#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History - January 5th, 1909 - Post #4019!
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where every Tuesday is dedicated to the fabulous world of tutus!
This week, we're stepping back in time to the glorious year 1909. Now, picture this: cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and a world brimming with exquisite detail and captivating elegance. But while the ladies may have been dressed in long flowing gowns and extravagant hats, their dancing attire was still a bit, well, basic.
Let's just say that tutus in 1909 weren't quite the dazzling showstoppers they are today!
Before I whip out my time machine (spoiler alert: it's pink and runs on a secret stash of pointe shoes) and transport myself back to the early 20th century to have a nosy, I'd love to hear from you! What are you dreaming of in your perfect tutu? Pink? White? Glittery? Leave me a comment below – I adore your fabulous tutu thoughts!
Back to the Past!
My time machine hums with a happy "whoosh," and there I am, right in the heart of Paris. Yes, Paris! It's where ballet was really blooming and everyone was mesmerised by the elegant ladies dancing around in their tulle masterpieces. The Palais Garnier is aglow, and I've just watched a performance of 'La Source'. You can imagine how I felt, sat there in my shimmering pink tutu among the fashionable Parisian audience, a time-traveler bursting with tutu-themed wonder!
Tutu evolution - how it was back in the day
Here's the thing, darlings. Those early tutus were not about dramatic swishes and romantic air-kisses. They were more like, "Oh, look, my petticoat is puffing up!" Sort of accidental glamour, shall we say. Think a wispy, loose cloud of netting, very ethereal, very lightweight. The shape? Still figuring it out. The colour? Usually a muted cream or ivory, very demure, almost blushing with shyness!
But here's where the magic happens. The movement. You know those stories about a single candle starting a whole fire? Imagine a tiny bit of tulle being put into motion, then another, then another! Soon, you have the beginnings of something extraordinary - something with movement and beauty that mesmerised people!
And then, imagine this, you can already imagine how I feel about it - the fabric! You know I am always keen on gorgeous materials - silk, satin, the sheer elegance of it! In those days, ballet used materials that whispered of the era - fine linens, satin, delicate muslins. They were just breathtakingly gorgeous!
Inspiration From The Ballet World!
That 1909 Parisian ballet performance really brought the early tutus alive for me! It wasn’t just about the dresses - the dances, the music, the emotion – the ballet took my breath away.
You know, as I sit here sipping my Earl Grey and reminiscing on my journey through the ages, I’m starting to see that ballet is about a timeless journey! The story it tells is still one of dreams, dedication, and artistic expression - a bit like our #TutuTuesday blogs, actually!
It's All About The Details, darlings!
Think of the gorgeous hairstyles back then - perfectly sculpted, shimmering hair pulled back, held by elegant clips and feathers. And how about the makeup! Delicate touches of rouge and subtle strokes of mascara, giving the ladies an ethereal glow, a touch of enchanting mystery!
You know, I'm just imagining this perfect Victorian ballerina - her white satin ballet slippers, delicately hand-stitched. The fabric shimmering like moonlight. She would have carried a small velvet pouch for her essential essentials, like lip balm, powder, a mirror. Can you picture it, ladies?
My Wish For This Year - Spread The Tutu Love!
I'm calling upon you, my dear tutu-lovers, to join me this year in embracing the magic of ballet. Don't just sit at home in your comfy leggings - even if they're pink. ( I admit I am secretly very fond of my trusty pair of pink leggings)! Let’s embrace the excitement! Book tickets for a ballet performance, sign up for a ballet class, dance like no one’s watching, even just in your own home - but don your tutu for maximum sparkle!
Oh, and before I forget! For the #TutuTuesday giveaway this week, I'm gifting a brand new pair of sparkly pink tutu ribbons to one lucky winner! Simply leave a comment below with your favourite tutu colour and a memory from a ballet performance. Remember, you can also check out our fabulous online store where we’ve got a range of stylish, comfortable, and affordable tutus for you, ready to be worn every day!
I can’t wait to read all your replies. And I can’t wait to join you next Tuesday for a trip through another exciting date in Tutu History!
Yours in the swirl of pink,
Emma