Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another dose of #TutuTuesday, bringing you the latest in tutu history from my latest time travel adventure!
This week I've landed myself in the midst of the glorious, opulent 1910s, right smack in the heart of Paris! It’s simply divine! All the cafes buzzing with conversation, fashionably dressed ladies swishing past, the air filled with the scent of pastries and perfume. My darling pink tutu is absolutely causing a stir! I'm getting stares and smiles all around, but frankly, dear reader, I’m rather fond of the attention!
But before we delve into the exciting world of tutu history, let's rewind the clock and see what the 28th of April 1914 brought to this exquisite city. I tell you, this date marks the opening night of "Le Sacre du Printemps" at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees - now, this isn’t just any ballet, it was an absolute revolution! Imagine it, a whole symphony in dance, a story told purely with movement. Truly groundbreaking. Of course, I wouldn’t dream of missing it, wouldn’t you agree? Though I do must admit, some of the dancing was a bit... jarring. But let’s be honest, darling, who isn’t up for a bit of avant-garde? It's certainly got everyone talking!
Now, onto the delightful topic that truly interests my little pink heart – the evolution of tutus. Back in 1914, ladies, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment! Think long, romantic tulle skirts. Imagine delicate lace. Think soft layers of chiffon. That's the picture perfect tutu of the 1910s. Gone are the stiff, starched versions of yesteryear – instead, we’re enjoying the fluidity of movement.
And wouldn't you know, I was lucky enough to witness a beautiful ballet at the Palais Garnier - just breathtaking. You should’ve seen the leading ballerina, her soft tutu flowing as she gracefully danced through the scene! Pure poetry in motion! I must say, the craftsmanship on these tutus is exquisite! Layers and layers of fabric, hand-stitched to perfection. And oh, the sheer variety of colors! From pale creams and peaches to the deepest blues and greens – I swear I even spotted a shocking pink!
However, our tutu journey doesn't end with just ballerinas! 1914 also saw the emergence of tutus outside of the ballet theatre! Fashion houses are starting to adapt the classic tutu design and turn it into fashionable gowns and dresses. Fancy a splash of colour at your next tea party? A splash of tutu is your answer, my darling!
Think about it! It's the perfect touch of whimsy. You’ll stand out from the crowd, and frankly, wouldn't we all like a touch of that? The era embraced experimentation – flappers, daring hemlines, bobbed hair – all a testament to this fascinating time. I think our delightful tutus add perfectly to this vibe. They represent a love of freedom, joy, and perhaps a dash of rebelliousness.
Speaking of rebellion, I have a confession - on a whirlwind shopping spree here in Paris, I picked up a stunning velvet cape with a matching hat, adorned with the most exquisite feathered embellishments! The entire ensemble, darlings, it just calls out to me - a combination of grace, glamour and of course, the touch of bold rebellion a true fashion icon needs! But that's another story for another time.
Let's rewind our dance back to 1914, shall we? Back then, our ballet costumes were more like exquisite pieces of wearable art than just mere clothing. The details were elaborate, the craftsmanship impeccable, and the sheer dedication to the performance breathtaking.
However, here’s a bit of a historical trivia - back then, ballerinas still adhered to the age-old tradition of wearing corsets! That's right, my darling readers! You heard me. Can you imagine a ballerina spinning and leaping while corseted up? Absolutely unthinkable, wouldn’t you agree? Luckily for us modern dancers, that rigid constraint is a relic of the past. I do have to thank the ingenuity of the corset creators, though, for sculpting such captivating forms!
So, there you have it, darlings, my peek into the glorious tutus of 1914! And I hope you enjoyed this little trip down tutu memory lane.
Speaking of trips, it's time for me to jet off on my next time travelling adventure! You can always catch my travel exploits on Instagram and Pinterest, of course! Remember, you can find a piece of this history here, in your own wardrobes. All you need is a little pink tutu to start your own journey into a world of joy, movement and freedom! Remember, darling, every single one of you has the potential to become a dancing, twirling star!
Until next week, keep twirling!
XOXO
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
