#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1916-01-04

Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! Buckle up, buttercups, because today we're going way back to January 4th, 1916!

Now, if you think "tutus" were all about pouffy, romantic tutus like the ones we love today, you'd be mistaken! Back then, the world of ballet was very different, my dears. The tutu had not quite reached its full, frilly potential. You might find it a bit of a shock! Imagine, a ballet skirt that barely goes below the knee, more about practical movement than showing off swishing skirts and layers of tulle. That was the "everyday" ballerina outfit. Can you imagine?! Shocking, isn't it?! But as the great innovator, Marie Taglioni said, “Ballet is a powerful language." And its costume, like any good fashion statement, needs to be understood in its context.

And where are we taking our journey today? London, of course! The heart of the theatre world! Now, remember, we're talking about 1916! London was bustling with life, but there was a hint of anxiety in the air, with the first World War raging. However, the theatres still offered a welcome escape for those needing to forget the grim news of the day. It was truly the Golden Age of British Theatre.

You wouldn’t find tutus taking centre stage like they do today, dear reader. Back then, we were in the middle of the classical era of ballet, with "The Swan Lake" and "Giselle" ruling the stage. In these performances, the "tutus" were often less dramatic, clinging to the form and highlighting the beautiful lines of the dancers' bodies, often featuring short, pleated skirts, perhaps with layers of tulle beneath for movement. It’s almost as if the tutus were an echo of the skirts of the Victorian era – shorter and more modest. Now, I know that would leave most of us reaching for a few more frills and tulle!

While the world may have felt a little less glamorous due to the conflict, the theatre continued to flourish. Audiences needed a way to escape and they turned to the magic of the stage. There’s a great quote from Oscar Wilde that comes to mind: "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." And, in that sense, theatre remained an essential refuge for Londoners. It became a form of defiance, a symbol of life and creativity thriving even during tough times. It helped fuel an explosion of creativity – especially in terms of ballet’s relationship with theatre and dance - that led to exciting advancements in choreography, music and of course, costume. This is what allowed tutus to become so elaborate, and of course, so PINK! It's why we can now truly celebrate their magnificent history.

I confess, dear reader, there’s not a whole lot going on in the world of ballet on the 4th of January 1916! The major ballet companies like the Ballet Russes were on tour, spreading their artistic influence around Europe. It wasn’t until the mid-1900s that a full-blown London Ballet company emerged! Even so, London is always teeming with theatre! So, I bet we could find some absolutely charming and stylish performances on this date!

Imagine going to the theatre wearing the finest of clothes with a touch of pink of course, sitting amidst a sea of hats and feathers, and being enchanted by the tales told on the stage! It's like stepping back into a classic black and white film, don't you think? The stories and the excitement are a timeless treasure, and that’s exactly what I’d want to see if I found myself in London, back on January 4th, 1916.

Now, after this little historical escapade, don’t you just feel inspired to don your favourite pink tutu and maybe even pop out to see a ballet? You know what? Even a glimpse of those gorgeous gowns from that time might be a delightful way to get our tutu-hearts racing! Remember, fashion is a dialogue between past and present, a continuous evolution. So, if you feel like a touch of timeless elegance, do slip into a lovely pink tutu, darling! You'll definitely feel like a ballerina ready for the big stage!

See you next week with more tutu history and even more delightful pink tulle adventures, darling!

P.S. Do check out our Shop on www.pink-tutu.com, for an absolute collection of beautiful ballet wear – you can’t find anything prettier! It will bring a little sparkle to your everyday life, my dears! Don’t be shy – get those tutus ready! ✨💖