Hello darling Tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time! I just landed in 1911, fresh from a dazzling performance of "Swan Lake" at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, where tutus are the height of fashion. Can you believe it? All the way back in 1911, this intricate, ethereal piece of dancewear was already captivating audiences.
Today we're going to take a little journey back to the origins of this beautiful garment, but not before I tell you about my outfit. My darling, I have just the most divine, fluffy, pink tutu in my wardrobe that practically vibrates with joy! It has so many tiers and layers, with each layer shimmering with the finest silk. It makes me feel like a ballerina straight out of a fairytale!
Okay, back to history, darlings. Today's date, 7th November 1911, finds us right at the cusp of an exciting evolution for ballet tutus. Whilst the famous "bell-shaped" tutus were already present, a wave of artistic innovation was sweeping the world. And this beautiful garment, this embodiment of grace and movement, was changing with it!
It wasn't always about a skirt made entirely of tulle, mind you. Tutus have a fascinating history, a beautiful story spanning across centuries.
The early roots of the tutu can be traced to the late 1500s. Imagine this: a long, flowing garment called a "Robe à la Française" that was all the rage in France, then with a little tweak – poof! a little more frilly, a little shorter – voilà! It morphed into something similar to the modern-day tutu.
A major milestone arrived in 1832, when the first true tutu appeared in "La Sylphide". Now this, my lovelies, was a revolutionary design! Maria Taglioni, a truly elegant dancer, was the one who wore it, and oh how she captivated the audience! This new tutu was lightweight, it freed the legs, and showcased the incredible art of movement in a new light.
Fast forward a few decades to the turn of the 20th century, where tutus have grown to be incredibly diverse. Now, the tulle tutu was often adorned with embroidery, sequins, even feathers! It became more about showcasing the personality of each dance, and of course, every beautiful ballerina!
Let me tell you, those ballerinas in 1911 are so talented, they simply ooze elegance and grace. Their tutus move with them, swirling with every twirl and leap. Just thinking about it gives me the urge to leap into my pink tulle paradise!
As you know, I love a little shopping, and in 1911, a new trend for tutus has emerged! Tutu shops and boutiques are springing up all over, just bursting with exquisite creations! The fabric and the colours of the tutus are incredible. There are beautiful shades of blue, green, and of course, my personal favourite - pink! I imagine them being adorned with tiny satin flowers or shimmering rhinestones. My, my, they are just breathtaking!
But here is a secret, my darling friends - these lovely little wonders are not just for the stage. You may see fashionable young ladies like me, twirling through the parks and promenades in adorable, shortened tutus, a peekaboo of petticoats and frills below the skirt, a delicate whisper of our own personal elegance.
As we head into the roaring twenties, let me whisper a little prediction. These delightful creations will continue their transformation and dance across decades with more colours, new styles, and, perhaps, a little more jazz! This fascinating journey of the tutu will continue, and we, my dears, are here for every breathtaking step of the way.
Now, let’s get back to those pink tutus! After a day of dazzling shows and exploring vintage stores in St. Petersburg, I have the best souvenir! A stunning pair of pink ballet shoes and the perfect piece of pink tulle to use as inspiration for my next project! It's time to get my hands on some tulle and start sewing, and hopefully soon I can have you all in pink tutus too.
See you next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday fun! Until then, keep dancing!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
