegance, the detail. Well, in 1906, lace is a top contender. Just try to imagine fine silk fabrics that will shimmer and gleam on stage, and you’ve got yourself the essence of the classic Paris look!

Paris is just about to launch a very important era for the tutu! It is on its way to embracing modernism in ballet and the dance form, so I promise to continue sharing with you the story of the iconic ballet tutu. This exciting time in Paris will definitely impact what will come. But trust me – the iconic Parisian long tutu will never go out of style!

I must fly back to the 21st century! I’ll have to write more next week when I visit a fabulous vintage boutique in Nottinghamshire, oh the tutus that I’ll find there – I can’t wait! Until next Tuesday, darling – do enjoy a dance and stay fabulous,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com