Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-tastic blogger, Emma, here with another scintillating journey through the history of our beloved ballet tutus! 🩰 Today, my fabulous followers, we're whisking ourselves back in time, all the way to October 8th, 1907! I'm wearing my prettiest pink tulle tutu - I think it suits this glorious Parisian autumn - and let's go!
My travels took me aboard a lovely first-class train carriage to Paris. You can't beat the romanticism of travelling by train, especially for a little trip like this. Imagine the bustle, the scent of pipe smoke and freshly baked pastries, and the delightful sound of French accents chattering excitedly as they pass by!
A Glimpse into Ballet's Past
Back in 1907, the world of ballet was in the midst of a whirlwind of change, full of innovative dance forms and gorgeous costumes.
You know I love my fluffy, twirly tutus - so it might surprise you to learn that the tutu we see today - short and billowy, like a fairytale dream - hadn't quite emerged yet!
Instead, the iconic "tutu" was still rather full, with tiers of soft fabric, making the dancers appear more like ethereal clouds, with long skirts that trailed dramatically as they moved across the stage. Think a Victorian gentleman's full-skirted frock coat, but in lighter, more whimsical fabrics.
This "Romantic Tutu" as we call it, still featured lavish layers of tulle and fabric that allowed for beautiful flow and graceful movement. It also served a rather important purpose. They actually disguised the dancers' legs. Oh, the mystery! 🤫
A Night at the Opera
Tonight, I am at the Palais Garnier, an incredibly beautiful opera house. I'm off to watch a production of 'La Bohème'! This grand old theatre is an iconic symbol of ballet and opera, filled with ornate gold decorations and stunning architecture, I just adore it! The acoustics here are sublime and make the performance even more enthralling. The ballet dancers are so graceful, each step perfect. They might be wearing these long, full tutus, but believe me, their movement is as sharp and elegant as they can be!
Speaking of fashion, my lovely pink tutu would have certainly drawn some eyebrows tonight. Ladies wore long dresses - gowns with large hats and feathers! And don’t forget, a glamorous hat is essential for a true fashionista. 🎩 But even back then, I bet you there would have been some lovely ladies in their own little tulle skirts! My grandmother, I remember her telling me, even danced at a school play in one of her mother's petticoats - oh the scandal! 😉
Pink Perfection
And guess what? The color pink is making its comeback! While it has always held a place in fashion, 1907 sees a revival of pink in all its glory. Even in the world of ballet, we're starting to see delicate hints of it peek through. Perhaps not so much pink tutus themselves, but a touch of rose-tinted fabric for the undergarments or decorative accents in the dresses, which is pretty fantastic, isn't it? 💖
A Call to Tutu-tude!
So, dear readers, next time you find yourself on a stage or in a theatre, remember these glorious days of ballet. The evolution of the tutu has been a fascinating journey, from these dramatic gowns to the modern marvels we wear today.
Don't forget to join me for next week's #TutuTuesday, where I will be travelling to 1914. I'll be watching a ballet performance of 'Les Sylphides'. Can't wait to tell you all about it.
Until then, embrace your inner ballerina! I am all about positivity, spreading joy and joy through beautiful dresses. So, darling, step out in your favourite pink tutu (and I know you all have one, don’t even try to deny it!). Dance your heart out, live life in colour and shine like the brightest star!
And as always, remember... there's a tutu for everyone! 💕
See you next Tuesday!
Lots of love,
Emma x
