#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1908-02-18

#TutuTuesday #3973

Hello my darling dance devotees! Emma here, your Pink Tutu Princess, reporting live from the swirling, twirling world of ballet history. As always, I'm here to whisk you away to a different time and place with the magical power of the tutu!

Today, we're taking a trip to the early 20th century! I'm so excited to be wearing this glorious shade of pink tulle that's inspired by the iconic 'Parisian Pink' - it’s just so vibrant and charming!

Grab your dancing shoes, darlings, because we're embarking on a whirlwind tour of 18 February 1908. Buckle up your petticoats - it's going to be a fashionable flight!

Imagine, my dears, a time before "streetwear" and Instagram! (Ooh, I know! Unthinkable, right? ). This week, we're peering into the time period that shaped the foundation of fashion and theatre as we know it.

The Rise of The Tutu: The early 20th century saw ballet take on a new kind of importance - the first modern ballets! They didn't rely solely on narrative and tradition like the classical ballet of the 19th century, but delved into new concepts, abstract storylines and groundbreaking dance vocabulary!

Can you picture this? It's an incredible scene. Imagine a theatre adorned with glittering chandeliers, its velvet curtains parting to reveal a sea of faces aglow with anticipation. The air hums with the hushed expectation of an elegant society eagerly waiting to be swept away by the magic of the performance.

This is where the tutu shines. Not a long, layered, frilly affair as seen in some earlier times, the tutu of 1908 is already morphing into its iconic silhouette – the ‘romantic tutu’ or ‘short tutu’ with its sleek form, floating gracefully around the legs.

Here's the real thrill – fashion was inspired by ballet more than ever. And these amazing Parisian ladies embraced the style. Can you imagine a world where fashion design was informed by dance, where silhouettes and movements played a harmonious symphony on the streets? That's precisely what happened in the years after the First World War.

Remember those glamorous actresses, the “flapper girls," with their bobs, long skirts, and beads, and who epitomized the new, independent woman? Well, it's not surprising that their style had the magic touch of the tutu woven into it.

Let me explain, dear friends: it's a kind of elegant "trickle-down" effect. Designers were captivated by the elegance and freedom of the dancer's silhouette in her romantic tutu, and this inspired new trends for evening wear. The slim skirt, the floaty fabric, the sleek neckline... It all found its way onto the grand boulevard!

If there's a capital city where the tutu reigns supreme, it's Paris, darling! That’s where we’re headed next! As always, let’s jump aboard the express train to a wonderful new adventure... Paris awaits us! It's just the most exhilarating ride imaginable, as if the railway line is a magic path connecting time periods through a world of imagination and fashion.

Paris 1908 was a melting pot of artistic and cultural trends. It was a city pulsing with energy and dynamism. The atmosphere itself seemed charged with the spirit of the emerging arts movements! The air felt light and playful, as if every building had its own unique story to tell.

This is a great example of a ballet inspired outfit I adore: You would be hard pressed to find a Tutu on the Paris street at this time, but what you would find are exquisite Parisian ladies wearing beautiful lace, silken gowns, with delicate ruffles. Their waists cinched in, creating the enchanting "hourglass" silhouette!

Their gowns were adorned with tiny beads, beautiful flowers, and a bit of black, the chic color of the time. They added beautiful hats in black with bright floral trimmings or with exotic feathers. Just the image conjures up a Parisian stroll along the Seine River, taking in the city lights as the air hangs crisp and alive in the soft glow of the dusk.

Well, darling, it was a Tuesday. We have some fascinating events for this specific date:

• The House of Commons debated on important policies affecting the nation. This always was such a flurry of activity, filled with debate, excitement, and possibly a sprinkle of drama!
• In 1908, Thomas Edison perfected his phonograph. Think about it - imagine hearing a recording of someone’s voice or your favorite song. Mind blowing, isn't it?!
• In London's grand opera houses, audiences gathered to watch an extravagant performance by an incredible performer who captivated the nation.

Every Tuesday I find the biggest reason to celebrate: The day dedicated to dance! This week, remember: The 18th of February, 1908. That’s our time travel destination! What will you find? What stories do you discover when you explore this historical juncture with your very own pink tutu? I’d love to hear from you, so please comment on this post!

That's all, dears, until next Tuesday! Until then, twirl, dance, and always, always embrace your inner pink tutu!

XOXO,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com