Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, bringing you another installment of my weekly ballet tutu history blog.
This week we’re taking a trip back to 16th January 1912 – and you can bet your bottom dollar there was a delightful flurry of tutus swirling around London Town! 😉
It’s time for my #TutuTuesday trip through time and I'm super excited about today's date, as it coincides with one of my most cherished traditions - going to the ballet! You see, every year, on this very date, the Royal Opera House in London, which has been graced by the likes of Pavlova and Nijinsky, unveils its spring season, and I’m not missing it for the world.
Tutu Trends of 1912
Let's talk tutus! Remember how I mentioned how thrilled I am to see a brand new spring ballet season launch? It was the time when ballet was really blooming, gaining even more popularity around the world. The most exquisite tutus - often crafted with the most beautiful, frilly, lace, and sheer fabrics – were hitting the stage with the elegant elegance of swans and the sheer force of nature. They truly were the quintessential symbol of grace, femininity, and artistic expression.
And guess what? That same femininity that was evident on stage was flowing into everyday life for the fashionistas! Women started wearing skirts, dresses, and blouses with ruffles, lace, and flowing lines – taking inspiration straight from the ballet. Imagine a tutu skirt with a smart blouse and a pair of snazzy heeled shoes – talk about making a statement on a Tuesday afternoon at a tea party, darling!
Speaking of fashion statements... I've had a look around at some fashion magazines of the time and - guess what I spotted - a stunning ballet tutu on a fashionable cover! It’s the kind of outfit that stops you in your tracks with its delicate details, swirling ribbons, and vibrant colours - I was even more enthralled because I have one just like it!
I just love seeing how ballet trends inspire streetwear and high fashion. Who wouldn't, though, with these magnificent pieces that blend grace and artistry in the most elegant, charming, and playful ways. If there was a way I could wear a full-fledged ballet tutu on the streets, believe me, I would be a fashion icon! And yes, this is why I spend every day hoping for a trend that would be just crazy enough to allow it!
Travel and Theatre: My Train-loving Balletophile
To reach the heart of the ballet scene - the Royal Opera House - I decided to make the journey by train from Derbyshire! Train travel has been an absolute delight! The scenery from the train window was just dreamy. Green fields dotted with red cottages and charming small towns that I wanted to hop off and explore, although that was not my intention on this trip.
Speaking of charming, let’s chat about the Royal Opera House - my second favourite place after the ballet class! What can I say? I simply adore watching graceful dancers glide across the stage wearing those magnificent tutus - the kind that you can’t resist spinning around in and dancing to the beautiful melodies.
For today’s show, we had Giselle on the program! And I must say, nothing beats a performance that makes you forget everything else in the world and lose yourself in the captivating beauty of the dance! I loved every minute of it, from the poignant scenes to the energetic jumps, turns, and captivating emotions expressed by the dancers. It truly was magical!
Keeping up with the Ballet Scene: Inspiration on my blog
Let’s get back to today’s date of January 16th, 1912, and the inspiration for my weekly #TutuTuesday posts! Why choose January 16th? Well, I know a little something about ballet and I’ve learnt that the opening of a new ballet season was such a momentous occasion in 1912 that it’s something we simply must remember and acknowledge today.
It's been a busy and fabulous few days and I've certainly absorbed a ton of new inspiration for my blog, including those delectable, dreamy tutus, new fashion trends for my next tutu-fied outfit, and so many exciting ballet pieces to write about next week on #TutuTuesday! My goal is to keep you up to date on the ballet's most incredible innovations - even if it means taking a trip to the future!
Oh, I must confess! Before I go, my tutu has received a whole lot of positive attention, especially when I twirl across the street in it. The number of curious glances and smiling faces I get in my full pink tutu - it really is a heartwarming sight. My only wish is that people would just join me on my tutu-inspired journey – and imagine that magical day when all of London is waltzing with me! 🩰😊
Stay tuned for my next #TutuTuesday!
Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com!
Until next time! Love, Emma
P.S. I have to tell you - even though you wouldn’t know it at first, these ballet shows help fund my time travel. Imagine how thrilling it would be if everyone was wearing a tutu. 🩰🤩
