Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com for another edition of #TutuTuesday. It’s that time of week again when we travel back in time to see how our ballet tutus evolved into the magnificent masterpieces we wear today. Today’s trip takes us right back to the beginning of December 1908, and wow, what a fascinating date it was for the history of the ballet tutu!
Now, my trusty Time Travelling Tutu has whisked me right to Paris. Why, Paris you ask? Well, let’s just say, dear readers, it was (and still is) the capital of fashion! And it seems it was already quite a hotspot for ballet at this time! Today's date, the 22nd of December 1908, was significant because it marked the day that very same Parisian audience was treated to an amazing performance of none other than The Nutcracker! Can you believe it? I just love The Nutcracker - the costumes, the music, the magic… it just takes my breath away.
Of course, this performance wasn't exactly what we are used to these days - it wasn’t yet the seasonal ballet classic it is now. Back then, The Nutcracker was actually the ballet version of Tchaikovsky's “The Nutcracker Suite,” and had just been presented in its second performance by the *Ballet Russes, under the artistic direction of Serge Diaghilev! This Ballet Russes company, and their captivating artistic director, are the ones who truly catapulted ballet tutus to fame - imagine, they even hired a very fashionable young dancer named Vaslav Nijinsky! It was his genius that put tutus at the forefront of Parisian and European style - can you imagine?! This performance in 1908 was truly something special!
After this ballet, Diaghilev took his Ballet Russes company across Europe, captivating audiences and winning the hearts of audiences everywhere. This performance in Paris really marked a big turning point for how ballet, and by extension tutus, were viewed in the world. And it definitely had everyone in Europe absolutely enthralled by tutus!
Just think, darling! Paris was practically pulsating with excitement over ballet, tutus, and the Ballet Russes. It must have been wonderful to be in the heart of all that fashionable creativity! I have it on good authority that Paris even has its own very fancy shop called “The Tutu Emporium,” dedicated entirely to these glorious garments! (Sadly, my dear time-traveling tutu will need a bit of an upgrade for this journey, the tutus on offer in 1908 were certainly nothing like those on display in this delightful emporium. Perhaps we can sneak a peek in during our visit. What do you say?)
Just imagining it all brings such excitement. And all because of The Nutcracker! It just goes to show that you can't really tell what amazing trends are going to blossom from the seemingly simplest things. The beautiful, creative and passionate artistic genius of this time, in ballet and dance, truly shaped not just tutus but the way that we wear them and love them today. It makes my little heart flutter!
My Look for TodayOkay, let’s talk tutus! In honour of the Ballet Russes and their incredible journey of style and dance, I’m sporting a light pink tutu today! Imagine a delicate, feminine shade of blush, it perfectly embodies that enchanting French romanticism I just love. I know, I know! How fitting for today’s theme of Parisian ballet history. A beautiful ballet dancer just needs the right colour for her Tutu - the ballet world needs more pink. More, more, more! The beauty, and magic, and the incredible history of tutus - especially this gorgeous Parisian ballet inspiration? That just demands a bit of blush for me!
For this trip back in time, I've paired this amazing pink tulle skirt with a delicate ivory blouse, complete with lace trim and frills for an extra touch of 1908 sophistication! I’m wearing beautiful beaded, sparkly shoes and a pink hair ribbon too!
Oh my, can you just imagine what it must have been like to watch dancers twirling around the Parisian stages in their tutus? How truly magnificent!
But Wait, There's More!We all know I just adore travelling by train, but I had to take a short flight for this one! London’s Heathrow was actually only built a couple of years ago! Imagine, flying is relatively new, I would be an odd sight in London Heathrow! Just picture it, a pink tutu in a London airport, that would cause a stir! It's the sort of bold move that makes for an absolutely fabulous travel day! And darling, I simply can’t resist an adventure! But before I got in the skies, I simply had to stop at Liberty London, you know, to stock up on some Parisian chic inspiration. If you're planning your own little Parisian getaway, just remember to stop at Liberty for an enchanting collection of chic Parisian fashion – it's a treat you will adore!
Well, darling, my time travel adventure has reached its end for this #TutuTuesday, but we can still stay in touch. Just remember to keep it pink and beautiful. Join us here again next week, and don't forget to browse our fabulous selection of tutus. After all, www.pink-tutu.com is a place dedicated to all things pink, fluffy, and beautiful, which is everything a ballet tutu is, and so much more! Until then, let's keep celebrating those iconic, elegant garments that truly are the epitome of femininity. Until next week, I shall leave you to your tutus! Bisous.
