#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1916-03-14

Hello my darling tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina, and welcome back to another exciting #TutuTuesday! Today, I'm whisking you back to the captivating year of 1916. Can you imagine, darling? This was the year of the First World War, but also, the year where ballerinas began to shine brighter than ever on the stages of the world!

Oh, it was an absolute joy to travel to that time! My darling, the railway carriages, with their beautiful velvet upholstery and the aroma of warm tea! And I simply couldn't resist treating myself to a new frock from the chicest milliner in London. You wouldn't believe the hats! It was so chic, I felt like I was in a fashion magazine, but then, with a hop and a twirl, it was back to ballet, and I was in Paris! The air was alive with excitement, the theaters pulsated with anticipation, and a vibrant energy crackled through the city.

You see, in 1916, the ballerina was really taking centre stage. Now, darling, you know I adore tutus! It is the most beautiful, magical piece of clothing and in 1916 they were just beginning to take their true shape! I was thrilled to find that tutus had moved beyond the simple designs of the past. Imagine! Ballerinas, instead of swishing about in heavy, layered, multi-layered fabrics, now danced with more grace and agility. Those long, flowing layers were giving way to lightweight and airy, soft tulle, offering breathtaking elegance and freedom of movement, like a dance on clouds! The perfect look to take centre stage.

Speaking of the centre stage, in 1916 the most sensational ballerinas of the time, like Anna Pavlova, danced across stages all over the world! Oh, how I wish I'd been at one of her performances. The thought of it all, the excitement, the artistry! And darling, can you imagine seeing Pavlova perform? It would have been simply enchanting. I feel so privileged to have glimpsed her grace on the stage, just like you have now!

And talking of elegance, darling, don't even get me started on the dresses! They were a dream! I can still picture myself strolling down the Champs-Elysees, awestruck by the stunningly stylish ladies of the day. They looked fabulous in their sleek, streamlined dresses, which perfectly reflected the change in dance attire.

However, let's not forget my main mission: The rise of the tutu. I could practically see the silhouette of a future ballet star, with a graceful arabesque, framed by the flowing layers of tulle! This wasn't just a dress, this was the very essence of femininity and grace. And the pink hues of 1916 were so inspiring! Everything, from a ballerina's slipper to a society dame's hatbox, was touched by a soft blush of pink!

And in keeping with the lovely femininity, 1916 was all about a romantic elegance in fashion and in ballet. You just wouldn't believe how many elegant ladies you could see strolling down the boulevard with their feather boas, delicate parasols, and shimmering satin scarves! Just as a dancer wears their tutu, these women made fashion a work of art. It's something I'm sure you all can relate to! The feminine glamour was all about soft textures and subtle beauty. Just think, darling, in 1916, everything from to the way people dressed highlighted their innate sense of femininity and grace!

My mission, my dears, is to share the magic of the tutu with everyone. Just as 1916 embraced the elegance and freedom of the ballerina's outfit, I'd love to see the world wearing tutus, in every shade and style. Imagine: a ballerina’s grace and femininity in every woman! I want to see tutus worn with confidence and grace, whether it's at a gala opening, a street party, or simply for a whimsical trip to the park.

This is why I encourage you to explore the timeless magic of tutus! They represent something much deeper than a simple garment, it's about an attitude! This is a look that captures joy and elegance - and remember darling, there is always a tutu that’s right for you, and every tutu can be a celebration of your individuality!

It would be terribly remiss of me if I did not give you some context to 1916! The Great War, a conflict which we can never forget, was raging throughout Europe. Across the ocean, in the United States of America, President Woodrow Wilson was being persuaded to send soldiers to the war effort!

Now, back in the heart of France, a charming little café on the Rue de Rivoli, with beautiful tables tucked amongst flowers and elegant lamps, was just beginning its busy service! Perhaps they would be serving their lovely pâtisserie – how divine they are! – while news from the war would have been on the tip of everybody's tongues!

That's all for this week's #TutuTuesday! I can't wait to see what new dance trends and inspiring stories I find next week. Don't forget, dear readers, be sure to share your #TutuTuesday posts with me on social media. I'd love to see your tutu style, so don't be shy!
And remember, darling, embrace your inner ballerina! There's a pink tutu out there with your name on it, so let it swirl, let it twirl, let it inspire! Until next Tuesday, darling, keep dancing!

💖 Emma