Hey lovely people! It’s your favourite pink-clad, tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back again with another captivating dose of #TutuTuesday history! Today, we’re hurtling back in time to 21st March, 1916 - a pivotal year in the evolution of the tutu we all know and adore!
So, settle in with a cuppa and a scone, because today's story is a real twirl-tastic tale of how the iconic ballet garment took a giant leap towards its modern shape. Buckle up, darling!
From Bustle to Ballerina:
Imagine, if you will, a world where ballerinas are swathed in layers upon layers of bulky fabric! That's precisely the scene I'd have stumbled upon had I travelled a few decades further back. Tutus in those times were more like glorified "bustels" - massive skirts that barely let you twirl, let alone perform a grand jeté! Can you imagine?
However, around 1910, there was a real sea change in the world of ballet. The arrival of innovative, revolutionary choreographers like Vaslav Nijinsky and Sergei Diaghilev changed the game entirely! They challenged tradition, broke down barriers, and, most importantly for us, demanded that ballerinas move!
Gone were the days of rigid, restricting dresses. Enter the new generation of dancer, the woman who could pirouette like a spinning top, who could leap across the stage like a bird, who could show off the beauty of movement, unimpeded by bulky clothing.
Enter The Tulle!
And here’s where our story takes a truly exciting turn! 1916 was a year that marked a decisive shift. Leading Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, a true icon in the world of dance, started to champion a brand new kind of ballet skirt. Gone were the layers upon layers. Pavlova, with her impeccable sense of style, chose to use a single layer of delicate, transparent tulle for her new ballet costumes. A single layer!
This revolutionized the world of ballet. The ethereal grace of Pavlova and other leading dancers was accentuated by the floating, effortless beauty of these revolutionary, revolutionary tutus! They danced with new freedom, showcasing the artistry and skill of their movements in a whole new light!
Back to my Time!
So, imagine the delight when I saw a young lady with a beautiful tulle skirt in 1916! We know those delicate layers and swirly shapes weren't entirely invented in that moment - tutus have a much richer, older story - but this year marks a pivotal time in their evolution. The evolution of the tutu wasn't about invention, but refinement, a relentless march toward a lighter, more liberating and ultimately beautiful silhouette that accentuates the graceful dance steps so beautifully! I’m so lucky I can enjoy them with every new dance and ballet performance.
My darling Derbyshire folks! Don't forget, everyone can wear a pink tutu! If you find a nice shop in Bakewell (I highly recommend exploring their fantastic boutiques for some new season styles!) then please buy a fluffy pink tutu! It'll brighten up your day! You can be just like the lovely, iconic dancers like Anna Pavlova!
Oh, I can’t wait to tell you about another ballet performance I recently saw! Speaking of London...I just have to say the royal ballet performance of Swan Lake was divine. I’ll tell you more next week when we discuss tutu-related gossip in 1958 - a momentous year that you really must know about! And to all you budding ballerinas out there, go for it!
I’ll be off now - I have a train to catch. Off to Milan for another performance! The travel is a delight - you know how much I love travelling in style! And when you travel, think about tutus and ballerina stories. It makes your trip more magical, I promise.
Until next Tuesday, dear friends! Stay pink and stay twirling!
Love, Emma
[Insert pictures of ballet performances in the 1910s and ballet shopping at a Derbyshire shop in Bakewell - remember that Emma should be pictured wearing her signature pink tutu in a modern image!]
