Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another instalment of your favourite #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. Today we're taking a trip back in time, way back to 1st December 1914, to a period where tutus were already making waves in the world of dance.
Oh, darling, do you know how much I love time travel? Popping off to a different era for a ballet performance, perhaps a trip to see the "Swan Lake" at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, what could be more delightful? And of course, it gives me a perfect opportunity to explore the amazing fashion and dance history of a particular moment in time.
For this weekâs #TutuTuesday I have taken a train ride back to the period leading up to the First World War, when the world of ballet was alive and vibrant. I landed in the beautiful, artistic city of Saint Petersburg. I always adore a train journey. Something about travelling by train feels incredibly luxurious, with that comfy, clickety-clack of the train on the rails as the landscape rushes past your window - a truly delightful and poetic experience. And you know how much I love the colour pink! Pink feels so appropriate for travelling, so elegant. A bit of a statement as I strut past fellow passengers in my pink tutu - but wouldn't you agree, darlings, that anything less would just be too pedestrian?
Now, back to those early tutus. Oh, they werenât as elaborate or extravagant as the ones we have today - it's all about that tulle, of course - but they were incredibly beautiful. They gave dancers a beautiful fluidity of movement, and even if their style wasnât all that dissimilar from what weâre used to now, it was so much about the silhouettes. Just gorgeous! I can't get enough of watching a graceful dancer en pointe in a soft tulle tutu, with all that air circulating underneath. You know how much I adore that look! And to think, that style began back then. We have so much to thank these incredible dancers for.
But tutus were about more than just beauty. In this era, the tutu was symbolic. It was a sign of freedom. And who doesnât love a touch of freedom? These beautiful garments helped women of the time to embrace new ideals of beauty and expression through movement, even through a challenging historical period, the era of the First World War.
What was happening on December 1st 1914 you ask? Well, as weâre still very much in the midst of the first World War, there was lots of news about battles taking place. It's sad and awful, and certainly a reminder to be thankful for the peace and freedom we have today, to dance in pink tutus whenever we like, wherever we like! Oh, the world needs more pink tutus. I do try my best to inspire everyone to get their pink tutus on - because in the end, it's really about getting into character and embracing your own sense of self-expression!
Speaking of inspiration, you just have to watch some of the great ballets from the era. Take âGiselleâ and âSwan Lake,â both created in the early part of the 19th Century but incredibly popular during the period around our #TutuTuesday - even now! These ballets still have an immense power to mesmerize audiences - a timeless and iconic representation of grace, beauty, and emotion - and, as a fan of all things theatrical, that is really inspiring to me!
The stage presence of the performers is simply stunning. And letâs not forget about the gorgeous tutus worn in these productions. They may not be the ones you see in contemporary ballet productions, but oh darling, do they have a history!
Back then, the typical ballerina's tutu was just one or two layers of tulle, often made from the same type of material they used for gaslight lampshades, so you can imagine how impractical, but effective they must have been to wear on the stage! As youâre reading this, Iâm sure youâve probably got a image in your mind now of the tutu being very frilly with lots of layers - the way a proper ballerinaâs tutu should be. Well, think again. Those tutus, even the one with just one layer of tulle, had that amazing, voluminous feel to them. The material wasn't the only defining element. They were incredibly simple in their construction. A beautiful circle of tulle often tied at the waist and embellished with small flowers. And yes, you know I absolutely adore a bit of tulle. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine. And as a true fashion enthusiast, youâll understand.
One thing I must remember to mention is that in 1914, not only did the tutu play a significant part in dance history and helped inspire female dancers to go for more athletic styles, it had an impact on fashion too. Ballet designs were definitely influencing high fashion during the era! Even the street fashions. Think about all the graceful movements of a ballet dancer - that sense of elegant lightness and freedom is evident in the fashions of the day. Imagine an elegant evening gown made of silky, flowing materials. Think, for example, about all those ruffles! Do they not make you want to twirl? Well, tutus and evening gowns went together beautifully at that time, in a perfect marriage of comfort and glamour - so stylish, so graceful. It really was a fabulous era to be a lady, with an abundance of tutu-inspired clothing options.
These incredible garments are an absolute reflection of an era of creativity, an era in which ballet began to define the culture, the style, and even the social views of a certain moment in time - just the type of influence I wish I could spread through the world with the pink tutu. We are indeed all so lucky to live in a world where tutus have inspired fashion throughout history. They inspire my imagination today, too.
And that, darlings, is all for this week's #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. Iâll be back next week with another delightful exploration of the tutuâs influence and where in the world the tutu appeared next - I hope you are just as intrigued by it as I am!
Until then, embrace the world in your own unique style.
As for me, I am off to enjoy some vintage ballet. I found this absolutely delightful little vintage fashion show of early ballet inspired fashion in a gorgeous, tucked-away museum in Brighton that you may or may not know. There is something to be said for the unique aesthetic of those decades. Just fabulous!
I can't wait to see what exciting styles this vintage ballet has in store. I might even be able to grab a beautiful hat and feather boa at one of those fabulous vintage boutiques they have down the Brighton street. Brighton is so exciting - always the perfect setting to get my tutu in the right mindset!
Don't forget to stay up-to-date with www.pink-tutu.com and share your favorite tutu-inspired looks on Instagram with the hashtag #TutuTuesday! And remember, darlings, you are all beautiful. Just like those incredible ballet dancers from a century ago, embrace yourself, embrace your personal style, embrace your inner dancer! I'd even say get your pink tutu on if that's your thing. Life's a stage, right?
See you next week, darlings! And please do tell, which historic era would you like me to journey to next for a #TutuTuesday ballet exploration? I canât wait to get your suggestions!
Yours,
Emma x
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