#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - August 28th, 1917
Hello darling dears, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your weekly dose of all things tutu! This week, we're stepping back in time for our #TutuTuesday, and believe me, it's a trip.
Today we're venturing into the glorious August 28th, 1917 and finding ourselves amidst a world of change and revolution. The war is raging across Europe, yet amidst the tumult, ballet continues to enchant and captivate hearts, and that, my darlings, is reason enough for a Tutu Tuesday!
Now, where am I? Ah, you ask? This week I'm tucked away in the Russian Imperial Ballet in St Petersburg! Oh, how my pink tutu loves the regal atmosphere of the Mariinsky Theatre, even with the rumble of history churning beneath its foundation. I am in awe of this place, this city, it feels so alive!
The Rise of the Romantic Tutu
1917! Oh my, we're in a transformative year! This was a time of revolution and a fascinating period for ballet. It's an exciting time, even though the country's about to experience a colossal shift! And speaking of change, my darling, there's a tutu revolution brewing!
Before we continue, a little history about the tutu's beginnings!
Back in the 1800s, tutus went through some big changes. The "romantics" (as they were known, these darling dreamers of dance) decided ballet needed to be softer, lighter, more dreamy, you know, the epitome of feminine elegance. Gone were the long, trailing skirts!
And this is where the tutu really starts to bloom like a fragrant rose! Suddenly, it was all about movement and flow; we’re talking wispy skirts and diaphanous fabric. You see, before the Romantics, ballerinas wore big heavy skirts, just like the ladies in every other part of the world, and we, you know, the Romantic Era ballerinas of the day - were like: "Ugh, no! We want to soar, twirl, dance like angels - literally! "
So here it is, my darlings, the invention of the Tutu. Not as a singular event, you understand. Rather as a graceful dance from bulky, restrictive dresses to those light and delicate tulle designs we adore today.
The romantic ballet aesthetic started the transformation from the long skirts with a flurry of graceful tulle! Can you imagine our excitement? Just imagine these elegant skirts, like wispy clouds, gently lifting up as we leap, jump and whirl across the stage!
And what are they made of? Why, the lovely, soft fabric that whispers and swirls, giving us that gorgeous 'puff' or 'bell shape'?
Oh, yes, dear hearts! The ballet's journey towards a lighter look began. It took many forms - long tutus, short tutus, fluffy tutus, a myriad of styles and shapes which, thank heavens, didn’t lose their beauty. You could say they were like beautiful, graceful explosions of femininity and form, right?!
In 1917, even with the world in upheaval, these beautiful tutus are capturing hearts, showcasing beauty and elegance. They're a celebration of artistry, like tiny edible flowers blooming in the most elegant gardens!
On August 28th, 1917 ...
I can almost feel the excitement of the moment, dear darlings. The world around us might be uncertain, but I'm sure St. Petersburg is a buzz! I’d be absolutely thrilled to be dancing under the gilded chandeliers of the Mariinsky Theatre. Oh, to have the opportunity to spin and twirl in my pink tutu amongst those exquisite dancers! Imagine the stories that we, the tutus, could tell - all of the emotions of the stage and all of the wonder and grace that dances within us!
But back to August 28th. As a time-travelling tutu, what's in store for me on this glorious day?
Well, my lovelies, this day is not marked with any spectacularly important ballets. However, if you're here for the dance, know that ballet in 1917 is a symphony of stories and emotion - even in the face of turmoil, the art is a powerful tool for connection! It reminds us of all that is beautiful in the world, that passion, artistry, and sheer loveliness remain - even amongst trials and hardship.
However, this is not the only beautiful and exciting thing to consider. As a time traveler with a sweet penchant for style, I must inform you my loves: 1917 fashion! Yes! My darling, it's pure romance! It’s all about femininity and grace - delicate floral prints, flowing silhouettes, lace and velvet. The fashion sense of that time is positively beautiful! It's so beautifully graceful that you can’t help but twirl!
Think of lovely dresses with layers upon layers of billowing chiffon! We’re talking high necks, dainty sleeves - even bell-shaped skirts that look almost like ballet tutus themselves - except for, you know, less ‘tutu’.
Oh! My favourite element in all of this fashion? The hat! Oh yes, my dear darlings, in 1917, headwear is just splendidly glamorous! Feather boas, lavish large hats in velvet, even those enchanting cloche hats! The styles are both dainty and elegant, so I simply had to give them a mention.
My, oh my! Where was I? I find myself easily distracted - and we haven’t even mentioned my personal shopping adventures in 1917 (the details of which must be for a future #TutuTuesday). The streets are filled with fabulous fashions! Just try and imagine the hats, shoes, gloves and the little touches that were popular then – it was simply fabulous and so much inspiration for modern looks! It’s just so pink-tutu-inspired - oh, it truly was a lovely moment for ballet history!
A Final Twirl...
As we bid farewell to August 28th, 1917, I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you for joining me on this magical trip to the past! I do hope you enjoyed this little slice of ballet history, I’d love to hear what you think! What would your favourite part of a 1917 time travel journey? Let me know, darling dears, and don't forget to keep following Pink-Tutu.com!
Until next Tuesday, my dears!
Your Tutu-fied Time Traveler,
Emma
***
PS What will you be wearing this #TutuTuesday? Let me see your outfit! Share your style by tagging #pink-tutu and #TutuTuesday
See you next week!
PPSS Want to time travel, too? I know I fund my little travels by doing performances myself, but here are some great links to shows happening this week that I think you’d adore!
[Link to an online ballet listing of nearby events or ticket site]
Have fun, lovelies!