Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma, your resident tutu-enthusiast, and I'm so excited to be back with you for another Tutu Tuesday! Today we're taking a time-hopping trip back to the glamorous era of 1909, and trust me, even with my love of pink tutus, the fashion was shockingly different then!
This week, our historical hop lands us in the heart of the Parisian ballet world. It's 18th May, 1909 and I've got my most delightful pink tulle tutu ready for a spectacular performance at the Opéra Garnier. Talk about a dream! The air is alive with excitement as the city prepares for the evening's grand ballet spectacle, a ballet about... wait for it… The Three Graces!
Just imagine - exquisite dancers swirling gracefully on stage, their tutus swirling in perfect synchronicity. Each performance was an art form, a spectacle that showcased both skill and elegance. As I peek through the ornate doorway of the Opéra, I see delicate hand-sewn tutus crafted with layers upon layers of exquisite tulle, some embellished with silk flowers or delicate feathers. Even then, ballet was a symphony of beauty!
What were tutus like in 1909?
Imagine the tutu - still very much the cornerstone of ballet - as a bit shorter and less voluminous than the fluffy, grand tutus we see today. Picture layers of fine tulle gathered and tucked into a fitted bodice. Back then, they had a tighter, more controlled silhouette, allowing for incredible control and technical finesse, allowing those exquisite movements to shine!
These early tutus were all about elegance and artistry, with delicate detailing and shimmering fabric - perfect for highlighting the ballerina's beauty. There wasn't the explosion of colour that we see today! While my bright pink tulle dreams wouldn't have been entirely embraced then, we did have a lot of soft shades like creamy white and pastel pinks - much like the hue of a delicate rose.
Speaking of fashion, oh my goodness, darling - it's fascinating how much the styles have changed. Imagine wearing a corseted gown with a tiny waist, paired with an elaborate hat that looked like a miniature flower garden! Those grand Victorian hats, covered in velvet and satin flowers, certainly had their own unique charm, didn’t they?
Now, the costumes weren't limited to just ballerinas! Imagine handsome gentlemen in exquisitely tailored suits, with formal jackets and stylish top hats, enjoying a champagne cocktail at the Opéra. Such elegance and sophistication!
Fashion is all about evolution, isn’t it?
My travels through time, fuelled by my endless ballet performance passion, help me learn so much about the wonderful history of our dance form. It’s made me realise that, just as styles evolve in fashion, the silhouette of the tutu has also been in a constant state of change, growing bigger and grander, yet never losing its inherent charm!
While my passion is for the voluminous, bold pinks, it’s interesting to remember how our ballet tutu story began. Each period brings with it new artistic innovations and stylistic expressions. This gives me endless inspiration to combine the classical grace of the past with my personal pink passion for a vibrant, fresh new tutu design!
Where can you find a ballet show this week?
Don’t just read about ballet - live it! I encourage you to make your own ballet memory this week by attending a ballet show! Grab your ballet friends or go with someone new - that special someone or even your dear aunt. Find a ballet company near you. Ballet truly is something that everyone can appreciate, especially when the costumes are so captivating!
Oh, and my dear Tutu Twirlers, as you take your grand tour through your city this week, perhaps find a charming vintage shop! There’s a chance that you might unearth an exquisite antique garment with delicate tulle details - perfect for creating a modern twist on a vintage design!
Until next Tuesday, remember: Embrace the power of a tutu to transform a simple day into something magical!
And don't forget to visit our website for more inspiring tutu photos and upcoming #TutuTuesday posts at www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next week, stay fabulous!
Love, Emma
P.S. Did you know? On May 18th, 1909, the US Patent Office issued a patent for the world’s first self-operating rotary airplane engine. Just think of it, an early ancestor to the engines powering our airplanes today! Maybe it even got inspiration from a graceful ballerina on stage! 😉
