Welcome back to my blog, darlings! It’s #TutuTuesday once again, and this week, we’re taking a delightful trip back in time to the shimmering world of ballet in 1913! It's my favourite Tuesday of the week, and my mission today is to explore how the iconic tutu, my beloved ballet fashion staple, was shaping up all those years ago.
As always, my pink tulle ensemble feels perfectly fitting for this journey back in time. There's just something about a vibrant pink tutu that sparks joy and takes me right back to my childhood dreams of twirling under a stage light. This week, my time machine deposited me in a wonderfully vibrant, glamorous corner of Europe – Paris, of course! It's hard to imagine a more perfect location to witness the evolution of the tutu, wouldn't you agree?
Now, if you’re picturing a ballerina wearing a grand, billowing tutu like the ones we see in ‘Swan Lake’ or ‘Sleeping Beauty’ today, well, hold that thought! While the ballet world was blossoming, the iconic multi-layered tulle masterpiece hadn’t quite reached its full potential just yet. Back in 1913, the tutus were actually quite different! They were shorter, closer to the body, and often included beautiful decorative elements, sometimes made with lavish fabrics like silk and velvet. Think a beautiful silhouette that allowed for greater movement and showed off the dancers’ legs with grace.
But fear not, fellow tutu enthusiasts, the ballet world was a whirlwind of innovation! In those early days of the 20th century, famed ballerina, Anna Pavlova, was pioneering her own signature style of ballet. She, alongside a generation of other captivating ballerinas, was pushing boundaries in their movements, creating dances that emphasized fluidity and agility. Their styles even helped shape the evolution of the tutu! Can you believe the tutus of the time had to adapt to those stunning new movements? Talk about style and function coming together in beautiful harmony!
And speaking of a harmonious balance, today’s date, September 2nd, marks a significant milestone in 1913! It was the day that the beautiful ballet theatre ‘Opéra de Monte Carlo’ opened its doors for the first time. Can you imagine how glamorous the opening night must have been, brimming with elegant patrons and stunning performances? Oh, wouldn't it have been wonderful to have witnessed such a historic occasion? Just imagining the fluttering of silk and velvet, the shimmering tutus and the dazzling atmosphere makes me want to pack my time-travelling trunk and set off on another adventure!
But before we delve deeper into the glamorous world of ballet fashion, a quick glimpse into my life outside of time travel – you've gotta know a little bit about your resident pink tutu blogger, right? This week, I’ve been captivated by a new vintage store tucked away in the cobblestone alleys of Derbyshire, where I discovered the most magnificent feather boas – perfect for adding a dash of extravagance to any outfit, whether it's a night out or a simple afternoon tea! I've already planned a delightful tea party with my closest girlfriends to showcase this stunning feather boa and, of course, my signature pink tutu. After all, it’s impossible to resist a bit of feminine flair!
But back to our historical journey… The influence of 1913 is felt even today in ballet fashion. You’ll see the legacy of those early shorter, more streamlined tutus in the romantic ballet styles favoured in many modern pieces, a true testament to how fashion trends ebb and flow with time. It’s fascinating how even the most timeless dance styles have evolved through the ages, wouldn’t you agree?
Just think, what might ballet tutus look like in another century? Perhaps they'll have incorporated even more inventive fabrics, technology, or be shaped to move and flow in an entirely new way! I wouldn’t be surprised if some daring dancers were already designing tutus that embrace those innovative possibilities. It makes me feel positively excited about the future of the tutu and its role in the ever-changing world of ballet!
Until next week, darlings, I hope you have a delightful week filled with dancing and a touch of pink! Remember, never underestimate the power of a fabulous pink tutu, and keep dreaming big – anything is possible!
Emma xx
(Don’t forget to check out our wonderful selection of pink tutus at www.pink-tutu.com! We’ve got the perfect tutu for every occasion.)
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #BalletHistory #TimeTravel #Fashionista
