#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1914-12-15

Welcome back, lovelies, to another #TutuTuesday on Pink-Tutu.com!

This week, we're waltzing back in time, darlings, to the year 1914. Oh, what a time it was! With gaslight shining down the cobbled streets of Paris and London, everyone was wearing exquisite outfits, especially the lovely ladies. Just picture it, the elegant sway of silk dresses, feathers adorning hats, and of course, the ever-present sparkle of… a tutu? Well, maybe not quite a tutu yet, but certainly a hint of what was to come!

You see, dear readers, the tutu story is much more than a dance. It’s a whirlwind romance with fashion and a true testament to how things evolve in style. So, today we'll travel back to a time where dancers were starting to embrace new designs, even if some things, like long tutus, remained unchanged! This is the 4,329th post in my journey to get everyone wearing a pink tutu. It’s not just a dancewear item for me. It’s an emblem of femininity, playfulness, and pure joy!

On December 15th, 1914, what were people wearing?

Think delicate lace, frothy feathers, and a touch of Victorian charm. That’s the image that springs to mind. Of course, if you were a dancer in the opera, a much fuller skirt would be your stagewear companion!

Today’s fashionista would likely call the skirts of 1914 “layered” or even "couture.” But we have to admit that these styles weren't all about being practical – they were absolutely magnificent and oozed glamour, darling! It reminds me of the iconic image of Anna Pavlova on stage. I can't wait for the next time I see her dance!

I’ve already been fortunate enough to catch a ballet performance by Madame Pavlova. Seeing a ballerina's movement grace a stage, in their glorious tutus, just sparks so much creativity! But enough about me! Let’s delve into the history of tutus in 1914…

From the Classical to the Romantic: Tutu Twists and Turns!

The world of ballet was certainly undergoing its own revolution in style. Picture these gorgeous dancers wearing those long and billowing skirts of the classical ballet period! They weren’t exactly conducive to intricate pirouettes! So what was the solution, you ask? A little change called the romantic tutu.

You could say it's the ‘great-great-grandmother’ of the modern tutu as we know it today. The Romantic period was an explosion of creativity in all aspects of life, especially fashion and dance! With the advent of the romantic tutu, things started getting…well…more interesting.

These were skirts reaching to the calf, made with fine fabric, lighter and flowing – oh so dreamy! Think of delicate lace, satin, and chiffon, the epitome of grace and elegance. And as much as I love those long classical tutus for the Victorian romanticism they embody, I have to say, the romantic tutu, well, it was certainly much more fun! The shorter length allowed the ballerina’s movements to become fluid and showcased their intricate legwork. It gave the dancers such freedom, much like a contemporary ballet dancer, and was a beautiful transition towards modern styles.

But my journey through time tells me, things weren't as simple as a sudden change! Even as these “modern” shorter tutus gained traction, dancers still favored longer skirts for their ethereal presence, you see, it wasn't a total discard of tradition.

So, where does this leave the tutu we know and love today?

Well, my love for tutus started in 2023! It was an explosion of vibrant colors and playful styles. Imagine a canvas where movement was not only danced out, but celebrated! We could dance, jump, and twirl with complete confidence, which makes me grateful for all the pioneers of dance fashion who led us to this freedom!

I have to tell you, I have a real passion for 19th-century ballet. The designs then were beautiful! As I wander the halls of London’s Victoria and Albert museum, I love admiring all those beautiful garments, especially those on the dancing figures from the 18th century. Some designs are so exquisite, and the craftsmanship that goes into making these delicate tutus, I just marvel at it! We see those influences carried through in what we see today. And we are incredibly lucky to have the heritage of these ballerinas before us!

*Just like the wonderful journey of the tutu, fashion itself is a never-ending, never-ending story! I just love getting my tutu shopping on whenever I get a chance. *

What a journey we’ve taken on this #TutuTuesday, darlings! But here I have to remember, 1914, as delightful and sparkly as it seemed for some, was not a year without darkness. In fact, it was when a very somber and destructive world war was unfolding. This was certainly a time of great change. As dancers adapted to a more streamlined tutu, society faced a dramatic change itself.

Yet, one thing that endured is a beautiful element that shines brightly even through the gloom - the magical artistry of the ballet. Even with those changes in styles and life itself, it served as a glimmer of joy.

This TutuTuesday I’ll remember the year 1914, with its intricate fashion and enchanting ballet! It reminds me of how captivating beauty is - no matter the year.

And as always, remember darlings, never let anyone tell you can't wear a pink tutu. You are beautiful, you are elegant, and you are just fabulous! And, be sure to follow my journey across all the Pink-Tutu social channels. Just like a ballerina spins, I’ll keep twirling across the decades!

See you next #TutuTuesday! 🩰💖