Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! Today we’re taking a little trip back in time – the year is 1911, the date is 5th September, and oh my, what a glorious day it is! I am, as always, wearing my favourite pink tutu. It’s the one with the silk layers that just whisper, “Look at me, I’m a beautiful ballet dancer!"
Right, let’s go back in time to the world of fashion. Think silk, feathers, ruffles, and corsets! 1911 was a real high point in fashion history. The ladies were looking absolutely divine. Dresses were long, luxurious, and flowing, with lots of intricate lace detailing, creating those stunning silhouettes. You might not see a lot of the leg in a 1911 ensemble, but the beauty was in the drape and detail. This time period had the most breathtaking, elegant gowns.
And speaking of breathtaking, have you ever seen a real ballet performance from this era? The costumes… simply exquisite! A vision of romance! While it wouldn't be quite like a tutu of today, the movement of a beautiful 1911-style ballet skirt could take you straight to the ballet studio.
Imagine a stage, lit with twinkling spotlights, dancers with elegant poise in long tutus that seem to shimmer with every movement, each graceful spin, each elegant leap... pure magic! There’s something truly special about a ballet costume – it’s all about form and flow. It's all about showcasing the dancer, a bit like a fashion model but more graceful!
Let’s talk tutus! We are officially on a #TutuTuesday quest to take over the world one tutu at a time. Today we’re focusing on that time period around 1911 - you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing something as short as the tutu we know and love today, at least not on a main stage! Ballet dancers are wearing gorgeous full skirts – often called ‘Romantic’ or ‘classical’ tutus. There’s lots of netting and layering, so think more volume and movement rather than something skin-tight like today’s tutu. These long tutus had multiple layers, the outer layer often a fine net with a single or double layered stiff net underskirt creating an amazing shape, some dancers would choose a single layer under, giving more fluidity of movement. Remember it was about that fairytale grace!
Speaking of fairytales, how about the magic of a train journey? The 5th September 1911 was a time for train travel in Britain. My trusty little railway carriage always makes me feel like I’m stepping into a fairytale! As I look out the window, the English countryside goes rushing by – think rolling hills, charming villages, and a touch of steam from the locomotive – and a pinch of adventure, it really makes for the perfect setting for a magical journey. It’s so nostalgic. Maybe this is the day that a famous ballet dancer would’ve stepped aboard, ready to go and captivate audiences!
I have such fond memories of going to ballet performances. A night of grace, elegance, and breathtaking movement, it's a truly captivating spectacle! Every step is a little bit of magic!
There’s nothing I love more than dancing on stage, the whole performance! I also find myself drawn to a beautiful tutu shop – let me tell you, that shop is my paradise! Sometimes I even bring my sketchbook to the shop and just sketch what the perfect tutu for me would look like!
Let me ask you, darlings, do you enjoy wearing tutus?
Now I must be off! My #TutuTuesday posts are getting longer and longer but I want to give you as much info on #TutuTuesday as possible! Let’s have a chat – tell me what your favourite things about a ballet tutu are! What’s your dream tutu? Send me a note to
Remember to keep dancing, and wear pink!
Love, Emma.
xxx
