Hello darlings!
Welcome to #TutuTuesday on pink-tutu.com, where we delve into the fabulous history of tutus, those glorious expressions of swirling tulle and elegance. This week we're stepping back in time, and landing, appropriately, at a balletic crossroads. Buckle up, as this is post number 4324 - which feels absolutely delightful! I'm your fashionable time-traveling guide, Emma, from sunny (okay, occasionally cloudy) Derbyshire, ready to sprinkle some tutus across the ages! 💖
I'm sipping my Earl Grey in the heart of Paris, the centre of fashion and, naturally, ballet. It’s a balmy Autumn day, the leaves are just starting to turn and there’s a chill in the air, but a brisk walk with the crunch of fallen leaves is enough to warm the toes. Today, we’re taking a peek into 1914. A date rich in history – even for us tutu enthusiasts! What's more appropriate, a century ago, than an exploration of the dance world? And, no, darling, it’s not what you're thinking, not THAT World War - although, we did have our own personal dramas backstage, as you’ll see!
But let's rewind first to earlier in the century and take a gander at what was going on in the world of fashion and, importantly, tutus. As we know, the early 20th century was a tumultuous time, with wars changing the face of the world and women fighting for equality and their rightful place in society. However, what doesn’t change is the captivating world of the tutu! It still twirls, twirls and twirls! 💃
Let’s hop in our time machine and journey back.
A Ballet-tiful Look at 1914!At the turn of the 20th century, ballerinas had their own particular style of tutus. Picture flowing lines, romantic ruffles, and an abundance of tiers. I am, of course, talking about the Romantic tutu – a look born out of the Romantic period in ballet, from 1830 - 1870. The style is so dramatic, so graceful, almost dream-like - think wispy layers, and more delicate designs, so feminine and alluring. Think, if you will, the delicate tutu, where lightness, not height, is everything! The Romantic tutu was like a cloud dancing around your legs, and a sight to behold! It is the precursor to the iconic tutu, the one we associate with the image of ballerinas, but this one has a more flowing, draped feel. It was designed to emphasize the dancer’s long and graceful lines.
But wait, don’t let me take you on a long, and rather dull, history lesson. Let’s chat fashion. The fashion was also transitioning - from the Victorian era to the Edwardian, where we saw fuller silhouettes, corseted waists, and the introduction of the hobble skirt, the Gibson Girl look, the very fashionable shirtwaist! * This style was inspired by the art nouveau aesthetic. Now imagine a tutu designed around that concept, *oh my, simply sensational!
However, real progress happens. By the first World War, things began to change - slowly but surely. Women were taking on jobs that men were typically performing and even participating in the war effort as nurses and auxiliary soldiers! They also adopted shorter, tighter and more fitted styles, and tutus went with the trend.
By the way, did you know that the most coveted ballet school was, in 1914, and arguably to this day, the Paris Opera Ballet? Oh, I love the opulence, the beautiful and intricate dance moves! Ballet is all about grace and beauty - it has captivated audiences all over the world, especially when we have a spectacular pink tutu to catch their eyes!
Spotlight On...But back to our main event. Let’s see what’s actually happening on this very date – 10th November 1914! This, my lovelies, is the very date that Diaghilev’s famous Ballet Russes – an innovative dance company known for its flamboyant style and, dare I say, radical interpretations – premiered their interpretation of the story of Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen! It was such a daring and unusual spectacle at the time, they used lavish costumes that were simply to die for - *feathers! Jewels! Bold colors! * Just the things I absolutely adore! This performance became known for its daring blend of choreography and art deco style and, my darlings, was quite the scandalous production in 1914 - we're talking tutus of all colors and a veritable explosion of sequins! Imagine a ballet that was all about drama, history, and passion – what more could you want?
Of course, at pink-tutu.com, we know what we’re looking for - a pink tutu. Unfortunately, the 1914 costume design didn't go for pink tutus - maybe next time! Although the stage and the theatre, and the very fact that we are in the Parisian Ballet’s domain means we are certainly dressed to the nines! I can guarantee that those costumes, for this specific production, had some serious tulle involved. Let’s take a closer look!
I would imagine that Diaghilev's Cleopata included several dancers decked out in tutus, each one with their own flavour of elegance! Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen was likely clad in a tutu of royal blue, with some added gold trim and shimmering rhinestones - all a-sparkle for this dazzling performance! But let's not forget her entourage. They were likely outfitted in shorter, fuller skirts, with layered tutus, maybe white, and possibly pink, of course. The more layered and multicoloured the skirt, the more decadent it would appear on stage. Imagine the flowing, vibrant, dramatic dance moves - so mesmerizing! They might have been more contemporary than the Romantic, with a slight flare in the form and movement, but just imagine the pink tulle in 1914. It would have been the highlight of the entire production!
I can only hope to experience it again someday! My trusty time machine is already scheduled to bring me back. This is going on my wish list! 😉
So there you have it – a tutu-tastic trip down memory lane!Oh, my dear lovelies. That brings us to the end of this Tutu Tuesday’s post - I hope you've enjoyed the adventure into ballet history and discovered something new about those iconic tutus!
Do remember, this is your blog too! Join the conversation by letting me know your thoughts. Have you ever worn a pink tutu? Which tutus are your favorite - maybe, one from this time period, or the modern ones - or something in between? Are there any shows, ballets or productions you think I should check out, on my time travel travels, so that we can discover some incredible pink tulle fashion, maybe something that we can even learn from! I love getting your feedback and seeing your comments on the website - so don't be shy, darlings! And, if you're not already, follow me on social media to get regular updates, glimpses of my exciting ballet-filled adventures, and so much more! And of course, visit the fabulous pink-tutu.com to continue our exploration into the delightful world of tutus. You’ll find loads more blog posts to entertain, enlighten and encourage you on your journey to embrace the power and wonder of a perfect pink tutu. Until next Tuesday, be sure to wear something pretty!
Emma
P.S. - If you really like tutus, head over to our Tutu Gallery, and you’ll see that all those stunning photos of ballets, ballerinas and everything that’s tutus are just a click away. You are going to love it! 😘
