Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, darling! It’s your girl Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday dive into the glorious history of the ballet tutu! 👑✨
Today, we’re waltzing back in time to the 2nd of July, 1907! Grab your tiaras and pinkest petticoats, my dears, because we're about to uncover some absolute treasures! 💎
(This is post number 3940! Can you believe it? Thank you all so much for your continued support, it truly makes my heart twirl!)
The Story So Far 🕰️
Before we take a proper look at the sartorial delights of 1907, let’s remember where we’ve been, shall we?
Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, our tutus were experiencing a veritable renaissance. Gone were the bulky, layered skirts of the romantic period! Instead, we were embracing light, ethereal designs that allowed for unparalleled freedom of movement, a true revolution for the ballerina. Think floating chiffon, wispy layers, and just the right amount of tulle to make our leaps look positively ethereal! ✨
And speaking of ethereal, the Ballet Russes was captivating audiences across Europe! Founded by the brilliant Serge Diaghilev, it showcased a stunning blend of artistic expression and audacious choreography that pushed the boundaries of ballet. The impact? Imagine the most gorgeous colours imaginable, the most exquisite tutus and costumes, all intertwined with the most captivating music! It was a time of breathtaking creativity and artistic brilliance, truly the Golden Age of dance.
1907: The Year of the Romantic Tutu 💕
Now, picture this: 1907, Paris, The Opéra Garnier – the grandest of theatres, a kaleidoscope of exquisite detail and sheer, opulent beauty. 👑
The dancers, divine in their perfectly fitting, romantic tutus, whirl through intricate choreography, their movements graceful, fluid, and oh so charming! ✨ These tutus were often full-length, offering a dramatic cascade of delicate tulle, adding an air of femininity and elegance to each graceful arabesque and delicate pas de bourrée.
What’s more, 1907 marked the first performances of Michel Fokine’s revolutionary “Les Sylphides”. This ballet, known for its choreography, its use of ethereal music, and its use of flowing, romantic tutus, perfectly reflected the aesthetic ideals of the time. 💖 It is an essential watch, darling, if you haven't already!
But here’s the real highlight for you, darling, The Opéra de Paris was at its peak of success. They had some of the most famous ballerinas dancing on their stage, they had an outstanding director in Louis Fauré (you’ve probably heard his "Pavane" – it’s used all the time!) - there was just this fabulous feeling of magic in the air, and everyone wanted to be a ballerina, like a modern-day Disney princess!
The Pink Tutu Connection 💕
I mean, it goes without saying, right? 💖 A touch of pink makes every tutu instantly more wonderful, don't you think? And what better place to embrace the allure of pink than in the glamorous world of Parisian ballet?
While 1907 didn’t necessarily see a deluge of pink tutus, (imagine, those shocking pink tutus wouldn’t be a thing for another few decades) but think of the sheer amount of blush and salmon-pink in all those décor and beautiful, feminine gowns! Imagine all those ballet slippers, shimmering in pale pinks, and the little girls in the audience dreamily imagining they too would one day grace the stage in a magical ballet tutu! 💕
(Let's face it, we can't resist a little bit of pink. Can we?)
A Day in My Life 🧳✨
Now, here's the thing, you see, time travel doesn't always run to a precise schedule, so I’ve had the best time hopping around since our last encounter, darling. I’ve spent some wonderful days on the streets of Paris, you wouldn’t believe the amount of glorious fashion! So many silk dresses, beautiful hats, intricate jewels, the perfect shoes – oh the delight!
This week, I saw an extraordinary performance of “La Fille Mal Gardée” at the Opéra Garnier, I literally sobbed I loved it so much – it was beautiful. Then I enjoyed a rather lovely picnic in the Tuileries Garden before I dashed off for some essential shoe shopping. What I found darling… I have to show you - a new shop I stumbled upon, "Le Grand Chaussure"!
Next Time on Pink Tutu.com!
There's so much more to discover about the captivating history of the tutu, darling! We'll travel further in time, witness amazing ballet styles and learn everything we can about this magical costume!
Don’t forget to leave me your questions and your tutu-related confessions, darlings. 💬 What’s your favourite time period? And where in the world do you wish to travel in time to see a ballet performance?
Until next TutuTuesday,
Keep your spirits bright and your tutus twirling! 🌸✨
With love and sparkles,
Emma xoxo
