Hello my darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are always the main attraction. Today, we're travelling back in time to the year 1915! It's Tuesday, so you know what that means... #TutuTuesday, baby!
As you all know, I'm obsessed with tutus. They're the epitome of femininity, grace, and artistry! And today, we're taking a peek at how tutus have evolved over the years, especially the incredible history that leads up to the dazzling dancewear we adore today.
For those of you who haven't been following my #TutuTuesday journey, I'm your guide to all things tutus! I love travelling through time to explore how these amazing creations have graced the stages and, let's face it, our closets!
This week, I’m making my way to Paris, where tutus have been a favourite for quite some time. There's nothing quite like a trip to the City of Lights for a ballet performance! Imagine those gorgeous chandeliers, the buzz in the air, and the hushed anticipation as the lights dim. Simply divine!
This particular Tuesday in 1915 sees a special performance at the Palais Garnier, the grandest opera house in Paris. You know, the one with the magnificent grand staircase and chandelier, it's a ballet dancer's dream!
I imagine myself entering the foyer in my fabulous, frilly pink tutu, perfectly matched with a dainty pink hat and a feather boa, of course! All the best Parisian ladies are rocking a fabulous new trend for the season: the puffed sleeve blouse. They pair it perfectly with delicate floral details and stylish hats – what chic Parisian women wouldn't? You could even find these elegant pieces in the grand boudoirs of Parisian fashion houses, I hear. The whole scene just screams glamour, my loves!
Speaking of glamour, what did they wear for ballet back then? Well, let's rewind a bit, shall we?
The first tutus we know of were the Romantic tutus, worn around the 1830s. Think flowing skirts with long, loose layers, a bit like a graceful dream. Those beautiful romantic designs were designed to accentuate the effortless movements and the lyrical grace of ballet. Imagine swirling through the air like a fluffy, delightful cloud! I love those romantic tutus!
As time went on, though, ballet began to move towards something new. Enter The Classical Tutu! These were the iconic tutus that started with ballerinas like Marie Taglioni in the late 1830s, making them almost as old as tutus themselves. These are the iconic bell-shaped tutus that everyone instantly recognises, featuring several layers of tulle, a super short skirt length, and those beautiful, airy and weightless features we see so often. And those beautiful pointed shoes? They are the pointe shoes that first came about for the performance of La Sylphide! How could any ballet lover resist this delightful piece of history?
As we step forward to 1915, the classical tutu was at its height! Ballet companies all across the world, particularly in Paris, were embracing this breathtaking style! Ballet dancers like Anna Pavlova would move on pointe with breathtaking elegance, dancing to magical scores, wearing the now legendary short, full skirt. It just goes to show, tutus are timeless.
Today’s performances in 1915 feature some of the world’s best dancers. Imagine seeing La Sylphide (think classical, airy and whimsical) on stage! Just the very thought makes me weak at the knees! Oh, the delight, the glamour, the elegance… It’s everything a ballet fan dreams of! We're living through a golden age of ballet and a special time for these tutus to reach such graceful heights!
These amazing ballet costumes have come so far since those days. Just imagine, those graceful ballerinas, dancing under those fabulous chandeliers… just beautiful. I, for one, cannot wait to slip into my tutu and experience this Parisian masterpiece. You can count on it, I'll have an entire blog dedicated to it! I am simply delighted to be in Paris to take in the atmosphere and to find some chic Parisian clothes. I simply adore Parisian style.
I adore these Parisian ballerinas and the artistry of ballet itself, a perfect combination of dance, beauty, and history! We've learned so much today! I love history. In the future, I am going to research the Balanchine tutus, oh, I simply cannot wait for them. It's like I have this exciting sense of purpose and delight for what's ahead! What is better than the joy of finding that perfect little tutu?
This blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how important tutus are for dance today, whether it's on the stage or in your own living room. Think of the amazing sense of fun, freedom, and expression. Don’t you just want to swirl and twirl and show off your lovely dancing in a stunning tutu? And when it comes to ballet, the possibilities are endless. We have so many colours, so many shapes, so many fabulous lengths. They are so, so beautiful, my darlings!
It’s clear, tutus are not just a fashion statement; they are a powerful symbol of creativity, artistry, and sheer, feminine power! Who knew our tutu-loving hearts could find so much joy in the beautiful history of the tutu? Well, maybe not quite as much joy as in shopping for one, but still! It is fascinating to know about this ballet costume’s amazing journey through time, wouldn't you say?
That’s it, my loves! I hope you’ve enjoyed another fabulous #TutuTuesday with me. And don't forget to join me here on pink-tutu.com next week! Don't be shy about sharing your favourite tutu looks on Instagram - @pinktutublog. And for you lovely ladies out there who haven’t already embraced the tutu, well, let me say this:
“Never underestimate the power of a little pink tutu, my darlings. Wear it with pride and grace. After all, every woman deserves to feel like a ballerina!"
Until next Tuesday, my lovely lot! Stay beautiful and remember to always dance to the rhythm of your own hearts!
With all my love and frills,
Emma
P.S. For my lovely American friends, I’ll be using my British terms. We are, of course, from different sides of the pond! I’m from Derbyshire, and they still use those lovely terms such as "grand" for a special event. So forgive my dear friends in America for these delightful British-isms. But please don’t feel daunted by a few odd terms, I'll explain if anything's unfamiliar.
