Hello, darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your pink-clad guide to the wonderful world of ballet history, and it's time for another exciting #TutuTuesday! I'm back from a whirl through the time machine, this time landing smack-dab in the heart of 1909. Buckle up, dearies, because this trip's filled with tutus, triumphs, and even a bit of travel – all aboard the fashion express, bound for a bygone era! 💖
Today marks the momentous 4037th post on my little blog, www.pink-tutu.com, and this week, my dear readers, we're taking a deep dive into the fashion of 11th May 1909. The air hummed with the sound of carriage wheels and the bustle of bustling crowds – you'd practically trip over an opera hat in this London! It's a delightful picture, don't you think? Just imagine! We've got gentlemen in their crisp suits, ladies swishing in their elegant gowns, and everywhere you look, a sense of adventure hangs in the air, much like the excitement of our own ballet performances, wouldn't you agree?
And, oh my, have I got a story for you about tutus, my lovely readers! It wouldn't be #TutuTuesday without them, would it? 1909 was an absolute triumph for ballet. This was the year where La Sylphide, an enchanting romantic ballet about fairies, went from strength to strength!
Imagine, dear ones, being a little girl seeing the dancers pirouette on stage – a whirling cloud of white tulle, almost like they were dancing on air. You can see how it captures the imagination, can't you? That pure magic. Oh, it just makes me yearn to put on my own tutu and float like a sylph myself! This was the kind of story, a symphony of dance, that just stole your heart away, and a little part of it is woven right into our beloved tutu. It became, if you will, the tutu that started it all.
Speaking of stories and the tutu, what a journey it's been for the tutus we see on stage today! Remember, darling, back then, there were just paillons. The kind we see today? That airy, whimsical tulle – a dream in motion -? Not quite. In fact, the term tutu, for you fashion historians out there, wasn't even officially adopted until after 1909. Think of this time period as an exploration. Dancers and fashion designers were pushing the boundaries. They tried every shape and length of skirt – bell-shaped, full, even some, you'd be surprised, with pockets for handkerchiefs, but it was in the 1940s when tutus finally found their graceful silhouette, thanks to the likes of George Balanchine, the great choreographer who truly gave them that light-as-air charm that sets them apart, making them the must-have piece of dancewear. Oh, how I love the way those dancers fly, how their tutus become like another layer of their dance. A ballet is never quite the same without them.
Right now, my dearest reader, I'm living it up in my trusty pink tutu (you know I love a bit of pink! ). My new favorite one, in a beautiful blush pink hue with shimmering crystals along the hem! This past weekend I saw a truly enchanting production of the Nutcracker, and trust me, it set my inspiration alight! A beautiful confection of graceful dancers and delicate choreography. Not a single moment on that stage, from the playful waltz of the snow queen, to the mischievous leap of the nutcracker, didn't have my toes tapping.
I do believe we need more magic in the world! Don't you agree? More sparkling moments like this. And nothing, nothing my dears, speaks of wonder quite like the Tutu. This was something I learnt, back when I saw a production of The Sleeping Beauty at the beautiful, stately Royal Opera House, you see, it’s a bit like a fairy tale, only more spectacular. It's a symbol of dreams come true, isn't it?
Before I send you on your way, let's chat about my favourite thing – ballet! This year, you just wouldn’t believe the fantastic ballet performances that were filling every theatre in town. From the classic stories like Swan Lake to the captivating works by Michel Fokine, each one had the audience on their feet in applause!
But, my friends, there’s more! My journey isn’t just about tutus – it’s about embracing the magic in all aspects of ballet. Today, the Pavlova, a confection, became the talk of the town, it’s the it dish for afternoon tea! And let’s not forget the train! Oh, my, what a beautiful experience, the sway of the carriage and the views! I even caught glimpses of the magnificent new designs from the houses of Chanel and Poiret. Such beautiful fabrics and styles, just a joy to witness! It’s wonderful to see fashion changing with the times. We all love a tutu, and to me it's so much more than just a skirt. It's an expression of freedom, grace, and beauty – something that's a pleasure to watch and a delight to wear. It's just one more layer in our world of ballet.
To conclude, 1909, dear reader, was a time of extraordinary change in the ballet world. And of course, that means change for the tutus we know and love. But even in its nascent form, there’s no denying the enchantment of a tutu!
Now, my little loves, off you go! Don’t be afraid to try on your favourite pink tutu. Be your own ballerina and dance with the stars! As always, keep those pink tutus flowing and keep the love for ballet alive!
Until next time, 💖🩰
Love,
Emma
