#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1910-08-09

Hello darlings! Welcome back to another exciting #TutuTuesday! Today we’re going on a whirlwind journey back in time, taking our pink tutus all the way to the year 1910, August the 9th! I’ve just travelled back from the glittering world of Edwardian London, and believe me, my dear readers, the ballet scene there is absolutely buzzing! It’s the perfect place to be to catch the latest in ballet fashion trends. Don’t worry, you won’t see any of those dreary beige costumes that were so prevalent in the 1800s! Instead, you’ll find tutus of silk and lace, swirling with elegance and delight. I might even have picked up a few little secrets from the talented seamstresses!

This blog post is #4102, if you're counting. It's my favourite day of the week, when I get to share my love for ballet, tutus, and all things sparkly with you lovely lot! I must say, being a time-travelling ballerina isn’t always easy - but all the vintage shopping and delicious Parisian croissants certainly make it worthwhile!

Oh my, how much has changed in the ballet world since the 1800s! While the ladies were waltzing away in their fluffy ball gowns, ballet was undergoing its own revolution. Imagine it, darling, - a daring new way of moving and telling stories! Think light steps, beautiful jumps, and expressive movements… no longer simply elegant arm gestures, the ballet stage was opening up to something exciting.

1910 was an absolute game changer in the world of ballet, seeing the likes of Nijinsky and Pavlova wowing the crowds with their astonishing dance performances. And with all this excitement comes new demands! Ballet, at the turn of the century, needed to reflect the freedom of expression found on stage and, lo and behold, that’s how the modern tutu began its magnificent journey. You see, darlings, before this time, the ballerina's skirt was basically a rather rigid circle of material, hardly offering any flexibility for those graceful leaps!

But 1910 marked a change! Shorter skirts, flowing shapes, a burst of colourful hues... the ballet world was transformed into a vision of beautiful movement and delightful costumes. I might have picked up a couple of new tricks during my travels – I wouldn’t mind showing you all the new twirling technique, all thanks to a couple of lessons from some charming gentlemen dancers I met at the Royal Opera House!

Can you imagine? Back in the Victorian era, even wearing the shortest of skirts on the street was deemed scandalous! But look at how far ballet has come in just a couple of decades, pushing boundaries and making women the center of attention with each graceful movement. There's something incredibly liberating about all this change, isn't there?

These tutus are made to be noticed. Every movement, every leap, is emphasized with every whisper of fabric, and every bead shimmering under the stage lights. This shift is mirrored in society - ladies now are finding freedom and individuality with a more modern, expressive style. And the ballet, I think, captures that perfectly!

And speaking of captivating fashion… Today is August 9th, 1910, and on this very date, the world saw a dazzling spectacle at The Folies Bergere in Paris. Imagine it: a grand theatrical venue overflowing with luxurious ladies and gentlemen! The stage lights glistened off elaborate costumes, reflecting the extravagant grandeur of the show. I saw a fascinating show during my travels this time… it’s full of stunning dancers in beautifully-designed costumes. The costumes… Oh la la… They were such a delight! They're truly a piece of fashion history that shows just how important ballet is becoming to women everywhere.

The best part? I even got to try out one of those lovely feather boas! It's like wearing a miniature cloud, I swear. They add an extra touch of playful sophistication to any costume, perfect for making a dramatic entrance.

There’s something about travelling back in time that renews my appreciation for everything ballet and tutu. Seeing how far these magnificent garments have come, how they’ve evolved and danced through history, is like flipping through a fashion magazine. The stories hidden in each tulle skirt and silky bodice? Simply spellbinding!

Think of the iconic ballet stars: Pavlova and Nijinsky… Those tutus aren't just pretty, darling! They are symbolic! They are the physical embodiment of the ballerina's grace and artistry. They speak to freedom, imagination, and an unwavering spirit.

Oh, and I must mention the sheer magic of seeing ballet live! The electricity of the audience, the thunderous applause, the stories brought to life… truly there's no comparison. You might find me backstage after a performance - and maybe I'll even sneak a peek at some of those incredible stage costumes. Shhh! It’s a secret!

I’ll admit, my favourite moment this week was attending a Parisian ballet performance. The entire evening felt like a dream: the vibrant music, the swirling movement, the stunning costumes... the tutus! Oh, the tutus, simply stunning!

This weekend, darling, I highly recommend visiting a ballet performance in your own town! There's something about seeing the graceful movements in person - it simply transports you!

As a time-traveling ballerina, I can see how the future of the ballet is truly bright, and my guess is that tutus will always be at the center of the dance. They're the ultimate symbol of femininity and artistry, a dream in every ballerina's mind, and, who knows, maybe one day we'll all be dancing in our very own pink tutus. Until then, happy #TutuTuesday, dear readers!

See you next Tuesday for another blast from the past, straight from the heart of ballet history! Don't forget to check back on www.pink-tutu.com for your regular dose of all things pink, twirly and fabulous! And, please, tag your favourite ballet tutus on social media!

Yours always in pink,

Emma

xx