Bonjour mes amis! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com and another week of #TutuTuesday. Today I'm taking you on a little journey back in time, a swishy twirling tour through the world of tutus as we celebrate a most special date: July 21st, 1914.
Oh, how the world looked so different back then! This week I've popped the time travel bubble, traded in my fancy train carriage for a steam train with those cute little seats, and arrived in…drum roll… Paris! What a magical city! Think boulevards teeming with life, cafes spilling onto the cobbled streets, and grand buildings painted in the most exquisite colours. Honestly, it's a total fairytale!
Now, when it comes to tutus in 1914, we’re not quite in the fairytale period we imagine with billowing, fluffy layers of tulle. This year, we find the tutu starting to evolve. Gone are the heavy, stiff, bell-shaped tutus that would have made dancing a true workout! We’re seeing the start of a lighter, more athletic style. Imagine a ballerina who can actually leap and turn, not just stand stiffly with a giant, poofy, dress on. We're entering the era of the ‘romantic tutu’!
Oh, darling, the romance of ballet is so in the air here in Paris. And this is where the tutu comes to life – dancing, swirling, enchanting! These ‘romantic’ tutus, although a little lighter than their predecessors, are still a real vision. We’re talking flowy skirts, elegant lines, a bit more movement. A dance where the ballerinas become graceful swans, fluttering, dipping, gliding across the stage! I must say, this style makes my tutu-loving heart sing! It's all about elegance, fluidity, and pure beauty. Just imagine, darling, this style has paved the way for those magnificent tutus we know and love today.
To understand why the tutu took this change in direction, let’s rewind just a little. The year 1882 marked a monumental shift in ballet - the birth of the "Romantic" ballet style. Imagine Giselle, a breathtakingly emotional dance of love, betrayal, and death. Here the tutu takes centre stage! But let me tell you, back in 1882 the Romantic tutu was quite different to what we're used to today. It's all about flowing fabrics, layered silk, and a slight 'bell-shape' at the bottom that lets those tutus really swing! This type of skirt makes the dancer appear light and airy, perfect for graceful movements. Oh, the drama, the emotion, and the sheer romanticism that just flows off the stage.
So back to July 21st, 1914, darling! We’re smack bang in the middle of all this elegant ballet transformation. But let's step away from the tutus for a moment. This date is quite poignant. The Great War, a terrifying chapter in human history, will begin on this very day. This is an intense time with political unrest swirling around us. In this dark moment, a simple, magical thing like the changing shape of a ballet tutu can seem insignificant. Yet, its elegance reminds us of hope and beauty, that even in the midst of hardship, grace and elegance can bloom.
What will become of this evolution in ballet? And where will the tutu lead us? I’ve had the absolute most delightful time exploring this extraordinary city, and learning about the origins of the tutu in a different time. I’ll be back with you next Tuesday with more captivating tutu history and another incredible, inspiring ballet moment. Until then, my dear friends, let your creativity fly and dream of tutus!
And of course, don’t forget, a pink tutu brightens every day. 😉
Bisous,
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to follow my adventures on Instagram: @Pink_Tutu. Let’s continue this conversation with comments, shares, and those fantastically fabulous tutu pics! And don't be shy, tell me where you'd love to time travel next!
