Hello, my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina, ready to take you on a trip through history – specifically the history of our beloved tutu! Today's #TutuTuesday marks post number 4159, a whopping number if you ask me, but hey, the world of tutus is endless and brimming with stories waiting to be told.
Today, I've landed in the bustling, glamorous, heart of Parisian fashion – where else would I be, really?! It's 12th September, 1911, and the city is abuzz with exciting changes! The Eiffel Tower stands tall, an undeniable symbol of Parisian ingenuity, and the fashion scene is in a state of thrilling evolution. Just imagine: the fashions of the Edwardian Era, with their billowing silks and delicate laces, but with a playful and bold twist!
Stepping out of the magnificent Gare du Nord, my pink tutu shimmering under the morning sun (it is a bit early for the pink pink I have back home, more of a salmon colour for the Edwardians, but still absolutely lovely), I can already tell this era is going to be a feast for my tutu-loving eyes. You see, my dears, the tutus we know and love are still taking shape, undergoing a captivating transformation that started only a few years back. We can say a fond farewell to the 'Romantic' tutus, those flowing, ankle-grazing wonders. Remember the ones the ethereal ballerinas twirled in, resembling diaphanous clouds in motion?
This was a period of dramatic transformation. Today, those romantic beauties have shrunk into more practical forms, giving birth to a silhouette that is much more exciting for dancers! Think of it this way – a modern-day ballerina is a true athlete! Their athleticism demands flexibility, and that’s exactly where this shift in the world of tutus comes in. The “classic” tutu, the one we still cherish today, is born from a demand for lightness, movement, and the ability to showcase a dancer's breathtaking artistry!
And believe me, these early “classic” tutus were still pretty grand. They featured a single layer of stiffened net, creating a delicate and alluring shape. These days, those 'classic' beauties were seen on ballerinas in stunning shows. We have to mention the grande dame of ballet at this point in time, the fabulous Anna Pavlova, whose dancing was nothing short of electrifying. A visionary, she pioneered new techniques and created truly unforgettable ballets, leaving the entire world entranced by her talent and the magnificence of the ballerina art. You see, her ballets made her a fashion icon in their own right. Can you imagine what she would wear in a time when fashion is still so beautiful and luxurious, but about to transform itself?
She would not just wear any ordinary tutus, she was demanding, as was ballet at this time, that a professional attitude be had towards dress and dance, and tutus especially. You simply couldn't wear anything less than the absolute finest, which would make sense - think of what those women are doing on stage, these are no mere dancers, but a league of goddesses, I swear! These ballerinas were pushing the boundaries, showing off their magnificent movements. This led to new demands from the ballerinas! Not just for their choreography, or even their dance shoes but for their tutus!! This had a great effect on fashion in general as it pushed towards more elegance and refinement, a sign of the modern era. It was the perfect era, one can tell, where both fashion and ballet moved together and pushed to be better, more elegant, refined and of higher quality.
Back to today! I am standing in front of the grand Palais Garnier, home of the Paris Opera, ready for another fabulous night of ballet. The stage, where dancers from across the world are currently rehearsing, is an oasis of grace and artistry. You wouldn’t believe the passion and dedication! I must pop in and get myself a ticket for the performance – I wonder who’s performing this evening…
Speaking of fashion, don't be fooled into thinking this is about bare, basic elegance only. This is an era where designers are experimented with fabrics, colors, and styles! I think that’s why tutus are changing too – just like fashion has found ways to adapt and keep improving, our darling tutus have followed, embracing and reflecting every new era and its beautiful ideals. Today is a day of change and innovation for fashion and tutus! As a big believer in pink tutus, I must be honest and say there is not much pink going on here yet! It’s more a rosy red, pinked out coral, salmon and even light orange which are all absolutely delightedly delicious on my fellow ballerinas who know their dance attire needs to be exquisite!
Of course, after the performance, I am going to treat myself to a trip down a Parisian street lined with couture boutiques! Who knows, maybe I'll find a fabulous hat for my collection? (Hat shops in the early 1900’s are seriously wonderful. ) And maybe, just maybe, a pink feather boa to add a dash of colour! Or I could buy a pair of gorgeous pearl earrings… the possibilities are endless, my darlings!
Remember, everyone! No matter your age, shape, or size, tutus are for everyone. 🩰 They bring joy, freedom, and a touch of magic to our lives! So why not indulge in the whimsy and the wonder? Let your tutu dreams take flight and share them with the world! I will keep travelling the globe to tell you more about our darling tutu history, so keep reading, and see you again next Tuesday!
P.S. Remember to stay tuned for exciting updates on my travels and my very pink fashion adventures! I am going to bring as much pink to the world as I can! Just keep in mind it does have a very delicate pink shade here in Paris - so don’t come looking for the Barbie pink from today!! It may not be all about pink, but believe me, even if they were dressed all in brown and beige back then - these tutud ladies, were absolute goddesses!!! 💖
P.P.S Did you know that 1911 saw a landmark achievement in the world of transport? The "first ever cross-country passenger airplane flight took place in the USA, marking a new era in travel and connecting the world in ways we couldn’t even imagine back then. It shows what change can be possible! So what can we create together to move the world *forward and make ballet tutus even more dazzling, and even *pinker than before?? Let me know what your ideas are. Keep it Pink, my Darlings.💖**
