Hello, my darling dancers and tutu enthusiasts! Itās Emma here, your trusty guide to the enchanting world of tutus. Today, weāre whisking back to a time when ballet was all about the grand gesture and flowing lines. Buckle up, because our journey begins on the 30th July 1907ā¦ in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, of course!
Iāve hopped off the train from Derbyshire, my suitcase overflowing with the latest Parisian designs and my trusty pink tutu fluttering behind me, ready to immerse myself in the theatrical magic of the era. You see, darlings, 1907 was a whirlwind year for ballet.
Imagineā¦ Theatres shimmering with gaslight, ballerinas pirouetting in flowing, gauzy tutus, the music swelling to a crescendoā¦ itās utterly intoxicating! Ballet wasnāt just about technical skill then, but also about captivating audiences with elegance and grace. The ballerinas were true starlets, captivating every gaze with their ethereal beauty.
Letās Talk Tutulsā¦ You might be surprised to hear that the tutu wasn't as prominent in 1907 as it would become later on. Now, tutus were shorter, fluffier and more ābell-shapedā compared to the grand, flowing skirts of the Romantic Era just a few decades before. Think Marie Antoinette meets a delicate ballerina!
I adore these early 20th-century tutus - they are light and airy, a sheer cloud of delicate fabric that allows for fluidity and ease of movement. Imagine, swishing around the stage in a fluffy cloud of tulle, a gentle breeze catching the fabric! The sheer elegance!
The ballet world in 1907 was bubbling with excitement ā Diaghilevās Ballets Russes had just arrived in Paris, and the entire city was mesmerized by their exotic performances. Their arrival injected a much-needed burst of dynamism into classical ballet, making it more exciting and sensual.
Now, for something that I am delighted to find is alive and well in Paris - The Fashion. My oh my, it was a fashion-forward place, a place that adored dramatic silhouettes, flowing lines, and ornate accessories. Corsets were all the rage, and hats! Hats, hats, and more hats, of course all topped with feathers and elaborate ribbons.
Just imagine stepping out into the vibrant Parisian streets, my tulle skirt billowing behind me like a beautiful pink cloud, my face powdered and framed by a stunning, feathered hat! It is, indeed, a world of romance and charm!
A World of Elegance and Entertainment
Even though Paris was a hub of fashion and theatre, you could find beautifully elegant performances in many other European cities in 1907. Just think of the grand opera houses of Vienna, the royal ballet academies of St. Petersburgā¦ the possibilities for witnessing some truly stunning ballet performances were almost endless!
Now, dear reader, you must imagine what else was happening in the world on the 30th July 1907.
- A Moment of Artistic Renaissance The year 1907 marked the rise of many modern artistic movements - Fauvism and Expressionism took center stage, artists boldly embracing color and emotion in their works.
- Technological Advancements Technology wasnāt sleeping either - the Wright brothers had flown just three years prior! Automobiles were becoming more common, bringing excitement to cities and hinting at the modern transportation that would soon revolutionize our lives.
Even in 1907, there were whispers about how the future was rapidly evolving and changing everything we knew about life.
However, it was still an era where grace and beauty were paramount, especially in the ballet world! Think of the magic that is Ballet. The breathtaking grace, the emotional power, the beautiful musicā¦ and of course, those oh-so-pretty tutus.
Oh! And did you knowā¦? On the 30th of July 1907, Enrico Caruso, the legendary tenor, sang the title role in Giacomo Puccini's "La BohĆØme" in Covent Garden, London. Just imagine those powerful and passionate notes, echoing through the grand halls of that magnificent opera house! How exquisite!
This Dayā¦ In Pink!
Now, my darling readers, I've brought a little piece of 1907 back with me. Inspired by those enchanting bell-shaped tutus, I've designed a truly delightful *Pink-Tutu Tutorial *for you! We're going to embrace a vintage, feminine silhouette, complete with ribbons and flounces ā all with a delightful pink twist! So, grab your needle and thread, your yards of pink tulle, and get ready to embrace your inner Parisian ballerina!
Remember, darling readers, fashion, just like ballet, is all about confidence and celebrating yourself! Never be afraid to express yourself, even if it means adding a dash of pink and a sprinkle of sparkle. After all, life is too short to be anything but utterly glamorous!
*Join me next Tuesday, my lovelies, for another *Tutu Tuesday, as we continue to journey through the fascinating history of our favorite dancewear! Until then, happy twirling and remember... **
Donāt be afraid to wear a pink tutu, youāre absolutely gorgeous!
Love always,
Emma
P.S. Follow Emma on all social media channels @pink-tutu.com. She posts her travel pictures and fashion finds daily! And donāt forget to subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive offers, fashion updates and, of course, sneak peeks of the next #TutuTuesday blog post.
