#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1906-12-04

Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another edition of Tutu Tuesday! Today, we’re stepping back in time, way back to December 4th, 1906! This date is special for its fashion flair, as we're talking about the era of opulent gowns, elaborate hats, and - you guessed it - tutus!

I know what you’re thinking, “But Emma, weren't tutus only popular in the 1800s? Surely, they didn't continue being all the rage into the early 1900s!”

Ah, but you’re forgetting the power of the ballerina, darlings! And trust me, they weren't giving up their tulle just like that!

This era, what we fancy folk call the Edwardian period, is bursting with vibrant fashion trends. We’ve got layered frills, feathers, and yes, even the graceful tutu! But things were changing! Whilst tutus were still making a splash on stage, ballet as a whole was undergoing a shift. A new era of ballet was dawning!

Remember that beautiful “The Sleeping Beauty” you just saw at the Bolshoi last month, with its fantastical costumes and delicate, intricate movements? Well, dear readers, it all started with one incredible man: Marius Petipa. He was the ballet master at the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, the most prominent ballet company in the world. In 1906, he was just wrapping up a decade of stunningly beautiful ballets that captivated audiences and left audiences gasping for air. It was an age of elegant grand jetés, intricate choreography, and elaborate sets, a time that redefined what it meant to dance!

So, what's happening on this December 4th?

Well, in the world of ballet, things were quiet on this particular Tuesday! A day for our lovely ballerinas to rest their tired legs from an era-defining performance of Petipa’s "The Sleeping Beauty" But that doesn't mean there isn't any inspiration to be had! Remember, ladies, even if a ballet performance wasn't happening, the spirit of ballet lives on in the heart of every fashionista, and this era’s designs are as breathtaking as a twirling ballerina on pointe.

Think, darling, what does a ballerina of 1906 look like outside the stage? Perhaps an afternoon at a London tea room with an impossibly chic silk gown and an abundance of tulle for that finishing touch? A leisurely afternoon strolling through the Parisian gardens, a wide-brimmed hat delicately perched on their perfectly styled curls?

For our fashion inspiration today, let’s look to a famous trend from this year. The Edwardian look favored what we’d call ‘S-Bend’ corsetry, an almost-curvaceous, corset-aided look. It creates this incredibly graceful, dramatic shape, perfect for dancing or simply feeling fabulous on the streets! You can always pair a gorgeous s-shape-accentuating top with a flowing tulle skirt to achieve that ballet-inspired charm in your own daily style, or simply go for the complete 1906 look, adding a hat, a touch of feathers, and perhaps a vintage, dramatic handbag for an added touch of vintage glamour.

How do I achieve this vintage look?

I, like most fashionable ballerinas of the time, adore mixing contemporary designs with vintage finds. Imagine a 1900s tulle skirt paired with a vibrant 2023 fitted crop top. Think silk ribbons adorned on a tulle dress, a stunning feather embellishment added to your everyday headband, or maybe a charming, feather-dusted hat for that added dose of vintage chic. Think classic silhouette, modern twist.

How did I time travel this week?

For those who haven’t joined the ride yet, my Time Traveling Tutu project is funded by the pure joy of performance. This week I graced the stage at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. They are known for their impeccable grand ballerinas! Oh darling, their tutus are absolutely breathtaking! I danced alongside some of the most talented performers, we were performing Petipa's "Don Quixote" – a beautiful ballet, a real tribute to a timeless era. This performance not only paid my fare through time but reminded me why tutus will forever be a timeless, eternally magical part of fashion.

Now, I know you might not be able to get your hands on an authentic Edwardian tulle skirt. But don’t despair! Creativity is key, darlings! I just found the most charming collection of silk ribbons in the little shop just off Baker Street, the perfect vintage fabric for a lovely project, wouldn't you agree? And don't be shy about using your imagination and those amazing tulle creations you have stored away in your dressers. A little creativity and a little pink is all it takes to make your own history, darling!

Remember, ballet's grace and style were not limited to the stage, darling! You can embrace the history and style of a ballet icon, every day. Whether you’re heading for a tea party or simply wanting to feel beautiful as you step out of your door, embrace your inner ballerina and - Go for it!

Don't forget, darlings, visit our website, www.pink-tutu.com to read more on this exciting history of fashion! Remember, even when I’m not whisking away in time, you can catch up on my Tutu Tuesdays every Tuesday. Until next time, twirl on, and keep shining!