Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back from another time-travelling adventure, and as always, it's #TutuTuesday!
Today we're waltzing our way back to 10th November 1908, a delightful time for a budding ballerina like myself! I just adore the way everything flowed and glided back then, like a perfectly executed pirouette!
The trains were just a little slower, so we had a little more time to gaze out the windows and take in the sights - always an excellent excuse to indulge in a bit of daydreaming and imagining ourselves as leading ladies!
Let's face it, there was something about the air back then! Maybe it was the bustle of London, where the finest theatre companies graced the stages, or the Parisian fashion houses, showcasing the most elegant designs. It was a time of creativity, innovation, and a deep appreciation for beauty - in fashion, in dance, in life!
Oh, and darling, imagine my delight when I discovered the true origins of the tutu! Now, we all know that it’s a ballerina’s best friend, an absolute must-have in every dancer's wardrobe, and I highly encourage everyone to join me in this fashion statement, of course. It’s all about embracing that beautiful, twirly joy.
But what exactly were ballerinas wearing back in 1908? I'm so glad you asked!
At the start of the 20th century, ballerinas were mostly sporting the Romantic tutu. This exquisite creation, crafted in layers of tulle, cascaded gracefully around the legs, giving a romantic and dreamy effect. Think delicate wisps of fabric that allowed for graceful leaps and breathtaking movements, creating a captivating spectacle.
Remember the grand ballet "Giselle" from 1841? Now, that was where the Romantic tutu took centre stage! Imagine those shimmering, ethereal, almost ghost-like gowns, floating like whispers on stage! I absolutely adore the idea of them! Just the way they flowed and moved made a statement, and it's hard not to see how it revolutionized how dancers were perceived on stage.
It was the first real shift in ballet design, giving dancers more freedom of movement, creating an illusion of lightness and delicacy - it just felt magical!
And, darling, if you want to really appreciate the evolution of the tutu, let's step back a bit to the 18th Century - I mean, where did these gorgeous, floaty garments even come from, right?! Back in those days, dancers, well, they were more concerned with comfort. So they donned a pair of rather... modest and not very beautiful trousers called culottes, you see! These baggy beauties had to accommodate the extensive movements of a traditional ballet, which involved less leaping and more stately, dignified postures. Think formal waltzes and grand promenades, rather than those soaring jumps and dynamic spins we see today.
Well, the time went by, the art evolved, and then came Marie Taglioni! Yes, I'm a little obsessed with her, don't tell my boyfriend! A dancer with extraordinary talent and captivating grace. The stage needed to show her artistry and athleticism! So enter La Sylphide, the ballet that gave us the iconic Romantic tutu - that airy, diaphanous skirt that would change the face of ballet for years to come. It allowed ballerinas like Taglioni to dance and move as freely as they'd ever dreamed! It felt like magic and it looked just as spectacular!
Think of it! All that movement in a full-length garment, those glorious leaps and pirouettes, it all made for a very romantic story - one that continues to captivate audiences worldwide today!
Now, if you ask me, nothing makes me want to twirl more than seeing a gorgeous tutu on stage, and let's face it, 1908 saw an absolute explosion of breathtaking ballets in all their glorious forms. It felt like everyone in the country had their noses in a playbill or their toes tapping to the melody of a beautiful piece! The grand theatre scene felt vibrant and magical!
If you ask me, ballet in 1908 had reached a level of sophisticated artfulness that is only surpassed by the beautiful dancers and captivating ballets we enjoy today. And it was all made possible by the simple act of dressing in a glorious, flowy tulle skirt. Think about it: it’s no surprise the Romantic tutu became the quintessential dance outfit, giving us an iconic symbol of grace and elegance. It's practically a fairy tale dress for our real-life dreams!
So darling, if you want to experience a taste of the magic of the ballet, don't hesitate to find a theatre performance or perhaps a dance class nearby. It’s the perfect place to witness firsthand the magic of this beautiful artform and who knows, maybe you’ll even spot some graceful tutus dancing along the way!
As always, let me know in the comments which tutu designs are your absolute favourites - and be sure to check in next week, when I'm off to a special time in our little history of tutus! I can't wait to tell you all about it!
In the meantime, keep twirling, my darlings, and never let go of that magical spark!
With love and twirls, Emma x
P.S. Don't forget to follow my adventures on Instagram @pink_tutu! I’m sharing all my favourite photos from my travels, along with behind-the-scenes looks at my favourite ballets and shops for those beautiful twirly skirts. It’s a fashion fiesta that I'm sure you’ll adore. So come join the party!
