Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-obsessed time traveller, Emma, back again with another peek into the glorious history of our beloved ballet tutus! This week, we're waltzing our way back to November 26th, 1912 - a day brimming with history, fashion, and, of course, the graceful twirling of tutus.
Before we hop on the time train (a delightful experience in itself!), I must confess that pink is my favourite colour. Honestly, it just embodies all things charming and girly. And what goes better with pink than a tutu?! Just picture it: a flurry of shimmering pink fabric as you twirl across the dance floor, leaving a trail of glittery delight.
Now, let's jump into the swirling world of 1912!
A Peek at Paris Fashion
Paris was the epicentre of fashion at this time, so naturally, that's where I set off to first. Can you imagine, darlings? Stepping out of the time train into the heart of the "City of Lights", the cobbled streets teeming with stylish women in elaborate hats, exquisite coats, and elegant dresses.
My favourite part of a trip to Paris is always the fashion shows. Oh, the tutus! The designs back in 1912 were simply exquisite. Imagine layers of tulle, crafted with the finest craftsmanship, meticulously hand-sewn, and featuring exquisite detail – intricate embroideries, shimmering sequins, and delicate beading. Each tutu was a tiny work of art, perfectly complimenting the ballerina's movements, creating a truly ethereal and magical experience.
The Evolution of the Tutu
The tutu has a rich history, darlings, and it's not as simple as it seems! While we know the ballerina's tutu is a staple today, the journey to its current form was long and captivating.
The origins of the tutu can be traced back to the mid-18th century. The earliest ballet dancers, believe it or not, didn't even wear tutus. Imagine that! They'd be wearing long skirts, very different from the image we associate with ballerinas today.
By the late 18th century, these skirts began to shorten. Gradually, the shape of the tutu began to change. Gone were the heavy skirts; in their place arose airy layers of tulle that provided dancers with greater freedom of movement. The romantic tutu, born in the 19th century, featured layers upon layers of delicate tulle and, thanks to its lightness, gave ballerinas more flexibility, enabling them to express the airy, graceful style that we love.
A Time of Theatrical Grandeur
As a dedicated ballet enthusiast, you can't imagine how thrilled I was to attend a performance at the Opéra Garnier in Paris. This grand, iconic theatre was a haven for ballet and opera, filled with lavish decor, sumptuous seating, and exquisite performances. The lighting, the music, the dancers, all came together to create a captivating world. And let's not forget the tutus! The dancers' movements were even more graceful and graceful in those stunning costumes. It was an experience that took my breath away.
A Day for Celebrating Women
But wait, there's more! Not only was it a beautiful day in ballet history, but it was also a special day for all us fabulous women. November 26th, 1912, marked the birth of a legendary fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli! She was an iconoclast, daring to challenge the established norms of the time, with her designs reflecting her vibrant personality and rebellious spirit. From avant-garde designs to surrealist concepts, she certainly helped reshape fashion and pushed the boundaries of feminine fashion, and I am eternally grateful to her for that.
Pink, Pink, Pink!
Remember, darlings, pink is my all-time favourite! A sprinkle of pink here, a dash of pink there... life is simply brighter with a touch of pink. I mean, what else would we wear for #TutuTuesday than the colour that embodies feminine joy and beauty?!
Don’t forget! Follow my website www.pink-tutu.com to catch up on all the latest news about #TutuTuesday and the exciting journey of the tutu throughout history. I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into the enchanting world of ballet and fashion in 1912, Remember, you don't have to be a professional ballerina to twirl in a tutu! It's about the feeling, the expression, and a little touch of feminine joy that it brings. So grab a pink tutu, put on a pretty pink ribbon, and go out there and embrace the wonder of a twirl, darlings! Until next week!
Stay pink and keep on twirling!
Emma x
