Hello dearies! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, back for another dive into the wonderful world of ballet history! Today, we're journeying back to a very special year, 1906. Let's dust off those ballet shoes and get ready for a whirl!
Oh, darling! I simply must tell you, there is such a thrill in traveling through time. You have no idea. It's just like a fantastical ballet where the scenery shifts constantly, taking you from one magical era to another! This week, I hopped aboard a vintage steam train, clutching my tickets (first class, of course!) and whizzed through time until I arrived in the oh-so-enchanting 1906. It was a year that marked the start of a glorious change in tutu styles.
Let me set the scene...imagine being swept away to Paris, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries floats through the air, and charming Parisian ladies, adorned in flowing skirts and intricately woven hats, stroll along the cobblestone streets. Oh, and don't forget the grandeur of the Opera Garnier! This breathtaking structure is more than just a theatre, darling, it's an exquisite dream woven in stone. It's where the real tutu drama unfolds.
Now, imagine yourself at a ballet performance. Gone are the heavy and voluminous skirts of past decades, replaced by a new silhouette: a much lighter, softer style of tutu. The romanticism of the time embraced a much more ethereal and flowing design. Think layers upon layers of tulle, often shorter than previous years, gracefully swirling around the ballerinas as they pirouette with grace. The tutus of 1906 were so delicate, it almost seemed as if they could melt away like a spring snowflake!
Speaking of ballerinas, dear friends, the stars of the moment, were simply mesmerizing. They commanded the stage with an elegance that stole our breath away, with each graceful arabesque, each elegant pas de deux, they painted masterpieces in motion, weaving tales of love and sacrifice with the whispers of their silk slippers. And as I witnessed them perform, oh, what a symphony of colours! Soft pastels danced across the stage – blushing pinks, soothing blues, ethereal whites, and the ever-present romantic black.
Don't think for a minute that our modern tutus are lacking, they are so perfectly balanced – showcasing strength, flexibility and just the right amount of tulle! But I can’t help but feel that the tutus of the 1900s held an enchanting fragility, a wisp of something magical, making you yearn for those bygone days of grand ballets and romantic dreams.
Now, I don’t know about you, but a ballet performance simply doesn’t feel complete without a touch of fashion, and my darling, 1906 was truly a time for a sartorial celebration! The fashions of this period are a feast for the eyes. Imagine delicate fabrics, ruffles that ripple like a champagne flute, and bonnets that would make even the most fabulous queen jealous. I'd imagine a grand lady attending the ballet would have worn an elegant gown, crafted from silk, adorned with exquisite lace, and a stunning necklace that glittered like a cascade of diamonds. But let's not forget the coup de grace– a breathtakingly chic coat of fine velvet to complete the ensemble.
As we reach the end of this #TutuTuesday adventure, I’m wishing you a week brimming with beauty and inspiration! Don't forget, my dears, it’s never too late to chase after your own sartorial dreams, wear a pink tutu with pride, and dance your heart out!
Until next time, remember: you don't need to be a ballerina to embrace the magical world of ballet. Put on your favourite dress, twirl around the room and let your imagination take you on a wondrous journey of its own.
With love and sparkles, Emma xx
