Hello my darling Tutu Lovers!
It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another delve into the glorious history of the tutu. Buckle up, darlings, because this week’s journey takes us right back to February 20th, 1917. Fancy a trip to a different time, on a steam train? Of course you do! Come with me, I’ve got my fabulous pink tutu on and it’s going to be a right old hoot!
I must confess, darling, that the journey to 1917 wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. As always, finding an event to perform in took some serious time-travelling savvy. And, wouldn't you believe, in 1917 there wasn't much to be found in Derbyshire. The Great War was raging and so a little slice of tutu bliss was more elusive than a misplaced diamante.
It took several time jumps before I found my footing. Turns out, a fabulous benefit performance for the war effort, nestled amongst the elegant ladies of London was my ticket to the past! So I'm in London this week. I had a little flutter on a rather stylish, slightly frivolous, but utterly charming dress, (think flapper dresses in delightful silk and tulle!) just perfect for London socialites, even if they aren’t entirely aware of the tutu’s power yet.
And I absolutely adore the train journeys. My lovely, comfortable compartment, perfect for getting the perfect Instagram post out the window! So relaxing after performing. You all know how much I adore travelling by train!
Speaking of London! Have you heard the one about the "Ballet Russes?" These Russian dancers arrived in Paris in 1909, causing a whirlwind of artistic revolution. Well, it turns out they weren't just showing off, they were wearing tutus like no one had seen before! The idea of the tutu had taken shape earlier, darling. Think about the Roman dancer who wore tunics, later adapted to become our iconic tutus! A tiny touch of inspiration.
Back in London 1917, tutus were everywhere. The beautiful designs of the Ballet Russes are taking the world by storm, all inspired by their unique approach. Gone are the layers and layers of petticoats - these tutus are sculpted and sleek, like a feather on the wind! They were shorter, with a lightness and grace that was completely revolutionizing the dance world. Imagine that level of impact - truly mind-blowing.
It was all about the dancer you see! It was no longer a stiff, layered, costume. These ballerinas were light and free and powerful!
Speaking of iconic designs, my absolute favorite are the chignon tutus You’re a chic bunch and of course you want a peak! A chignon, as those delightful, slightly haughty ladies call it, had to be tied in a tight, stylish bun over the back of the head, darling. It adds an elegance to any tutu! The back was all about shaping a graceful silhouette with cascading ruffles that reached the ankles - utterly dramatic! This elegant twist was perfect for ballet’s star players and made sure they were admired from every angle.
Of course, all these changes happened with good reason! I wouldn't dream of being disrespectful. But in 1917, the stage lights were so much brighter that dancers needed the sleekest, sharpest, most dazzling, glamorous *tutus for all their dramatic beauty. This era, darling, *all about movement and power! They were cutting out any old-fashioned fussy elements to give ballerinas real control and grace in the spotlight!
The other real innovation happening here in 1917? Tutus of every color imaginable! It's truly wonderful, just picture them. This isn’t the days of only white tulle, no, no, no! They were experimenting with colors - rich pinks, deep reds, and the bluest blues. My own delightful pink is absolutely making waves - they say you can't see it when I dance. Not sure why! Perhaps a hint of the future, and the arrival of pink for everyone.
Darling, just the other day I spotted some darling young ballerinas who simply love how I style my hair. "If you want a glamorous chignon, use hair pins - it can really lift the look". Well, a real "I know things from the future" feeling hit me. So of course, I had to give them my own secret blend of pink-infused hairspray for an absolutely spectacular, perfectly formed chignon! My pink tulle tutu is becoming so popular and so are my special skills as a hairdresser.
The beautiful women of London have caught onto this gorgeousness, of course. It’s all about dressing right to watch the very best ballerinas in their tutus and they’ve got it down to an art form, darling. Even men in these days have picked up a touch of elegance and style!
I tell you, 1917 is absolutely abuzz with tutus - they're being worn on stage and off the stage - every fashion event and even, wait for it... tea parties. Every stylish gentleman, lady, and lady’s companion knows this. They just know.
And did I mention that the ballet itself was experiencing a sort of rebirth at this time. I’ve already mentioned the Ballet Russes, who truly transformed the landscape of ballet. Now they were a global sensation. Their style was all about power and freedom, their choreographies captivating hearts across continents!
We are on the cusp of modern ballet darling! In another century (or, as we all know in a blink of time in the tutu timeline), ballet would change to match our world. Tutus became streamlined, powerful, expressive! That’s why tutus hold their appeal. Every twist and turn has such a rich story! And oh my, what a tale it will be.
But before we whisk away back to our own era, I have some absolute necessities for your very own Tutu Tuesday! (Who doesn't love a checklist? Me! Always!)
Emma’s Must-Haves for Tutu Tuesday:
- A truly gorgeous pink tutu – don't you dare go anywhere without it!
- Something dazzling – diamonds, sequins, beads… whatever takes your fancy, just sparkle
- A hair accessory that speaks of a dancer! Ribbons, ribbons! (If it’s not already in your hair)
- An absolutely perfect chignon – elegant!
- And most importantly... a touch of pink
Keep your eye on our Instagram and TikTok channels for all the amazing pink tutu fun!
Till next week, my darlings. Don’t forget - stay pink!
Your Favourite Pink Tutu-Loving, Time-Travelling Ballerina Emma.