Hello darlings! It’s Emma here from www.pink-tutu.com, ready to whisk you back in time for another #TutuTuesday journey! I'm just back from a simply divine ballet performance in Vienna – the waltz was exquisite, and I practically fainted over the exquisite costumes, especially the tutus. My goodness, the Vienna State Opera house is truly a dream for a girl like me. It makes me want to throw on my pinkest tutu and pirouette around the entire city!
Anyway, let's step onto my trusty time-travelling carriage and transport ourselves back to 24th March, 1908.
The "Dancing Dresses" of 1908Oh, darling, 1908! This era of opulent beauty was just bursting with fashion inspirations!
Now, picture this. It's the Edwardian period, and ladies were all about flowing lines and graceful movements, much like a ballet dancer! And oh, how this influenced what dancers wore! While the iconic tulle tutu hadn’t quite taken the stage in its full glory just yet, what they wore on stage would definitely set a girl's heart aflutter!
Firstly, ladies, let's talk about the length – imagine gowns, so beautiful they swirled around the ankles, all floaty and luxurious! This made dancing look utterly graceful, as if the skirt itself was a part of the movements!
But, darling, 1908 was also the era of the Greek revival! It was all about draped silhouettes, highlighting the lines of the body – very much like a tutu's function in the future! You'd find dancers sporting soft chiffon or satin, sometimes embellished with intricate embroideries, draped in an elegant and somewhat flowing manner. Imagine the lovely shimmer as these gowns move in the spotlight, pure magic!
Now, let’s not forget about the sleeves! Sleeves back then had their own captivating trends. Often they were long and elegant, giving a dramatic feel.
Let’s talk color – and my goodness, was this an era of vivid, glorious colors! Rich jewel tones like ruby red, sapphire blue, and emerald green were the perfect backdrop to the beauty of dance! Think about how this would look on stage – dazzling!
So, while the classic tutu as we know it today was just waiting in the wings, the fashion of this era paved the way for the graceful and expressive designs we adore today! It’s so exciting to think that these “dancing dresses” laid the foundation for our cherished tutus!
What's going on today...Right, darling, I absolutely must dash. I’ve a very important engagement – the opening night of a production of La Sylphide at the Bolshoi! Imagine, those dancers in such a grand, historical space – the atmosphere must be divine! I’m sure I’ll be swooning all evening over the intricate steps, the beautiful costumes, and the glorious ambiance of this truly historic ballet.
I'll be back next Tuesday, same time, same place, with more fascinating ballet history to share! Until then, keep those pink tutus ready, and remember, a little bit of sparkle and grace goes a long way!
Lots of love,
Emma xxx
P.S While in Vienna, I stumbled across the most adorable cafe, serving delicate Viennese pastries and beautiful pink hot chocolate! Imagine the excitement – a true pink tutu moment! You'll just have to trust me on this, darling, Vienna is definitely on the pink tutu travel list!
P.P.S. Did you know the Bolshoi Theater was founded in 1776? It's such a testament to the history of ballet that a venue like this exists, practically as old as America itself!
P.P.P.S. Don't forget, darling, my dream is for every single person in the world to wear a pink tutu! If you see someone wearing a tutu, don't be shy, just shout out a lovely "Bonjour!" They'll be overjoyed to hear you've noticed their flair for fashion!
I must dash - another train to catch!
Emma xxx
