#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1916-02-01

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-loving, tutu-obsessed blogger, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of all things ballet and twirling! 💖

This week, we're hopping on the time machine and whisking ourselves back to 1916. Now, this was a fascinating time for ballet. Can you imagine, it's been almost a whole century since those wonderful early days of tutus!

Before we delve into the history, a quick thank you to all of you for joining me on this journey. It truly means the world that you're enjoying my blog!

So, back to 1916... Can you imagine what ballet was like in the early 1900s? It was a world away from the sleek lines and bold movements of modern ballet! Back then, ballet was still largely associated with traditional, flowing steps and beautiful costumes.

Picture it, darling: the lights dim, a spotlight shines upon the stage, and a beautiful ballerina glides across the floor, dressed in a flowing, multi-layered tutu, shimmering with sparkling beads and elegant satin ribbons. It's pure enchantment, isn't it?

And guess what? Today is February 1st, 1916! What could possibly be more fabulous than celebrating our beloved tutus?

Tutus in 1916 were all about romanticism and elegance. We're talking exquisite craftsmanship, meticulous detail, and layers of soft tulle that seemed to float on the air. They were truly the epitome of ballet fashion!

Imagine delicate, intricate patterns woven into the tulle, soft, flowing layers gently ruffling as the dancers moved, and luxurious embellishments like sequins and crystals that glistened under the stage lights! These tutus were pure theatre.

Imagine - a brightly-coloured tutu in shades of peach, lavender, and pale pink, flowing like a cloud across the stage! How divine would that look, my dears? And did I mention the vibrant colour palettes? They were bolder than what we see today! Deep blues, vibrant greens, and passionate reds adorned the stages, creating breathtaking spectacles.

Tip: Did you know that, back in the early 20th century, dancers often used feathers and fur to decorate their tutus? Feathers would have been perfect for adding a whimsical touch to a tutu, while fur, particularly white, could add an element of grandeur and opulence. How much I would have loved to dance in such a fantastical tutu!

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a stunning ballet performance at the Royal Opera House in London, darling! Oh my goodness, it was magical! I do enjoy the convenience of hopping on a train from my home in Derbyshire to get there.

This time, I indulged in an afternoon at a vintage boutique right next to the theatre. Imagine this, darling: Rows upon rows of delicate lace and shimmering silk, tucked away amongst dusty hatboxes and antique mannequins. Pure fairytale vibes! I even snagged a gorgeous beaded corsage - you know, a must-have for a proper vintage outing! 😉

I did, of course, have to snag myself a delightful cup of tea and a slice of Victoria sponge cake! No day out is complete without some scrumptious treats! The little vintage tea room I discovered even had an elegant grand piano - just picture it! The sounds of soft waltzes echoing through the space while you nibble on a delicate slice of cake! Pure bliss!

Speaking of tea... let's pause for a moment and admire a traditional "Afternoon Tea" - what could be more civilised, my dears? I feel so much calmer after enjoying a proper "afternoon tea"! We might talk more about afternoon teas in future posts - do let me know what you think!

Did I mention that "ballet for everyone" is one of my passions, darlings? I love spreading the joy of dance and encouraging people to embrace their inner ballerina. Every now and then I teach ballet workshops at schools in London! Imagine the joy of little faces learning to twirl in pink tutus. It makes me so happy to see their eyes sparkle! 💖

Remember my dream to get everyone to wear a pink tutu? Well, I can feel that it is just around the corner. It just takes small steps, right?

And now, darling, as always, I'm eager to hear your thoughts! Do you have any favourite memories of 1916 or even 1900's dance? Maybe even a favourite vintage tutu? Tell me all about it! 💖

Don't forget, you can find my blog on www.pink-tutu.com. And of course, please join me on the #TutuTuesday journey by sharing your favourite photos, moments, or memories of tutus, or your dreams of wearing one on your blog!

I can't wait to see what next week's adventures hold! Until then, keep twirling! 🩰💖

See you all next Tuesday!

Love,

Emma