Bonjour mes amies!
Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History post! Today, my little lovelies, we're taking a trip through time, specifically to September the 3rd, 1912.
Now, you know I love tutus, but have you ever stopped to think about their fascinating history? Let's grab a glass of pink lemonade and let's travel through time together, to the era when tutus really started taking the stage by storm, shall we?
Before we dive into the tutu history, I must share with you that I just returned from a divine train journey! You simply must experience a first class train ride - such elegance and sophistication, like stepping into a ballroom of cushioned seats and sparkling crystal glasses.
My darling, there's nothing more romantic than watching the landscape flash by from a large bay window, whilst nibbling on dainty finger sandwiches, of course.
The countryside is bursting with vibrant colours this season, like the blooming heather on the hills, it truly is such an inspiring scene for a creative mind, and especially a ballerina mind, wouldn't you agree?
So, onto our historical journey. Let's put on our metaphorical time machine (you wouldn't want to travel in a tutu on a steam engine train! You never know how dusty it might get! ) and set the dials to September 3rd, 1912, just a few short decades after the 'Classical' tutus of the 19th Century began appearing!
Now, my dears, September the 3rd in 1912 is no ordinary date. It is the birthday of a truly phenomenal ballerina, Anna Pavlova!
Imagine, dear readers, this was an era of legendary ballerinas, a golden age for dance. The elegance and beauty of these artists would fill our dreams for years to come. The stars were shining bright for our dancing friends, particularly for Anna Pavlova, who at the tender age of twenty-three, was already making waves with her talent.
Anna's style was a true departure from the classical ballet traditions of the past. We're talking a light and fluid style, grace personified. And it’s all made possible thanks to that enchanting tutu!
By this point in the early 20th century, tutus had taken a dramatic turn in their form. You could imagine that a dancewear designer was holding a handful of tulle fabric and wondering what she could do with it, to express the fluidity of movements and the artistry of ballet! The answer came in the form of a much shorter skirt, that reached only halfway up the thigh - allowing for an unbelievable amount of movement. The beauty of this design, for me, lies in the emphasis on the lower limbs and that iconic pointwork!
Just try to imagine the artistry of the ballerinas in their tutus back then - it was a visual feast, just as enchanting as it was a performance! They’d pirouette and float across the stage, the movement of the tulle making their performances truly spellbinding.
Can't you imagine what an iconic moment that must have been, my loves? Ballet, tutus, and the most elegant dance style of the time. Such a wonderful period in history!
My sweet peas, I promise, I will dedicate an entire post to the legend herself, Anna Pavlova, soon. But, for now, imagine the artistry! How did that new tutu make such an impact, you may ask? It was not just a new design, no no, it was a reflection of a new, a bolder era in dance. The tutu became the outward expression of the powerful female dancers! It allowed for movement and strength and the grace that only true elegance possesses!
But my dear fashionistas, it’s not only Anna we must celebrate. September 3rd was also the day, 27 years prior to this date, that the French painter, Edgar Degas, was born. You all know how much I love my arts! The work of Degas was so captivating, it inspired even the greatest ballerinas of our times - in fact, Degas truly transformed the way the ballet world viewed these women! Imagine how amazing it must have felt to have the likes of Degas capturing your delicate ballet steps on a canvas for all eternity. It's truly an incredible legacy.
And it’s those delicate steps and artistry that continue to captivate the fashion world and my wardrobe to this day, you know! Even modern designers take inspiration from the tutu! After all, we’re always looking for ways to embody that femininity and flow, especially with the fabrics. We need that ethereal beauty for the perfect ball gown, or even that dreamy chiffon dress for a summer garden party! And guess what - we have Degas to thank, or rather, the ballerinas! Their exquisite style has become the foundation for fashion, even decades later!
Don’t worry my precious fashionistas! We’ll continue to revisit these pivotal moments, celebrating those influential artists, designers, and performers, of course. But today, I shall keep it concise, we can celebrate Degas and Anna's legacy another day.
My beautiful friends, tutus were more than just garments; they were powerful expressions of female strength and artistry, especially with their evolving design in the early 20th century! Now that's a statement of power for any generation, eh? It’s so wonderful how much the beauty of dance has had a direct impact on all our lives, even through something so simple yet exquisite, as the humble tutu!
And guess what, lovelies! To mark my love of tutus, fashion, and dance, I have a very special surprise for you - a 15% off discount at my favourite department store, 'The Maison de Mode', until next Sunday, and let's just say that they have a rather amazing tutu selection in the 'A Dance With Destiny' Boutique! It will have all the styles and colours of the new season! I’m not just talking tulle here, ladies! They’re carrying new styles made of delicate silk and cotton too, and it’s a little piece of paradise if I do say so myself!
So, before I have you all dancing in my imagination and spinning around, my darlings, remember - wear a tutu this week, share your joy, and be sure to stop by next Tuesday for our next instalment! Let's embrace that femininity, celebrate dance, and most importantly, remember the tutu story!
Bisous, Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don’t forget, it’s ‘A Dance With Destiny’ boutique at The Maison de Mode this week. I recommend you arrive by the afternoon to make sure you get the best pick from the collection! Remember to show the staff my code ‘Emma’s Tutu’ and your pink tutus shall be discounted, even for those special fabric and embellished styles I mentioned! And don’t forget - be bold, be adventurous, and have a delightful time choosing your own dancing outfit for the new season!
