Hello dearies! Emma here, your very own time-traveling tutu enthusiast, back with another installment of Tutu Tuesday, from my fabulous time-travelling wardrobe and directly to your lovely little screens!
Today's journey takes us to August 23rd, 1910, and wow, what a time for ballet! My time machine has taken me to Paris, the city of lights and also of ballet, and this is where tutus were really coming into their own. Now, you might think the tutu has been a ballet staple for centuries, but this particular style, with its billowing layers and flowing elegance, is still relatively new!
*(This post is number 4104 on the www.pink-tutu.com website â remember, thereâs a whole load more of fabulous Tutu Tuesday posts!) *
So, imagine yourself stepping out of your carriage and into the Opéra Garnier. Oh, the plush velvet seats! The crystal chandeliers! And most importantly, the sheer artistry of the dancers.
Back in the 18th century, ballets were a lot more formal. Ladies would wear gowns with elaborate trains, the kind you'd see at a grand ball. However, the early 20th century saw a shift â a movement towards streamlined designs. Weâre talking lighter, more fluid movement that allowed dancers to express themselves more freely.
This is where the tutus, as we know them today, really began to shine. You see, those long gowns would have restricted movement, a little bit like a huge petticoat!
The pioneers in the evolution of tutus, the people who helped turn dance from elaborate waltzes to graceful flights, were Russian ballerinas like Anna Pavlova. She was the original fairy! In 1910, her company was touring the world and bringing their dazzling style with them, pushing the boundaries of dance and influencing all the choreographers of the day.
Of course, we can't forget the wonderful costumes of the time. While tutus were being made in an incredible range of colors, like my beloved pink, a bit of blush was still fashionable on stage â you can see a very pale shade in several productions, including Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake'. Ballet dancers then had beautiful pink leotards, lace and frills, with beautiful makeup for the eyes. Their hair was styled with elegant buns and braids â just stunning! And let's not forget the absolutely incredible tiaras - oh my, imagine sparkling jewels in your hair while taking flight onstage. Dreams really do come true, donât they?!
So, my dearies, today, when you see those dancers in their dazzling, multi-layered tutus, remember that each delicate layer is a testament to the evolution of this wonderful garment. Remember how Anna Pavlova changed the world of dance with her graceful leaps!
Now, for today's treat, let's step into the heart of this stylish era, shall we? Imagine we're sitting in a Parisian café with a pot of tea and a pastry (I adore chocolate éclairs!). Let's picture the Parisian fashionistas with their long flowing dresses and fur scarves.
There's a lovely little vintage dress shop I stumbled upon on this trip. Theyâve got beautiful floral print dresses and blouses with big, frilly sleeves that I can just imagine pairing with a delicate tutu (we are always working on that tutu fusion!) A splash of bold color like a cherry red would look divine! My imagination runs wild as I browse, oh what a fabulous place! I absolutely love vintage clothing! It always inspires my own creations, for when I'm back in my own time! Iâm even trying to design some tutu pieces for vintage outfits, but thatâs another story!
But wait! What's this I hear, just down the street? It's a ballet performance at the ThĂ©Ăątre du ChĂątelet, one of the oldest and most iconic theatres in Paris, with an exciting ballet troupe featuring the talented ballerina Carlotta Zambelli. That's what I'm talking about, girls! Ballet! Itâs no wonder so many dancers dreamed of Paris â it was a haven for passionate ballet enthusiasts.
Remember, it was in 1910 that a special premiere took place that brought a new form of beauty to ballet: the legendary "The Firebird." By Igor Stravinsky, it premiered with the famous dancer Tamara Karsavina. The ballet with its incredible colors and story was a huge hit â its dramatic themes inspired a generation! Imagine those brilliant, rich colours all intertwined with the dazzling beauty of the dancersâ tutus!
While enjoying a spot of lunch during the interval, a charming gentlemen seated at a nearby table noticed my magnificent pink tutu. You know what's lovely? A well-placed compliment in Parisian chic can make your heart swell with pride! âQuelle Ă©lĂ©gance! How lovely, so captivating! Your outfit is truly exceptional!â He beamed.
I could just see him thinking, âI wouldn't be surprised if she steps right onto that stage and dances with the ballerinas!" He complimented me on my pink, feather boa (because who doesnât love a touch of feather? I particularly love using them as headwear. What could be more magnificent! It's the little things that make a fashion statement!), and of course, my perfect ballerina hair bun. I told him that you can find such wonderful fashion here in Paris, all the wonderful outfits! The perfect place for a tutu, in my opinion!
To which he gallantly replied, âWell, mademoiselle, we must all learn from your exquisite fashion! Youâre as beautiful as the ballerinas themselves!â That got me feeling rather jolly. I do love making new friends, you know? This really is the magic of travelling through time; the chance to share my tutu passion with new and inspiring friends all around the world. Itâs always delightful to chat about our favourite colours and patterns! The shared passion makes for such delightful chats. It seems to be catching on, you know?
I mean, itâs easy to see why this Parisian gentleman appreciated my style â these women are fabulous! You can see them with their hair in intricate styles. A stylish headband, beautiful curls, a simple bun â all topped off with that chic, fashionable look that brings Parisian style to the world! They take me right back to my grandmothers' wardrobe back in Derbyshire.
So, to sum up, the 1910s was a fantastic decade for ballet â the tutus were taking off, the movements were getting more and more graceful and elegant, and dancers like Pavlova were captivating audiences around the world! Oh my, what a golden age for ballet! A dream come true for a time travelling ballerina like myself! And now for another cuppa. Until next week, keep your tutus high, lovelies! đ
*(Emma signing off from www.pink-tutu.com) *
