Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers!
It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time travelling blogger, and today I'm taking you on a journey back in time to a glorious era – 29th November, 1910! This week's #TutuTuesday adventure takes us to a time when tutus were beginning to truly blossom and the stage was awash with glorious, billowing, feather-light tulle.
But before we delve into the dance history, I just need to tell you about my latest trip! This time, I journeyed via steam train – I do love the clatter and chuff of a good locomotive, so very romantic! 🚂❤️ The scenery was delightful, especially once we left the bustling city behind and chugged through the countryside. It’s a great reminder that adventure, just like ballet, is about the journey as much as the destination!
Now, let's step back into the theatre! Imagine being transported to 1910 – what would you expect to see? Perhaps a daring, romantic ballet with swirling costumes, just a hint of scandal, and plenty of beautiful dancing? Well, you'd be right!
On this particular day in 1910, ballet lovers would be flocking to see a performance of The Sleeping Beauty in London. It's no surprise really! It was (and still is) a true classic, brimming with delicate tutus and exquisite dancing. Just picturing those elegant costumes sends a thrill through me!
It's exciting to think about the tutus being worn in this ballet – they were undoubtedly crafted with love and attention to detail. Tutus in 1910 weren't quite as bouncy and voluminous as their later, 20th-century counterparts, but they still showcased the beauty of tulle, delicate ribbons, and fine embroidery. Think of those dreamy, layered skirts – so airy and flowing!
You know what I think? Tutus have a history as fascinating and graceful as the dance itself! And, with this #TutuTuesday, I want to celebrate their glorious evolution, because they're not just beautiful - they tell a story of creativity, elegance and sheer artistic expression.
Let's have a little journey together to the late Victorian era to understand why tutus took off the way they did:
The rise of romanticism: Ballet, like all artistic forms, reflected the changes of its time. The late Victorian era was a period of great social and artistic change, a period that embraced romanticism and beautiful things! Think flowing skirts, delicate jewellery, and a taste for the extraordinary!
The invention of tulle: This incredible material – the key ingredient in any tutu – came to be thanks to the ingenuity of French artisans. A light, almost magical material, tulle gave dancers the freedom to move like the very wind! Imagine twirling and dancing in a cloud of tulle – sheer poetry in motion!
The spotlight on the ballerina: Gone were the days when ballet was purely a backdrop for opulent productions. The stage started focusing more and more on the dancers – their elegance, strength, and artistry. Tutus, being light and flexible, showcased every movement beautifully. A ballerina was a true artist, and her tutu became a part of the art!
Tutus on the dance floor: While I can’t bring you all a real-life ballet experience from 1910, I can certainly inspire you with some of the fashion trends you'd have seen! I was lucky enough to find some absolutely wonderful photographs in an antique shop (which was, by the way, on my list of must-visit locations – who could resist some Victorian-era fashion?!), giving a glimpse into the tutus of 1910:
Short and sweet: Tutus of that era were shorter than the longer tutus that gained popularity in later years. These delicate creations were designed to accentuate a ballerina's nimble grace and accentuated their elegant legs. Just the thought of dancing in a perfectly styled shorter tutu makes me want to take a pirouette!
Lace, embroidery and embellishments: Forget those stark tutus you see today! Tutus back then were all about femininity. Think layers of soft, frilly lace, exquisite embroidery, and sparkling embellishments! Imagine tutus dancing in the light as dancers twirled, leaving trails of dazzling sparkles.
Pale, Romantic Colours: Soft pinks, blush, lavender, and pale blues - it's all about a sense of elegance and dreamy romance. If you asked me, what was more fitting for a ballerina to dance in, than a tulle skirt the colour of a blooming rose?!
*It’s not just about the dancing! * Let's not forget – ballet is more than just pirouettes and leaps! It's a performance. The beauty of a costume is what draws an audience in – tutus add drama and create a world of fantasy! Think of those moments where dancers swirl in a magical mist of tulle – a spectacle to behold! Every time a dancer gracefully leaps in a tutu, they transform themselves into a story.
Oh, and remember what we discussed last week?! While a full-fledged tutu may not be for everyday wear (yet!), you can certainly inject some "tutu love" into your outfits, whether it’s a tulle skirt, a tulle blouse, or even some delicately embroidered tulle as a special touch to a plain garment.
I just love the idea of a tulle scarf, imagine the gentle flutter as you walk down the street! 💖 It's time to think beyond the traditional tutu and add some whimsical touches to your everyday fashion. Don't be afraid to channel your inner ballerina! And if you’re feeling really brave, put on your pinkest tutu – the one with the brightest sparkle – and show the world how truly magical you can be!
Until next Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling, darling!
Yours in Pink Tulle, Emma 🩰💕
*Don't forget to visit the Pink Tutu website at www.pink-tutu.com and leave your comments below - what’s your favourite Tutu era?! Which ballet are you off to see this week?! *
