Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina blogger, back with another historical deep-dive into the fabulous world of the tutu! This week we're waltzing back to the oh-so-stylish year of 1912, and let me tell you, darling, the fashion scene was piping hot.
Today's #TutuTuesday takes us right to the heart of Parisian fashion. Imagine, darling, cobblestone streets, the air alive with the tinkling sound of horse-drawn carriages and the excited chatter of elegant ladies adorned in bonnets and ... yes, you guessed it, tutus!
1912 was a turning point for the tutu, and you won't believe why! Now, you know I always say that a good tutu should be all about lightness and grace, like a whisper of silk on the breeze. Well, guess what, in 1912, the actual whisper of silk was the fashion.
The Belle Époque - that's "beautiful era" for all you non-French speakers - was all about being utterly, fabulously decadent. Think extravagant ball gowns, luxurious feathers, and, of course, tutus! The sheer tulle tutus of the Romantic Era, darling, those were now taking a back seat. We're talking about layers, darling, layers. Layers of soft silk, delicate lace, and gossamer chiffon!
Imagine a tutu with swathes of shimmering fabric falling like a cascade, each fold catching the light and sparkling with pure magic! That's the vibe, darling, and it's absolutely captivating! These tutus were made to turn heads at grand balls and elaborate opera performances. It was all about showing off your curves, darling, in the most whimsical, delicate way possible.
But what about our ballerina babes, you ask? Well, darling, the ballet world in 1912 was abuzz! Think the likes of Anna Pavlova, with her captivating movements and ethereal beauty. Her legendary Dying Swan performance was captivating the world, inspiring new innovations in ballet and pushing the boundaries of movement.
Imagine, darling, a tutu like a soft, graceful feather on her, capturing every flick of her ankle, every swirl of her body! The stage was alight, with dancers becoming more expressive, more nuanced, thanks to the ever-evolving elegance of the tutu!
1912 was also a year where tutus began to leap outside of the ballet studios! Think the "fashion ballet" - a new kind of performance where dancers moved gracefully on the catwalk, presenting fashion collections. This, my dears, was where the tutu became a true symbol of fashionable whimsy and playful charm. It was an accessory, a statement piece, an art form in itself!
On the 2nd of July, 1912, however, the ballet world was holding its breath as the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet hosted a particularly grand affair. It was the launch of their new season, featuring a breathtaking performance by none other than the legendary Isadora Duncan. This woman, darling, she was a visionary, a rebel who brought modern dance to the forefront of the art world!
While she may not have worn the traditional tutus, Isadora Duncan's daring dance movements, the liberation of the body, the spirit of freedom - it resonated with the evolution of the tutu itself!
A tutu for every occasion: Back in my world, 1912 is far, far gone. But here in the modern world, darling, the tutu still holds its place as an iconic symbol of grace and beauty! You see them at all sorts of events these days, and I for one wouldn't have it any other way!
Whether you're waltzing at a ball, spinning across a dance floor, or even just adding a dash of whimsical charm to your everyday life, the tutu remains the ultimate symbol of pure joy and fabulousness. And trust me, darling, nothing brings a smile to my face more than seeing people embrace their inner tutu-wearer, letting their spirits fly like the beautiful feathers of a swan.
So tell me, dear readers, what's your favourite type of tutu? How do you wear yours, and where do you wear it? Do you share my passion for all things pink and tutu-fabulous? I simply must hear from you. Leave me a comment below!
Until next #TutuTuesday, keep your spirits high and your tutus even higher!
With love and pirouettes,
Emma
xx
P.S. Don't forget to check out my latest post on Instagram! I'm showcasing my latest pink tutu purchase from a boutique in London, just off the King's Road! You won't believe this gorgeous confection of silk and feathers!
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