Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another dive into the glorious history of our beloved ballet tutus! This week we're twirling back to 10th June 1913, and oh my goodness, what a year it was for fashion and dance!
This is post number 4250, believe it or not! That's over 80 years of blogging for you! (It can be tricky being a time traveler, darling. Luckily, tutus and trains go hand-in-hand. You see, the best thing about travelling through time? Being able to spot a real fashion trend coming before everyone else and, well, a ballerina can always make a few bob through performance fees!).
But anyway, back to our journey, wouldn't you agree this is such a thrilling date to explore? It was right at the start of a wonderfully decadent era, with women blossoming in their expression of style. Can you picture it? It's a Paris evening in June. The scent of freshly baked croissants lingers in the air, the sun setting behind the Eiffel Tower. Women in their exquisite gowns are heading to the Grand Opera House to witness a performance that'll transport them into a world of grace and elegance. Imagine it, darlings - it's sheer magic!
So, what's going on in the ballet world? What tutus are causing a stir in the Parisian theatre scene?
Well, back then, we're really talking about a turning point. 1913 was a period of enormous change. We've already got the likes of Anna Pavlova taking the stage and, let's face it, if there's one person to influence the world of ballet fashion, it's Anna Pavlova! The famous tutu, you know, the one that’s almost synonymous with ballet, is in the process of transforming! We're moving away from the heavier, romantic era styles. The tutus are becoming more simplified, lightweight and delicate, focusing on a refined elegance. Can you imagine the freedom it gave dancers?
And, this year, our darling Anna’s style – known as ‘le style Pavlova’ – really blossomed. There’s this wonderful sense of flow in the movements, almost like a ballerina in a light summer breeze. Her choice of materials was bold for the time, but beautiful – she went with satin instead of the old stiff, bulky fabrics. And do you know what? It helped dancers move with even more elegance and grace, almost like dancing on air! Talk about innovation, huh?
Think of the wonderful textures! The tutus of 1913 were made of chiffon, satin and tulle. Such lightweight and fluid fabrics allowing dancers to leap and turn with effortless grace. Honestly, my darlings, these fabrics must have felt like a dream to dance in!
Remember, for centuries, the colours were the rich dark ones of royalty. And now, can you believe it, pink is creeping in! I tell you, darlings, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen a graceful ballerina dance across the stage in a blush pink tutu! Oh, it's divine! It's such a refreshing take on ballet, moving away from the traditional reds, blacks and golds and allowing the softness of ballet to take centre stage.
Now, let’s chat about some other fascinating trends around the year of 1913! Firstly, we are getting away from that long, heavy Victorian style of dress. In fact, in this period, we are already seeing some exciting changes! Hemlines are rising. Think loose silhouettes! It’s like fashion is mirroring the move towards less structured movements in ballet! We're looking at styles that are both comfortable and incredibly flattering. Can you imagine the excitement of women moving with a new-found freedom of movement, embracing practicality, but keeping the femininity. They really were pioneers.
Now, imagine heading out to a fabulous theatre performance, a little ballet performance perhaps, and seeing this trend. What a statement to see the delicate floral patterns gracing a silky dress, paired with a light and floaty tutu, all set against the rich backdrops and glistening lights of the theatre!
So, the stage is set for some real elegance. What’s more? In June of 1913 we have one of the greatest ballets ever performed - Le Sacre du Printemps - also known as "The Rite of Spring". You wouldn't think from the title it’s about the ballet and dance! You see, when Stravinsky wrote the music, he really took ballet in a new, radical direction. Forget those dainty tutus – this is earthy, primeval music that just about shakes the floor! And that caused such a commotion – and even a near riot in the theatre! (What can we say, darling? The Parisians loved a good scandal.)
But it did something quite extraordinary. It proved that ballet could be so much more than just the elegant twirls and gentle steps! The whole ballet community was suddenly aware that dance could push boundaries.
And as we continue to journey through time, the ballet tutu continues to transform and inspire us!
Of course, it wouldn't be a true #TutuTuesday post without a touch of Emma's advice. This is a time for exciting, playful experimentation, and so when you see a fashion you adore - try it out! Whether you’re venturing into the wonderful world of theatre or just popping down to the local supermarket for some croissants, never underestimate the power of a simple pink tutu. Trust me, a hint of tulle is just the touch you need to make your look truly unforgettable! And don’t be afraid to break the mould. As with the tutus and ballets themselves, don’t be afraid to play around with colour and style to find something you truly adore. Let your creativity take flight!
Don't forget to join me again next Tuesday as we journey deeper into the enchanting history of our beloved tutus. It’s going to be so much fun, darling! But, for now, be sure to have a glorious, pink-tutu-filled week! Until next time, xo
Emma
P.S. I found myself on an adventure recently, darling! While strolling through Derbyshire I discovered a truly magnificent antique shop crammed full of the most delectable clothes and accessories. A pink velvet tutu? Oh my goodness, it was perfect for me. And it goes without saying - you know a pink feather boa just had to come home with me. Isn’t it fun, discovering these treasures from the past!
P.P.S. Please follow me on my Instagram page - pinktutu.life - where you can catch snippets of my life, fashion, and the little secrets about my life as a time travelling ballerina. (It's not all tutus and trains, you know!) I always look forward to hearing from you too - please leave a comment, send a message - you'll never believe what I saw the last time I went through the space-time continuum! (A giant poodle wearing a tutu!)
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