Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the glorious history of the tutu, that exquisite piece of dancewear that makes our hearts skip a beat.
It’s me, your resident pink tutu aficionado, Emma, bringing you another serving of #TutuTuesday history. Today, we're going back in time – well, literally back in time, to be precise. It’s 1916! Fancy a journey, lovelies? Buckle up! I just love a good time travel escapade in a pink tutu, you know? It gets me a bit of that Parisian je ne sais quoi and everyone is just so lovely. (Of course, I don't quite tell people that I’ve literally stepped out of a time machine, it just gets confusing. ) As my trusty pocket watch chimes, we’re landing right here in – wait for it, darlings – Paris! Ah, la ville lumière… how I love its glamour and grace!
It's been a bit of a whirlwind this time, darling. Imagine a flurry of train journeys and delightful, yet surprisingly efficient, French steam trains to take me to the City of Lights! As a Derbyshire girl born and bred, let’s just say, travelling through those grand train carriages has been the height of luxury. Think embroidered damask, velvet seats, delicious boudoir-like ladies’ compartments, the air perfumed with fine French perfume – pure heaven!
May 16th, 1916 – A Peek Into Parisian Dance
Okay, my lovelies, as a true tutu enthusiast, let's talk ballet! It’s fascinating to me, this time period. The year 1916 – I love these times! This was the period just after the era of legendary ballet superstars like Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky who are considered the pioneers of ballet in the modern era! It was a period of tremendous transformation in the world of ballet and tutus in particular. We are going from the more romantic ballet styles like the Romanticism of the earlier period, and embracing the more structured, innovative and experimental approach of Modern Ballet. This period marked the evolution of the tutu into the graceful, flowing garment that we know and adore today. Can you imagine the thrill, the utter joy in being part of this evolution, my dears?
Here in Paris, dance and theatre was a social phenomenon. In fact, this evening marks the 105th anniversary of the premiere of a brand new work, ‘Le Sacre du Printemps’! The Ballet Russes – yes, these lovely dancers brought you some absolute legends – Vaslav Nijinsky, Serge Diaghilev and Igor Stravinsky were just some of the superstars! But let’s rewind a few days to 29th May – that’s when Anna Pavlova, another ballet icon, graced Paris’ Theatre Champs-Élysées with her ballet performances, in a show featuring some absolute pearls of her performances: The Dying Swan, The Bacchanale, The Dance of the Little Swans - Ah, this ballet was so beautiful. Just hearing these titles sends shivers of joy through my soul!
Style and Shopping:
Oh, this 1916 era - so fashionable! Just look at this gorgeous Parisian woman with her bouffant hair and flapper-like bob, topped with such stylish feathered hats, and dressed in elegant dresses. Their styles just beckon to me - they radiate sophistication, effortless grace, and that Parisian glamour. Imagine! A timeless beauty and a flair for elegant outfits.
And who can resist a good ol' French shopping spree? Parisian department stores were abuzz with customers - imagine, a veritable haven of exquisite fabrics and garments. Silk, lace, and delicate embroidery galore - just divine! And speaking of tutus... you wouldn't believe the lengths the performers went to for that perfect, swishy silhouette. The fabric, oh, the fabric, darlings, that was key in those days! Think layers of soft tulle – light, airy, and billowing. And that perfect blend of the romanticism of the past and the modernism of this time – a bit of je ne sais quoi just there.
The World's Love Affair With The Tutu!
I'm just smitten by how people are captivated by dance! All this time-travelling makes me so proud of our tutus – they are just symbols of passion, of graceful movements, of the purest art of dancing, the sheer magic we see in ballet! And I've gotta admit, you know me – pink is my all-time favourite! It radiates so much happiness and cheer, don't you think, darlings? Just like a ballet performance - all joy and brilliance! I believe tutus, my little darlings, have an inherent beauty - a romantic charm and an irresistible sparkle – and that's what I aim to spread - The Joy of Tutus, and a love of ballet.
If you have the chance to experience a live ballet performance in this period – take the chance. I bet you'll feel a surge of emotion, a sense of excitement just as I did – and everyone should experience the joy of ballet, don’t you think, dears?
The Tutu and The Time Traveller!
Well, my dearest friends, the pocket watch is ticking. And I must fly, literally fly away for now, to my next tutu adventure in this gorgeous timeline! As I take a leap into the time portal - I want you all to consider, to embrace joy in every aspect of life. It's important to surround yourselves with things that inspire you, to embrace a passion for beauty, whether it's ballet, music, dance, art or everything in between, you just glow in it, and don't forget – *never shy away from your pink tutu! Until we meet again, be bold, be confident and remember – it’s never too late to start dancing your way! Love always,
Emma.
PS: Please, my dearest tutu-loving fans, do share your love for this art form by adding your own thoughts and stories in the comments section below! You can follow me on our pink tutu fan pages on Instagram and Facebook. Remember to add #TutuTuesday to all your posts, and remember, to be your most gorgeous and fearless selves! 💕💖
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