Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, back for another delightful dive into the enchanting history of the tutu. As always, we're travelling back in time today – this week, all the way to February 13th, 1912! I just love the idea of skipping around the historical ballet scene, observing the fashion and feeling the buzz.
Today, the air in Paris is buzzing with excitement! It's not just the springtime air, but the anticipation for a momentous ballet premiere. Can you guess what it is? Drum roll, please... That's right, it's "The Rite of Spring" by Igor Stravinsky, which promises to shake up the world of dance. Now, I know this sounds incredibly thrilling, but hold your horses, dear readers – tutus have had some real moments of revolution, but they are unlikely to make a splash in this particular performance. I'll get back to that later.
Before we talk tutus, let's dive into this date in 1912:
Firstly, a quick shout-out to those fab fashion-forward men in London! They are all sporting the latest must-have: a double-breasted suit! Can you imagine how smart and stylish they must have looked? So chic! Now, I would say it was about time those ladies on the other side of the English Channel started embracing something besides those cumbersome, frilled petticoats!
Speaking of women, and tutus, of course – the most fascinating aspect of the 1912 scene is how much more simple and practical tutus have become! You see, ladies, in the early 20th century, the Romantic tutu, all those long flowing tulle layers, began to make way for a more sculpted style, embracing what we now know as the Classical tutu. This "new" type of tutu is, dare I say, more suited for actual dancing! It’s lighter, shorter, and allows for freedom of movement, showing off those elegant, intricate ballet steps in a new way. This is especially notable at the Opéra de Paris, the cradle of modern ballet!
Think about it, darling: ballet, this ethereal, artistic expression, should allow the ballerina to move freely! It needs to match the delicate nature of the dancer and the story they tell through their steps! Isn't that delightful? The tutu has become an essential partner, supporting, complimenting and allowing that captivating dance to come alive.
It might sound surprising, but even back then, there were those who scoffed at the "practicality" of it all. Some considered this new silhouette, this streamlined shape, to be lacking in the drama of those long, billowing layers, the layers that created a certain majesty. But don't let that bother you, darling. Because honestly, the ballet scene isn't all about the grand showiness of those long, extravagant tutus - it's about effortlessness. And honestly, isn't that elegance and ease so much more alluring?
The change in style also reflected the changing societal views on women. It was about practicality, strength and agility! A woman could now showcase not just her elegance but her power through the art of dance. You're just as likely to see these modern tutus with an expressive and beautiful use of fabric with colour. Now there is freedom and boldness in design and the use of pattern. This doesn't necessarily include an overload of embellishment though - that is reserved for special occasions.
Now, darling, I do need to mention that whilst tutus are more simple and streamlined now, this doesn't mean there aren’t still moments of extravagant artistry! Those tulle layers, those bold embellishments are still a mainstay for those really dramatic en pointe routines, you know, the ones that really stop you in your tracks when they come to an end. Imagine how a shimmering silver, sequined tutu would sparkle under the stage lights! Or an explosion of colour that reflects the passion of the dancer! And let's not forget the lovely sable tippet which really adds a certain air of prestige.
Think of the evolution of the tutu as an incredible journey: from the grand, ethereal styles of the past to these graceful, powerful expressions of freedom that exist now. And just like every season's trends change, those who work within the ballet world keep adapting to showcase its ever-evolving beauty. Isn't it simply charming?
As we go back in time this week, we find more of those bold, playful patterns than those stark monochrome hues you might expect! It's all about creating the illusion of flowing shapes and expressing the beauty and artistry of dance. Can't you just imagine dancing in these tutus?
I always say, dancing is an art form for everyone, darling. So if you’ve ever even considered twirling in a pink tutu, why not join me? You might even find you love it. And maybe, just maybe, you will come to see that this wonderful world is about so much more than just wearing a tutu.
That's all for this week, my dears. I shall continue my historical explorations – you never know where I might end up! I hope you've enjoyed a glimpse into ballet's history! Until next Tuesday, keep dancing!
Always with love,
Emma
PS: I'd love to know your thoughts! Leave a comment below and tell me about your favourite tutu designs! Do you prefer the classical or the romantic style? Let's chat, darlings!
