Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to #TutuTuesday, post number 4149 on my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com. Every Tuesday, I whisk you all off on a fabulous trip down memory lane, exploring the captivating world of ballet tutus through the ages!
This week, we're jetting back to a summery July 4th in 1911! The sun is shining, and - wait for it - it's actually Independence Day in the U.S.A! (Remember when I went to see the Bolshoi in Moscow on this date and got caught in a torrential downpour, shivers? 🥶😂 ) But let's be honest, where's the excitement in plain ol' everyday history? So, instead, we're going to hop aboard a luxurious train to Paris, France, the undisputed queen of chic and ballet brilliance! 💖
Why Paris, you ask? Well, in 1911, the City of Lights was the beating heart of the ballet world! The legendary Diaghilev's Ballets Russes were dazzling audiences with their bold and revolutionary productions, attracting every fashion icon and society dame you could possibly imagine. From shimmering costumes to avant-garde choreography, it was truly a glorious age of artistry and grace! ✨
Can you imagine stepping onto the Parisian streets in those days? Imagine seeing these exquisite tutus, the very first signs of a new and glorious chapter in ballet fashion, dancing down the streets. Imagine the whispered gossip as the dancers glide into their rehearsals, their skirts whispering secrets about an artform about to revolutionize the world. 😍 Talk about a ballet fan's dream!
The tutus in 1911:
Think elegant, romantic, and utterly ethereal! No massive poodles or dramatic panniers yet. 🚫 But that's where the magic begins! It's all about the lines, darlings - delicate, flowy fabric billowing around a graceful dancer. The tutus were lighter, softer than previous designs, made for elegance and precision of movement. We're seeing the beginnings of those beautiful floating leaps and mesmerizing spins, and the tutu, dear friends, becomes their silent accomplice! 💖
And just imagine the colour palette! Delicate pinks, celestial blues, vibrant oranges – the tutus of this era were a kaleidoscope of beauty. They didn't need big, extravagant ornamentation - the simple flow of the skirt and the perfect shade were enough to make a heart soar! 💖
As always, let's not forget the other magic on this exciting day in 1911: The Fashion! This was a time of transformation - from the whimsical Flapper style, with its loose dresses and dropped waistlines, to the more structured, elegant silhouette. Think feathered hats, silk blouses, and decadent jewels. Every lady was trying to make a statement! 💅💄✨
It’s no surprise that our Parisian ballet dancers embraced the spirit of fashion! They wanted their tutus to not just represent an artform, but also to represent a way of life - a celebration of life, grace and a whole lot of FUN! 💖
So, here's what my fellow ballet enthusiasts, the true tutu-wearers, were rocking in their ateliers:
- Light as air, shimmering fabrics: Satin, tulle, chiffon - it's all there! They're choosing fabrics that move and flow with them, making their every turn and jump a symphony of graceful motion! They wanted to look as light and ethereal as fairies. 🧚🏻♀️
- Romantic, pastel colours: While white was still popular for purity, those ballet ladies were rocking a delightful palette of soft pastels, like pinks, blues, yellows and lavenders - the colors of fantasy and dreamland.💖🌸☁️
- Fewer frills, more flow: Gone were the days of fussy ruffles and over-the-top ornamentation. The emphasis was on the flow of the skirt and its soft, romantic curves. 💃✨
- The debut of the 'romantic tutu': The one we see all over the stage today. Short and flowy, offering a beautiful mix of romantic grace and a powerful, modern aesthetic. This was a major game changer! It marked a movement away from traditional, stiff tutus and a leap into something exciting, daring, and truly contemporary. 😍
And me, a twenty-something pink-tutu wearing fanatic in the Derbyshire Dales? Dreamily sighs I would have been dancing my heart out on the cobbled streets, wearing a dreamy, pale pink tutu, clutching my notepad and pen, recording every detail for this very blog post. 📝💖 I would've gone to the opera and even taken a ride on a Ferris wheel, all to get that authentic 1911 vibe! 💫🎡
Oh, to go back! It's this love of fashion, this excitement over these new designs, that sets ballet apart - it’s an artform that reflects and embraces all aspects of culture. 💕 And the fact that tutus are a part of this dance in time? Well, that makes it extra special. 💕
That's all from me, darlings! I hope you enjoyed our little trip back to 1911! Remember, keep those tutus ready and your dance shoes at the door - you never know when time travel might strike! Stay curious, stay creative, and always, always, wear pink! 💖🩰
Yours,
Emma xx
