#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1913-03-18

Greetings, darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, ready to take you on a whirl through ballet history! Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, post number 4238 (can you believe it?!). Today we’re travelling back to 18th March 1913 – a day buzzing with exciting developments in the world of dance!

As you know, my passion for tutus is quite literally, out of this world! (Did you catch me in last week’s blog where I danced alongside Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes? That was a real dream come true!) So, as you can imagine, there's nothing I love more than diving into the past and uncovering the captivating history behind these gloriously billowing beauties!

Now, let’s whisk ourselves back to 1913 – the air was alive with the sound of waltzes, the aroma of Parisian perfumeries filled the streets, and, my dears, everyone was simply bursting with * joie de vivre*!

And just as we were back then, I believe it’s crucial for us to find inspiration in the past! As an eternal optimist (with a healthy dash of, let’s say, pink-tinted perspective), I truly believe that finding joy in historical fashion trends helps us appreciate and celebrate the evolution of dance itself. So, let’s explore what makes 1913-03-18 so incredibly significant for our favourite twirling garment!

Paris in 1913! The very mention of it evokes images of billowing gowns, flowing hair, and a breathtaking Parisian elegance that made even the cobblestones feel a tad more dramatic! Oh, how I'd have loved to be swept up in the excitement of the Belle Époque, sipping absinthe with friends at a chic cafe!

This period was all about flowing lines and a gentle embrace of natural curves, reflecting the movements of ballet itself! The graceful swirls of the long, draped skirts, so fashionable at the time, provided a visually captivating backdrop for the dancer's movements! It was like the very spirit of the waltz was embodied in the flowing fabric – and wouldn’t it be perfectly enchanting to waltz across a grand ballroom in a skirt just like that!

Speaking of ballet…

1913 wasn’t just about beautiful dresses; it was an era where ballet underwent a radical transformation. That year, Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, a truly game-changing force, took Paris by storm with their electrifying performances. Their arrival marked the beginning of a modern ballet era - introducing new ideas and exciting movements to the world of dance.

Can you believe I had the privilege of attending one of their performances back in time? It was pure enchantment – breathtaking costumes, fiery dances, and, most importantly, passion for the art form that absolutely took my breath away!

Oh, if only you could have witnessed it! Imagine watching Vaslav Nijinsky execute his revolutionary leaps and turns, while the world of ballet was rewritten before our very eyes. I practically skipped out of the theatre – inspired by the sheer creativity and sheer audacity!

But enough about Ballets Russes, my lovelies – let's talk tutus! Although they were certainly evolving in style during the Belle Époque, 1913-03-18 didn’t bring a significant leap forward for the tutu’s design itself.

You might wonder, what was a tutu like in 1913? Well, think graceful layers, not yet the stiff, iconic shape you may envision when you hear the word 'tutu' today. Instead of those stiff and pointy tulle skirts, they favoured romantic designs with billowing, multiple layers of soft fabric. Imagine an ethereal cloud of tulle - a graceful swirl, catching the light and enhancing each movement, quite enchanting don't you think?!

Even though tutus weren't exactly taking on their present shape in 1913, the stage was most certainly being set for those more rigid designs! Ballet, with its new forms and exhilarating steps, needed a different sort of attire. Something lighter, freer. And the tutu was ready to dance! It was a stage for the future - just like you!

And my dear friends, if I’m truly being honest, I’ve always felt there was a connection between ballet and a love for tutus with feminism. Just a smidge!, Because after all, it's about expressing yourself, feeling empowered through your movements, and showcasing your individuality – and what better way to embrace that than with a piece of fabric so undeniably elegant?

After all, it’s in the details – the colours, the materials, and the silhouettes – that a true sense of personal style and confidence shines through. As for me, well, my pink tutu might seem a bit, shall we say, unconventional to some. But for me, it's a reflection of my own vibrancy, creativity and, perhaps, a touch of whimsy.

The power of fashion - like the artistry of ballet - has always been about expressing ourselves! And that's exactly what the dancers of 1913 were doing.

But, of course, a blog post isn't a blog post without my favourite things to do when travelling back in time - so, for my final dance steps, let's look at…

Imagine arriving in Paris with a grand railway journey from my hometown in Derbyshire, England! The smells, the views… The journey itself would be a captivating experience in its own right! Just picture myself perched in a grand carriage, adorned with my very favourite pink tutu of course (even though we’re a good few decades from the modern ballet look! Fashionistas don’t need rules, now, do they?!)

Okay, let’s not forget about the actual shopping – oh my! There's nothing I adore more than a vintage Parisian boutique! You'll find everything - the newest fashion trends for women’s shoes, stylish frocks, and, of course, hats - even some beautifully made gowns with long, draped skirts, oh, so beautiful and utterly dramatic! (Think a touch of Madame Pompadour but just a touch – I mean we do love modern elegance!). Of course, we couldn’t miss out on some lace and exquisite feathers and fur trims for a touch of theatrical elegance to adorn our very own, beautiful, ballet tutus! Then for evening entertainment, what could be more Parisian than attending the Paris Opera House? To imagine the vibrant energy of that hallowed space, watching the finest performances by the likes of Nijinsky. It’s the stuff of dreams, darlings! Of course, no evening in Paris is complete without a fabulous performance - whether it’s a play in the grand Parisian theatre or a music hall filled with vivacious dancing. (Remember those flappers I talked about last week! I’ve heard tales of their antics – we can almost imagine the scandalous dances on a grand Parisian stage!) But whatever your taste in entertainment, darling, I truly believe a trip to the ballet in 1913 would simply be divine. Until next week, dearies! Happy #TutuTuesday to all my fellow fashion lovers and, of course, ballet enthusiasts - remember, the best fashion tips come from the past. See you soon! Emma xx