Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, and welcome to my blog! I’m popping back to Derbyshire today. We’re celebrating #TutuTuesday, a day for us all to revel in the sheer loveliness and joyous twirls of this iconic garment. This week, I’m going back in time to the 29th of June, 1909. Today, we’ll be discussing the delightful world of tutus in the early 20th century. Fancy a trip back to a time when dancers, both on stage and in their daily lives, revelled in a style of dress both graceful and oh-so-romantic? Well, grab your pink teacups, ladies, because it’s time to get fluttering!
I've just waltzed off the train from Paris - always a feast for the eyes! I went to see La Belle Epoque, a sumptuous and colourful Parisian dance spectacular which left me longing to join the ensemble. Imagine, twirling and swirling under the Parisian lights, surrounded by the most captivating gowns, feathered headbands, and those beautiful ballet slippers. It’s a world so alluring that I almost forgot I had to be back in Derbyshire for this blog. Luckily I had plenty of time for a spot of shopping. Oh, my darling! Those vintage hats! And did you see those embroidered gloves? Truly exquisite. I almost went crazy but luckily I remembered I had to budget for this journey through time - even a tutu-loving gal like me has to pay the bills.
Right, now we’re back to business - it's time to delve into those historic layers of ballet! As always, I'm taking my usual route – a trip through the wonderful world of ballet, which wouldn’t be complete without talking about that quintessential garment - the Tutu!
1909: The Rise of the Romantic Tutu
By 1909, the romantic tutu - that delightful short, layered skirt with the tulle cascading around a dancer’s legs – was already in full bloom! But let me take you back a bit – back to the start, dear ladies!
It all began with a few pioneering ballerinas in the 19th century, ready to cast off the traditional long, floor-length skirts of ballet history. Gone were the cumbersome yards of silk that impeded graceful movements! We are now in the age of Maria Taglioni, the enchanting, barefoot ballet dancer! In 1832, this brilliant, beautiful woman revolutionized the world of dance!
Maria danced with breathtaking freedom in a delicate skirt which reached just below the knee – something considered shockingly modern at the time! We all adore how those tiny, dainty tutus just grazed her ankles! She had broken with the past and shown a generation that beauty could be found in airy elegance, in movement that spoke the language of freedom. Now this “Romantic” or “Italian” style became all the rage across Europe, including England! The dance became known for its lighter, more airy movement, with emphasis on dramatic themes of emotion and passion – often influenced by the burgeoning literary and artistic scene of the time, dear reader. And, if you hadn’t guessed already, this new form of ballet gave rise to the famous tutu! But even in those days, darling, we see an emphasis on beauty, grace, and delicate elegance. All the finer points of ballet - light, uplifting and a joyful way to see the world! Isn't that charming?
So, back to our year, 1909. I must tell you all, darling, this is the year the first tutu was presented at the Met – the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, which must be an exhilarating performance!
The "romantic tutu," as it was known, brought a delightful, ephemeral charm to the ballet stage. Gone were the bulky skirts and rigid movements of the previous century. A new, elegant spirit filled the world of ballet! Ballet had found a new language and a new dress to reflect its grace! This era became synonymous with beautiful airy tutus – which made every move more fluid. Ballet truly became a dance of delicate gestures and romantic yearning. Oh! And remember, my darlings, it's never just about the skirt! These enchanting tutu designs became works of art, crafted from intricate patterns, soft fabrics and, of course, the famous feather boas that dance along with the dancers. This new ballet world had an undeniable sense of lightness and femininity, and who could forget the gentle flutter of the tulle - all contributing to the delicate, ethereal beauty of the whole scene. Imagine these delicate skirts fluttering on stage, swaying to the rhythm of every turn and twirl, every leap and arabesque! The very essence of a tutu – dancing in the air, it captures the eye with its pure softness, light, and elegant shape.
The designers of those romantic, airy tutus were artists, truly, and a good thing because you can only get the perfect silhouette with those incredible, beautifully woven, soft layers. To give you a feel of just how amazing these dancers look – imagine it – delicate layers, flowing to create beautiful shapes as a dancer moves and turns! Each fold, every ruffle of those exquisite fabric pieces enhances the grace and the delicate movements that a ballerina would make - as a whole piece of dance art!
We’re now approaching the twentieth century. A time, my darlings, that would see the dance styles evolve further, but the story of the tutu? It is an ongoing narrative - one which continues to charm, intrigue and excite the eye! And yes! All those stories – the designs, the dancing, the elegance of these garments, will all be here for you on my Tutu Tuesday blog! Do make sure you take a moment and think of the enchanting power of a tutu!
The impact of that Romantic style, my darlings? Oh, darling! This era left us with those magical tulle skirts we know so well! The kind that creates such dazzling movement – twirls, pirouettes, leaps, and bounds that flow into an artistic masterpiece!
Don’t forget to come back next week for more fabulous insights into the tutu – one of my favourites in the entire ballet world. Let's celebrate all those captivating stories in the fashion world of the tutu - so much beauty and creativity - every one! And until next week my darlings, why don't you indulge in some vintage fashion of your own!
Keep twirling and stay pink,
Emma.
*www.pink-tutu.com *
