#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1914-09-01

Greetings, darling Tutu Lovers!

It's me, Emma, your pink tutu-clad time traveler, back with another enchanting delve into the captivating world of ballet and, of course, our beloved tutus! This Tuesday, I’m whisking us all the way back to the 1st of September, 1914 - a fascinating period in the ballet world. Oh, and if you haven't heard, I absolutely adored the new French perfume “Chérie” that I found on sale in a Parisian department store - a wonderful compliment to my blush-pink tutu, I think!

As always, my darling readers, you know I simply must tell you about what my journey through time has unearthed about ballet. But before we take a trip back to the glorious ballet of 1914, just a quick note from my pink-tutu-clad self.

It's officially Tutu Tuesday and I've been eagerly awaiting this trip back to a historical time when ballet tutus were really coming into their own - an absolutely lovely era for dance fashion! Just picture yourself: stepping into a lavish theatre, your eye catching every glimmer of lace, satin and tulle that swirled on the stage. Oh darling! Just imagine how exquisite it all looked.

September 1914. World War I had just begun, throwing the world into turmoil. It was a very different era - no internet, smartphones or electric vehicles! Imagine life without those - well, not that I could ever live without a good dose of social media. But back then, in 1914, ballet was going through its own form of renaissance.

You see, this time was a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Even with the war looming large, the world was still captivated by ballet - particularly in Paris and St. Petersburg, the epicenters of this magnificent art. Think opulent costumes, meticulous choreography and the rise of powerful new ballerinas. The world of ballet was certainly a sight to behold.

Back then, a beautiful ballet tutu was considered not only an instrument of grace, but also a statement of class. They were the ultimate in femininity. It was the age of the “Romantic tutu,” you see.

Ah, the "Romantic Tutu" - the name evokes a world of delicate grace and fairytale beauty. Imagine yards upon yards of diaphanous tulle flowing around the ballerinas as they twirled and leapt, their movements both strong and ethereal. In those days, these beautiful tutus often flowed almost to the ankles, adding an elegant fullness and soft drama. Just imagine that - a skirt of fluffy, tulle goodness as you twirl across a dance floor. Pure ballet magic. The colors then were as elegant as ever. Pale pinks, creamy whites and exquisite blues all worked their magic. It was such a visually charming time for ballet!

Just picturing a ballerina with a wispy, white, “Romantic” tutu gliding through a scene… absolutely sublime, isn't it?

In 1914, many of the world’s famous ballerinas were creating and perfecting these beautiful tutus - such a lovely, light-as-a-feather look. You can't say they haven’t stood the test of time! You’ll find many designs inspired by the “Romantic tutu” that are still popular today. And while we may not be as extravagant with tulle in our tutus nowadays, they remain an important part of any dancer’s attire.

But as history unfolded in 1914, a shift was beginning to take shape - in the world of fashion and dance, there was an evolving sensibility about ballet tutus.

The tutu was evolving – becoming both shorter and more practical for dance movements. Ballet techniques had become more intricate. The tutu became more than a statement of beauty. It now needed to move and flow effortlessly with the dancers. As a dancer myself, I know the challenges of those early tutus! The fabric must allow for an exciting blend of power, precision and beautiful movement!

And then, just think, it wasn't long after 1914 that those iconic pas de bourrée movements needed that much-loved shortened tutu to take flight! Those beautifully shortened and precisely cut tutus allowed those graceful, precise and expressive ballet moves - the moves you love - to really shine through! Ballet as you see it today began to emerge in those days.

Imagine, dear readers, being transported to 1914 in your prettiest pink tutu, arriving by train (much more fun than flying!), hopping out in the midst of Paris or St. Petersburg. You could watch performances, get lost in exquisite art galleries and delight in the city’s latest couture! Oh, those beautiful dresses!

That period of the 1900s is really where so many of today’s favorite dance and design elements come from! In this year, a beautiful collaboration of art and music formed to capture the audience’s attention and that was how this period in dance became something quite special - I truly think those ballets would have you utterly entranced!

Now, who says I'm the only one that can time travel in my tutu? My advice? Let's all be time travellers together. Try dressing like the ballerinas in your dreams - and then tell me, how do you feel? Powerful? Graceful? Ready to leap? Or even just utterly and beautifully glamorous!

As I always say, wearing your best tutu (and a beautiful shade of pink!) is an instant confidence boost! And if that isn’t reason enough to wear one, then, well… maybe you just have to come along with me on one of my journeys to 1914!

I’ll leave you with this final thought for #TutuTuesday – The world of ballet was incredibly innovative in the time period we’ve explored today, darling readers, just like how all you tutu-loving enthusiasts are innovative every single day!

Remember, everyone is born a ballerina in some way - even if it’s only to the music inside their heart!

See you all next Tuesday - it's time for me to dance away!

Emma