Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It’s Emma, your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, back with another captivating #TutuTuesday journey through the history of our beloved ballet costume, the tutu! Today, we're twirling back in time to 23rd June 1908, a date filled with fascinating stories of fashion, dance, and, of course, tutus!
Now, I know you're all itching to find out about those captivating costumes from the early 20th century, but let's just take a moment to appreciate my beautiful pink tutu – the ultimate fashion statement! It's all ruffles and grace, a delicate confection of pink that perfectly encapsulates the essence of ballet. After all, what's better than a trip through time? Well, travelling through time wearing a pink tutu, that’s what!
A Peek at Parisian Glamour
Oh, darling, my travels brought me to Paris, the capital of fashion, and the heartbeat of the ballet world in 1908. Imagine, Paris in its full finery! The grand avenues brimming with people, the scent of croissants in the air, the whisper of silk gowns as ladies stroll down the cobbled streets. My eyes were practically popping out of my head at all the wonderful hats, bonnets, and those lovely long skirts. This period, the Belle Époque, was simply breathtaking.
While I was lost in admiration of the fashion scene, my feet couldn't help but tap a quick step towards the Palais Garnier, Paris' grand opera house. It's said to have inspired Gaston Leroux’s famous book “The Phantom of the Opera.” The grandeur of the building was beyond imagination – just imagine being the ballerina to perform on such a magnificent stage! It's enough to give even the most seasoned dancer a thrill.
Tutued up to the Nines!
Speaking of dancers, the tutus back then were a real sight to behold, darling. Gone were the dramatic romantic tutu’s of the 19th century! Those tutus, while beautiful, were so long, they'd make any dancer trip over her own skirt! This era brought in a new silhouette – think knee-length skirts with a cascade of delicate, diaphanous ruffles. It allowed for freer movement, so they could truly showcase the grace and beauty of the choreography.
One particular tutu I saw – I do wish I had my sketchpad with me! – was a symphony of layers. Delicate layers of tulle, the lightest shade of blush pink, gave it a dreamlike quality. And the bodice? Well, that's what really took the biscuit! It was a tiny, bejeweled masterpiece of corseted elegance.
Dancing in a Tutusphere
You know I can’t resist taking a ballet class! My darling friends, a true ballet studio from the 1900s? It was so enchanting, you simply had to experience it for yourself! The soft smell of beeswax from the polished wooden floors, the sound of tinkling pianos, and the graceful movements of dancers practicing their steps. You just feel the history of the art form, and it really makes you appreciate the legacy of tutus and the ballet world today!
While ballet today is so diverse, so captivating and so experimental – who doesn't love a bit of neoclassical ballet! It is fun, experimental and sometimes takes tutus and dance into a new sphere, but nothing quite matches the feeling of stepping onto a stage, clad in a classic tutu, knowing you’re part of a beautiful tradition.
What I Saw
So what else did I discover in 1908? Let's jump to 23rd June itself, darling! On this day, the first Zeppelin airship flights were being used to help deliver telegrams and mail from the German postal services! How incredible is that? Just imagine the excitement of having a message delivered by this incredible airship! But alas, this news made for rather bland newspaper reports about ballet! There wasn't a word about any new ballet performances or new ballet costume innovations! A tragedy in a world of tutus and beauty, my friends, because surely we all want more dancing, and more tutus!
Fashion Inspirations for You
You know me, I always find a way to make even the most historical moments fashion-forward! Take inspiration from those glorious Parisian gowns and make a statement. Add some exquisite lace details, a dash of shimmering satin, and, of course, a fabulous hat for that touch of 1908 glamour. Oh, darling, I almost forgot to mention the shoes! Those pointy-toe ballet pumps from the era! They make such a statement, whether on the street or in the dance studio. Add them to a classic tweed outfit or dress, for an extra touch of elegant whimsy.
Back to the Present!
Now, darling, time is beckoning! I must leave you with my thoughts for the week! There’s a new production at the Bolshoi! Don’t miss it!
As I step back to my own time, I promise you one thing – the ballet and the glorious world of tutus, will forever remain intertwined! I shall leave you with some final inspiration for you this week. You want to try new tutus, right? This week go for a short and full classic tutu. Perhaps a white one? There’s something special about a white tutu, something iconic, just like my pink tutu! Oh and don’t forget – there’s a tutu for everyone, even for the ones who don’t dance!
Stay tutu-fully fabulous my dearest friends.
And remember – if you see someone in a pink tutu, it could just be me. You never know, I might be around a corner, ready to start a tutu revolution!
Until next Tuesday!
Love,
Emma xx
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