Hello, darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we're twirling through time, one shimmering tutu at a time! This week, we're stepping back into 1912, a year bursting with dance and drama. Grab your teacup, settle into your most comfortable chaise longue, and let's waltz back to a world where tutus were just starting to take centre stage!
From Derbyshire to Paris: A Journey Through Time
As a Derbyshire girl, born and bred, I'm used to seeing the countryside roll by from the window of a train. This week, however, my train journey was a little different. Yes, I managed to squeeze in a little time travel. 1912, that was my destination! This is the year that ballet started its real ascent to popularity. Gone were the days of corsets and itchy velvet; a new era of grace and beauty was upon us, and guess what took centre stage? You guessed it: the humble tutu!
Paris: Where the Tutu Shines Brightest
I found myself right in the heart of Paris, where the air is thick with the scent of freshly-baked pastries and the murmur of excited chatter. Now, the tutu wasn't invented by Parisians, no sir! It has a fascinating history stemming back centuries, but this era in Paris was all about letting the tutu shine in its full glory.
Enter the Russian Revolution!
Why was the tutu taking over? Well, there were a couple of key players: the Russians! They were coming over in force, these talented ballet dancers. These were the people who knew how to move a tutu and create pure magic on stage. Imagine, all these fabulous performers, swirling through their steps, each movement highlighting the beauty of the tulle, like so many whispers of delicate dreams.
Tutu Transformation:
Before the Russians arrived, the tutu was more like a "skirt" than the fluffy wonder we know today. It was all about covering the legs, more like a petticoat than something airy and elegant. It's truly remarkable how it changed over the decades.
Where Was My Pink?
Now, the only problem I found with 1912? Not enough pink! The tutu was mainly white, which is perfectly elegant, of course. But you all know my favourite colour, right? This is a bit of a personal mission of mine: get the whole world wearing pink tutus! It's about a joyful colour, full of life and beauty. So maybe we'll travel back a bit further and find those early tutu prototypes. Maybe I can persuade them to add some pink… hmm, something to think about for next week’s #TutuTuesday!
Ballet of the Day: "The Swan Lake"
There is nothing quite as romantic and mesmerizing as Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake." It truly was the masterpiece of the time. Imagine being transported to a world of grace, tragedy, and the breathtaking elegance of the Swan Queen. Oh, to feel those magical tutu feathers brushing against your skin! I found a beautiful performance on 26th of March and spent the evening simply enthralled by its sheer beauty.
*Shopping Extravaganza: *
The streets of Paris are always filled with wonder, and it seems, they only ever get more exciting. Oh, the colours! Oh, the fabrics! One word for all the exquisite garments - gorgeous! And of course, the Parisian boutiques showcased their latest fashion designs, many including the new, lightweight tutus. I spent the afternoon exploring the world of elegance, a true haven for any sartorial adventurer!
Fashion in Focus: The Empire Waist
What else was I spotting on this fashion voyage through time? You might have heard of this - the "Empire waist," a beautiful design, high up, giving you that elegant flow and movement. It perfectly complimented the delicate movement of the tutu, highlighting its flowing form.
My #TutuTuesday Takeaway:
This journey through time, this trip back to 1912, was truly inspirational. It's given me so many ideas for my own creations. The 1912 Parisian elegance, coupled with the magic of Russian ballet, truly cemented my love of the tutu. Now, excuse me while I try and incorporate some pink empire-waist designs for my next collection!
See you next week, lovely ladies! Stay fabulous, stay pink, and remember, life is a beautiful dance, so twirl with passion and joy!
Yours truly, Emma, from Pink-Tutu.com
