#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1911-06-13

Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and chronicler of all things twirly and fabulous! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where every Tuesday we embark on a whimsical journey through ballet history, one fluffy tulle skirt at a time.

Today, we’re going to hop aboard the express train of time and journey back to 13th June 1911 – a date brimming with dance, fashion, and history. Picture it: London, the heart of the ballet world, abuzz with the latest theatrical happenings. And we, dear readers, are in the midst of it!

It's quite the privilege to step back into such a vibrant era! This time period marks the height of the Romantic era in ballet. Just the thought of the dramatic, flowing tutus and breathtaking performances makes me giddy!

So, what was going on in the world of dance on this particular June day? Let's get into it!

The Glamour of the Stage

The Royal Opera House, the grandest stage in all of London, is, of course, the place to be. If you were lucky enough to be in the audience on this evening, you could have seen the exquisite Anna Pavlova perform. She’s a legend for a reason, you know. And I hear she looked simply divine in her stunning, flowing tutu. My word, the artistry!

Pavlova, along with her partner Mikhail Fokine, is credited with introducing revolutionary choreography. This included pushing the boundaries with elaborate costumes, incorporating dynamic leaps and innovative staging. I bet you could have felt the electric excitement from the stage.

Just imagine! That glorious stage, the flickering gaslights, the velvet curtains drawing open… the sight of Anna Pavlova gliding across the stage in her breathtaking tulle costume! It’s enough to make a girl’s heart leap, wouldn’t you say? I can almost hear the gasp of the audience. And don't even get me started on the sheer audacity of the choreography! Truly a time for brilliance and elegance.

Fashion & Style in 1911

Speaking of glamour, 1911 was an absolute masterpiece of fashion! Think elegant ladies with their slender silhouettes accentuated by fitted blouses and skirts reaching down to their ankles. Hats with extravagant feathers, dainty gloves, and beautifully designed handbags were all the rage. The beauty of the period lies in its classic simplicity and delicate femininity. And what was the hottest trend amongst those fashionable ladies, you ask? You guessed it, darling - the tutu!

Now, it’s true that these weren’t the grand, voluminous tutus of the modern era. 1911 tutus were more refined and demure. Think delicate tulle layers and dainty embellishments, a symphony of gossamer elegance, a ballet dress of grace and exquisite lightness! But just as delightful in their own way, don't you agree?

These delicate tutus embodied a lightness that reflected the mood of the time, perfectly matching the Romantic ballet styles. You can just imagine the swishing of those beautiful skirts, adding an air of fairy tale enchantment to the entire experience.

I’ve already been daydreaming about recreating a 1911 ballet look, using a soft blush-pink tutu with layers of silk tulle, delicately embellished with pearls and feathers! Ooh, and I can imagine matching it with a flowing silk blouse and dainty beaded jewellery. Absolutely divine, wouldn’t you say?

Beyond the Stage

Now, London isn’t the only place where ballet was taking the world by storm in 1911! You’d be surprised how widely it spread throughout the UK, making its way even to my humble little hometown of Derbyshire. Fancy that, wouldn't you? I remember finding a postcard in a quaint antiques shop that mentioned a ballet performance at the Derby Theatre. Apparently, it showcased "La Sylphide," a ballet that would be the toast of London just a year before!

Although Derbyshire may not have had the same grand performances as London, the excitement was palpable even there! People were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the dancing world, even if it was on a smaller stage.

Now, my dear readers, don't just sit there! Put on your dancing shoes and spin around the room with me. Imagine yourself in a stunning pink tutu, as light and graceful as a butterfly. Remember that every twirl can be a dance, every day an opportunity to feel the magic of the stage! After all, what could be more wonderful than the joy of ballet and a dash of twirly pink?

Until next Tuesday, darlings, happy dancing!

Yours always,

Emma