Hello darlings! It’s your favourite time travelling tutu-ist, Emma, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! This week we’re going to be travelling back in time, to the glorious year of 1909, for a little history lesson in twirling and fashion. Oh, and remember, this is post number 4025! I've lost count of how many of these I've done, but who's counting when you've got so much fun to be had in a pink tutu, right? 😉
Now, 1909 - oh what a year! This is when tutus truly started to take centre stage! We're all familiar with the classic, fluffy, romantic tutu - the one with the billowing layers that makes us want to skip through fields of wildflowers (preferably in a gorgeous shade of pink, of course!) and imagine we're dancing on the stage. Well, this look was actually inspired by the 19th century and made famous by ballerinas like Anna Pavlova!
Picture this: It’s 1909, London's brimming with excitement, and the theatre scene is alive and kicking. Ballet has a firm grasp on everyone’s hearts, and you can't throw a feather boa without hitting someone dressed to the nines to see a show! We’re talking stunning velvet dresses with cinched waists and gorgeous flowing lace, oh, and a touch of whimsical charm!
But why the fluffy tutus? I mean, isn’t a simple leotard perfect for showcasing beautiful movements? Well, let’s just say the tutu had its own, captivating charm! They were elegant and dramatic, a little dramatic for my liking if you ask me. And a far cry from the beautiful, playful and exciting modern, contemporary ballet we see today. Imagine a tutu with three, maybe even four layers, flowing beautifully like the delicate wings of a butterfly – that's 1909 for you!
I have to say though, that 1909 wasn’t all about the grand tutus – it was the start of a magnificent journey for the world of ballet! Remember that classic, timeless shape we associate with the ballerina silhouette? It all began back then! That close-fitting bodice and a fluttery skirt were starting to show up more, allowing the ballerinas to move and dance freely - something we all adore about this art form!
Speaking of movement, let’s take a little train journey down to Derbyshire, shall we? I hear there's a rather delightful ballet performance by the Derby Royal Ballet this evening! The railway is quite something. We've made great strides since the horse-drawn carriage! I’m definitely popping on my favourite pink tutu for a spot of fashion inspiration and to admire the stunning movements of the dancers - especially the pas de bourrée! After all, who can resist the joy of a graceful glide and a little twirl on a cold February night!
And of course, no visit to a ballet performance would be complete without a little shopping for something lovely for myself. I have been searching for the perfect pink sequined handbag and finally found one last week, and my eyes are now set on some glamorous vintage ballet shoes - a vintage style is always a must for every ballerina’s wardrobe, even when time travelling.
1909: the year where fashion and art twirled into a magical whirlwind! But for us, it's also a wonderful reminder that ballet has been a part of our lives for over a century, each and every year. The history of the tutu is fascinating – it’s all about evolution and adaptation, just like ballet itself!
Well, darling tutu-ists, I’m off to the theatre! Until next week, remember: let your inner ballerina shine and don't forget to rock a pink tutu for your next performance!
Always with you,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
