Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you back in time to a fabulous era in ballet history! This week, we're setting our sights on August 2nd, 1910.
Now, before we get into the glitz and glamour, I simply HAVE to mention that my time-travelling escapades wouldn't be possible without my most wonderful and supportive fanbase! I mean, you guys are absolutely brilliant at spotting pink tutu opportunities – who knew that ballet was SO profitable?! Between performing a couple of grand jetés here, a fouetté there, and a pas de deux every now and then, I'm managing to keep the time-travelling engine humming and this fabulous blog thriving!
Anyway, back to August 2nd, 1910! What a truly dazzling time to be a ballet fan! In the heart of Paris, the world's eyes were focused on the Opéra Garnier, for none other than the legendary Anna Pavlova was in the midst of her famous 'Pavlova' ballet season! This tour included a spectacular programme of her own creations, as well as classic pieces like "La Sylphide" and "Le Spectre de la Rose". Just imagine - that same day, Anna was perhaps leaping, twirling, and enchanting a Parisian audience – the world literally at her feet! It’s almost enough to make me want to pack up my tulle and catch the next train over!
But now, let's take a closer look at those delightful tutus from 1910. Fashion trends, you see, were evolving and becoming far more feminine. Imagine graceful, flowy chiffon dresses that clung just so! The fashion for ballerinas mirrored this change, and the tutu – our beloved tutu – started shifting away from the Romanticism-era "long, flowy" style towards something shorter, tighter and more fitted! These tutus highlighted the legs with more freedom for movement. It's like a beautiful blend of elegance and dynamism!
What makes this period SO exciting is that this change really kicked off a period of innovation in ballet! The style embraced shorter, sculpted tutus which allowed the ballerinas to really shine! We started seeing all kinds of breathtaking variations - different materials, different lengths, and a whole kaleidoscope of colours! Honestly, I'd be tempted to whip out my time machine and see if I can snag a few for my own wardrobe!
But while Paris may be the obvious choice, it's not the only place buzzing with ballet in 1910! London was also experiencing a blossoming ballet scene! It wasn't as advanced as Paris's yet, but the Russian Ballet (as the company founded by Serge Diaghilev was then known), was already making a splash. And with them came incredible artistic talent, incredible costume designers, and, naturally, amazing new tutus!
And just so you don’t think my time-travelling only involves seeing grand productions, my love of ballet spills into shopping for the perfect tutus and accessories. And let me tell you, the variety in 1910 was thrilling!* There are so many delightful little shops, some bustling with a colourful jumble of ribbons and silk and others boasting beautifully arranged displays of *frou-frou delights! I spent the afternoon rummaging through piles of silk fabrics, and let me tell you, it's pure heaven to find a gorgeous material that just screams "ballet tutu"! The shopkeeper was quite delighted with my passion for ballet, offering to give me a small piece of vintage fabric. I now have a lovely piece to display in my blog’s archives! Oh, it just doesn't get better than that!
But as a pink-loving ballet aficionado, it’s simply my duty to promote the beautiful colour, even if it was less popular in the early 1900s! Now, of course, we know pink has become a vibrant and adored colour, symbolizing love and joy and… tutus! And it's not just the ballerinas! My dear followers, have you started your journey to spread the pink tutu revolution?! I’d be delighted to see your amazing styles - let me know how you're embracing the world of pink in the comments!
Right, now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to explore the fashion of 1911 and find my new favourite vintage piece! And don’t forget, every Tuesday is Tutu Tuesday! Join me again next week for more time-travelling fun, a look at history and, of course, a big helping of tutu glamour!
Love always,
Emma
*P.S. Want to see even more about ballet in the early 1900s? *Head over to www.pink-tutu.com! I’m always posting photos and little stories from my time travels.
P.P.S. Oh, and don't forget to share your Tutu Tuesday posts with your friends using #TutuTuesday! And let me know on the website or social media how you're rocking your tutus and spreading the pink love! Love to hear your adventures!
