Hello my darling dancers and tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, back again with another trip back through time, exploring the history of our beloved tutu. Today's date, 23rd November 1909, is a special one - a Tuesday, of course! (Always so good for a new #TutuTuesday post, wouldn't you agree?)
Now, picture this. You've just boarded a sleek train from Derbyshire, heading to London for a weekend of ballet bliss. The windows are foggy, but it's still an absolutely divine autumn day with crisp, golden sunlight peeking through the clouds. The anticipation of seeing the latest Parisian fashion trends, sipping tea in chic cafes, and watching graceful ballerinas twirling under the grand chandeliers is intoxicating!
Today we find ourselves in a London just brimming with artistic spirit, a perfect time for exploring tutu evolution. By this point, the classic 'Romantic' tutu is flourishing, making its presence known throughout the ballet world. The romantic tutu, with its delicate layers of tulle reaching just below the knee, perfectly embodied the airy and ethereal aesthetic that had captivated audiences since the early 1800s. Think of the delicate tutus that Anna Pavlova made famous, sweeping the world off its feet. This era is a truly magical one, my dears, a period of exquisite beauty that remains forever etched in the history of ballet.
The 1900s witnessed the birth of what would be known as 'the modern era' of ballet. And with this, new innovations in costumes were being introduced, marking a change from the restrictive Victorian styles to something that reflected a desire for movement and fluidity. Imagine a ballerina wearing a simple yet beautiful, plain black tutu, contrasting sharply with the soft pastels of the past! The silhouette became leaner and the materials began to reflect the move towards a new and dynamic world of choreography.
But fret not, my sweet fashionistas! While innovation and practicality had taken hold in some ballets, the beauty and elegance of the Romantic tutu wasn't entirely forgotten. It still remained a vital symbol in several ballets, its soft wisps and charming flounces keeping its allure and grace in the heart of the ballet world.
Speaking of charming and graceful, imagine my delight in catching a performance of La Sylphide by August Bournonville today. Now that is ballet in its most exquisite form, the ballerina a mere feather on the breeze as she navigates her exquisite moves in a Romantic tutu, the most breathtaking spectacle!
But of course, the joy of 1909 wasn't just limited to the ballet itself. Just as ballet was experiencing its 'modern' transformation, the world of fashion itself was exploding with vibrant energy and groundbreaking ideas! This era, brimming with colour and exuberance, was marked by trends that still captivate us today. It's all about embracing bold colours, flattering silhouettes and dramatic details, reminiscent of the spirit of the ballet dancers on stage!
After catching the show, a visit to the famous London department store is a must. And you'd find me picking up some of the latest creations by Lucien Lelong or even a bespoke dress by Jeanne Lanvin. Their fashion sensibilities perfectly echoed the spirit of the era.
Remember, this is the time of beautiful silk fabrics, luxurious lace, delicate embroideries, and vibrant colour palettes. Think flowing silk blouses, exquisite hats with dramatic feathers, and skirts with a charming touch of embellishments - all perfectly complimenting the chic ballerina style we know and love!
Of course, what’s a fashion adventure without indulging in some delightful treats and Parisian-style afternoon tea. Afternoon tea, a cornerstone of English tradition, would be full of dainty pastries, aromatic teas, and delicious sandwiches, all savoured in a serene atmosphere, adding to the elegance of the experience.
I must share some tips from this fascinating time:
Lace, lace, lace! The more the merrier, especially when paired with the romantic tutu. Embellish your outfit with gorgeous, lacy details - from delicate edging on your top to elegant necklines or even on the sleeves of a tailored coat!
Embroidered ribbons. Take inspiration from the Romantic tutu's delicate detailing by adorning your hair with elaborate ribbon tied bows. Remember those flowing, intricate ribbon decorations that added a whimsical touch to a ballerina's hairstyle? Channel this elegant detail for a refined and graceful look.
Pastel palettes. While bold colours were definitely having their moment, never forget the elegance and sophistication of pastel tones! Pale pink, blush, lavender, mint green... these beautiful shades beautifully complement the femininity of a ballet-inspired look. Just imagine how breathtaking a ballerina's Romantic tutu looks under stage lights – that same magic can be captured in your own outfit.
My dears, the world of ballet and fashion is filled with endless opportunities for self-expression. Be inspired by the tutus and outfits of this remarkable time and allow yourself to be swept away by the beautiful artistry of both. Let’s raise our teacups to the Romantic tutu, to Parisian style, and to the grace and glamour of ballet that continues to inspire generations!
Till next week, when we dive back into another magical #TutuTuesday, don’t forget to pop over to my website www.pink-tutu.com to read more of my time-traveling adventures! And as always, remember - let your spirit shine like the stage lights, and dare to wear a pink tutu.
Your favourite ballerina blogger,
Emma 💖
