Hello my lovely Tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina blogger! I'm back again this Tuesday, ready to whisk you away to another era of ballet history, with another #TutuTuesday adventure!
This week we're stepping into the time machine, and hopping back to a rather exciting period – 10th August 1915! Imagine, a world of gas lamps, horse-drawn carriages and ladies in elaborate gowns! Now, that's a glamorous thought, wouldn't you say?
The date 10th August 1915 was no ordinary day though - it was the very date the first production of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes 'The Rite of Spring' took place at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris!
Can you imagine the buzz? A riot of colour and sound - quite the spectacle, wouldn't you agree? But that, dear readers, is a story for another Tuesday!
Today, we're focusing on the tutus. The real stars of the show! What did ballerinas wear in this time?
Picture this:
Imagine tulle so light and floaty it practically melts away into a beautiful cloud around you. Not quite like the structured tutus we see today, but flowing and whimsical – much like a dancer's movements! They had full, wide, billowing skirts with plenty of layers, designed for twirling, swirling and, of course, grand jetés! Think Maria Tallchief, Margot Fonteyn, or even our own beloved Dame Margot Fonteyn... just picture it, that ethereal grace, the movement so expressive, simply beautiful.
But, the big question - were they pink? I can imagine, at least in that wonderful Ballets Russes' company they might have been a smattering of pinks, along with the yellows and the greens, or perhaps, those gorgeous lavender shades! Maybe in that elegant Edwardian era, there was even some light coral, oh yes, there might have been some coral around, wouldn’t that be simply divine?
While I can't time travel back and try them on – you’ll find me in my lovely vintage shops sourcing a fab one, that's for sure. Perhaps I'll make a replica in time for our next Pink Tutu Performance?
I always say, you can never have enough tutus!
The world in 1915 was so different from our own, of course, with a new world of innovation, especially for the performing arts. Ballet companies like the Ballets Russes pushed boundaries and redefined what ballet could be, all the while in breathtakingly beautiful, imaginative, tutus!
Think about this - that incredible stage presence - all of it enhanced by a costume so expressive! I love how ballet costume can shape movement! It can enhance it, elevate it, give it new life...
But you know me! I love a little extra "fabulousness," so let’s bring the glamour, shall we?
Fashion Focus: Edwardian Glam
Edwardian fashions are an absolute joy to imagine, they just glow don't you think?
There was a particular "Tutu" trend! I mean not really a Tutu, but it might just catch on in the coming days!
Edwardian women often wore long skirts, quite voluminous in those early years. A particular favourite, the * Hobble Skirt! Think a gorgeous long gown that flowed from the shoulders into a tight skirt... a little difficult to walk in, apparently... oh but we, dear readers, we love a good fashion challenge don’t we? Laughs
The "Hobble" (think those fab long layers of a skirt...) had a wonderful romantic, flowing and feminine look! Think of the layers, how much fabrics were used! Oh my, we’ve got to recreate something of the Edwardian style, I say... wouldn't you?
Train travel in 1915:
Speaking of beautiful fashion... there is only one way to travel!
My trip in the time machine, is of course in the form of a very beautiful and opulent railway journey to Paris, darling! There is truly no finer way to travel!
Just imagine, luxurious carriages, all polished oak and plush velvets, a little like a fairytale wouldn't you agree? Then I love how, back then, even for travel, they dressed for the occasion. Such a delight! Hats with feathers, long coats, those gorgeous fur trimmed gloves, a fine hat box ... what style, my dear friends! Perhaps I could even use my "Pink Tutu as a train wrap, wouldn’t that be the height of fashion. Imagine the gasp of delight, and a chorus of compliments!
So that's my lovely Tutu-lovers, a little peek into 1915! If you are as inspired as I am to embrace this gorgeous history, be sure to check out my new Edwardian Pink Tutu design on our website, www.pink-tutu.com – it's a delight to twirl in!
Don't forget to show off your favorite tutus and tag #PinkTutu so we can all marvel in your delightful style!
Until next Tuesday! Emma, Signing out...
