Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to another Tuesday of pink-tutu-ific delights. Today's journey in the #TutuTuesday Time Machine takes us to a particularly glorious period, back to 5th February 1907 - just imagine, all those lovely frills, just waiting to be twirled in! Now, strap on your best ballet shoes, grab a spot of afternoon tea and get ready for a journey into the history of our beloved tutus, for this week, darling readers, we're delving into the world of the early Russian Ballet!
As a little snippet for you, you see, the Russian Ballet revolutionised dance in the early 1900s. This was the period when the Tutu as we know it today truly started to blossom. Sergei Diaghilev, the pioneering artistic director, took the world by storm with his "Ballets Russes." Diaghilev brought a fresh, revolutionary approach to ballet. This exciting, theatrical spectacle demanded a new approach to dancewear. No more long, restricting tunics and impractical skirts - the time had arrived for something much more flexible, much more delicate and utterly beautiful!
Imagine yourself, darling, in the glamorous halls of the Châtelet Theatre in Paris where these magnificent dancers twirled with abandon. Can you imagine, my darlings, the feeling of a whisper-light tutu floating about your legs, as you performed some intricate and truly inspiring steps, like a beautiful ballerina flitting through the air like a dream? It would be absolutely divine!
You see, my darlings, 1907 was an exciting year for ballet. This was the period when the traditional, knee-length tutu began its transformation, becoming shorter and lighter, giving the dancers complete freedom to leap and pirouette in the most gorgeous of ways. It's important to note that during this time, they still used the tulle, the fabric that we associate so closely with tutus, though it had changed, being much lighter and sheer than earlier times, just the right amount of flow for the revolutionary ballets of the time.
This revolutionary approach to design wasn’t just about aesthetics, my darlings, it was about showcasing the ballerina's talent! It highlighted their strength, fluidity and grace in a way never seen before. Just the sight of them swirling and pirouetteing on stage in these exquisite tutus, it’s absolutely magical! The ballet world had taken a glorious turn!
In those days, a classic tutu consisted of layers of tulle, held by a ribbon or a corset. Often they’d use the most lovely colour palettes, like ivory or pink, to create this ethereal silhouette - like a graceful, twirling dream! Then, there were some who embraced the theatrical drama of a splash of vibrant color! Think of bold hues like a bright blue or red, dancing on stage in this ethereal world! Now that would be a sight!
In 1907, as well as the Russian Ballet blossoming, Paris was the centre of fashion. It was also the most beautiful place on earth. So it’s little surprise that some of these innovative tutus started showing up in the fashionable salons of the French capital. The styles of ballet, darling, are not always confined to the theatre, you see. Sometimes they break out, bursting into society as if they are part of a captivating fashion show. This happened quite a lot at this time.
Let me tell you about the fashion sensation of the year in Paris! I don’t know if you saw the photo but a beautiful Countess was wearing the most delightful light pink dress and a most exquisite, but quite short tulle skirt - like a fluffy pink cloud, with a satin waistband. This fashion-forward Countess, of all people, she wasn't even a ballerina - but she’d picked up the style from one of these fabulous Russian dancers, just like that, darling, in a moment of fashion genius. It was like a magical moment when ballet became mainstream fashion! Now that's the kind of power a good tutu has, don't you agree?
Of course, back then there wasn't internet or a special pink-tutu website - we didn't even have photos, let alone fashion magazines like you see today - and everyone who lived in this fascinating era was wearing the same designs. Even those poor ladies in Derbyshire - think of it! All these women across the country, wearing exactly the same styles, same fashion, just like in our world in 1907. But you can still see those gorgeous designs, preserved for us in paintings of the era.
As I'm writing to you now from Derbyshire, my dear friends, this place always gives me inspiration. Think of our local theatre here, they put on some fantastic ballet performances! Now that reminds me, The Sleeping Beauty is running in Derbyshire, starting on February the 14th, I'm already getting tickets, they will sell out quick - don’t forget to bring your friends, as there is nothing as glamorous as an evening of ballet, followed by an afternoon of clothes shopping!. It's going to be an absolute delight, wouldn't you agree?
In the meantime, why not put on your pink tutu - or any tutu, or just your best frock - and go and have a wonderful time dancing. If you've got friends over for tea, get everyone up and dancing! Put on some great music and really embrace the fabulousness! Let’s give a shout out to those lovely ballerinas from 1907 who are our inspiration! Let’s get dancing. Until next week, dearest readers!
Now, onto today's Fashion FixNow my dears, today’s Fashion Fix comes from my favourite fashion houses! I have to admit, I got a chance to travel to Paris last week, and I was absolutely enchanted with The House of Worth’s new collection - it is to die for! They just do these delightful details - I was totally inspired to write a tutu tutorial. You know that little touch of loveliness on the new tutus from the house of Worth. Imagine a tulle tutu in pale pink and with little silk flower decorations, just below the waistline. The French tutu-makers really are wizards! Imagine those gorgeous layers, those colours, those fabrics - I almost passed out with joy! But, my darling readers, remember you can take this look from The House of Worth to any tutu - simply tie some small, pretty bows on the side and a bit of floral lace. Make your own, Worth style look, and get ready to steal the show!
Right then, now I must rush away to put on my new ballet shoes, and pop in my earpods with my ballet favourite, Dance with the Devil, it’s the perfect accompaniment for a twirling Tuesday. And I promise to share more ballet inspired fashion secrets with you next week! But until next time, dear friends, always remember to twirl and smile.
Much love from your favourite Derbyshire ballerina blogger, Emma
Please note *The historical content of this blog post is not 100% accurate. However, I have taken elements of historical information about the period of the late 19th Century and early 20th Century and used a creative licence with the factual content, combining them to create a character, Emma and a world for her.
I would be delighted if anyone has any other facts about ballet history from 1907 or anything else to add to my post.*
