#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1918-05-28

Welcome back, lovelies, to another enchanting #TutuTuesday!

It's Emma here, your tutu-loving, time-traveling fashionista, ready to whisk you back in time for another fabulous historical tutu adventure! This week we're skipping back to 1918-05-28, right in the heart of the First World War. But don't let the wartime backdrop fool you! The world of ballet was still shimmering with creativity and grace, just like my favourite shade of pink. 💖

Today's journey finds us at the heart of the Parisian ballet scene, nestled amongst the glittering lights and charming cafes. This is the city that loves to dance, where a whisper of tulle and a flutter of feathers sets hearts aflutter!

Now, 1918 may not have been the most glamorous time, but oh my, the fashion was certainly on point! Think swirling silhouettes, exquisite embellishments, and a sense of playful defiance. It was the time of the "Belle Epoque" and its elegance was very much alive even with the dark shadow of war hovering in the background.

But how did these sartorial masterpieces, these ballet wonders, come to life? Let's travel back in time a little further, shall we?

My darling tutus have been gracing the stage for centuries, ever since the first ballerinas twirled across the French court, showcasing their lightness and grace. Imagine the exquisite lace and flowing fabrics, so perfect for the ballet's delicate artistry! But these tutus were certainly not the playful, airy ones we adore today!

In the early days of ballet, the emphasis was on practicality. Think sturdy, voluminous layers of fabric designed to help the ballerina's leap higher and stay hidden amongst the grandeur of the French court. Think more Victorian era skirt than contemporary ballerina silhouette. But as time passed and ballet began to embrace its artistry, these long, cumbersome tutus were transformed into a new breed of beauty - the Romantic tutu!

Picture it: Paris, circa 1830s. A burst of colour and romance sweeps across the ballet world as the "Romantic tutu" makes its grand debut! This elegant, short skirt – only reaching the knees or a little higher - allowed for an astonishingly different, lighter and more flexible expression of movement on stage. It emphasized the ballerina's beautiful legs and gave a whole new meaning to the graceful pliés and intricate footwork.

These tutus, often adorned with ribbons, tulle, and even floral embellishments, became a symbol of the "Romantic" era, representing freedom, dreams and the ultimate expression of artistry. And you know what, lovelies? These romantic tutus are still the foundations of modern ballet tutus, but let me tell you, they have come a long way!

From the late 1800s, the tutu began to evolve, mirroring fashion trends and adopting new embellishments, even incorporating the fashionable shorter lengths of the late 19th Century. There were also innovations in fabric techniques! For example, the popular, pale pink tutus we adore were inspired by the invention of a special shade of silk in the late 1800s, a light-catching beauty which shimmered under the stage lights. And let me tell you, this shade was every ballerina's dream back then!

And this is where we return to 1918. As the "Romantic" tutus danced into the 20th Century, they were adopted as an important part of the visual vocabulary of ballet. And it is on this very date in 1918 that one of the biggest, and most fashionable events of the ballet year, happened…

*On 28th May 1918, the famous French Ballet Russes staged a spectacular performance in Paris. *

The Ballet Russes was a theatrical and ballet company of Russians who had toured Europe with phenomenal success. This time around, they had collaborated with the renowned fashion house of Chanel to create the stunning costumes for the show, adding even more glamour and fashion edge to their performance. Can you imagine! Chanel in the Ballet! Swoon.

Naturally, darling, as your trusty tutu-obsessed time traveller, I had to take this moment to dive into Parisian fashion and dance alongside the Ballet Russes!

Imagine it! I stood backstage, amongst the swirling tulle, shimmering silks, and glittering jewels. I took a deep breath, feeling the excitement and energy radiating through the room as the dancers prepped for their entrance. And what was the centrepiece of these iconic costumes?

You guessed it - tutus! Of course! They were short, swirly and beautifully decorated with bold colours, just as fashionable as they were artistic! It was the epitome of ballet chic, and it really cemented the tutu as an integral part of ballet's identity.

As I travelled through the theatre and danced the night away in my pink tutu, I was mesmerized by the power and artistry of these early ballerinas. They moved with grace and fluidity, transforming the tutu into a whirlwind of fabric and beauty. Their costumes were works of art, adding to the already magical atmosphere.

Now, back in 2023, we are fortunate to be surrounded by endless types of tutus. There are the traditional white tutus that sweep the stage with grandeur, the romantic pastel ones that shimmer like dreams, and even the modern tutu - a fun, vibrant twist on a timeless classic - just like the kind of tutu I prefer to wear on my adventures!

And of course, I must tell you - since visiting 1918, I’ve been quite partial to the pink tutu.

*For me, it’s all about capturing the beauty, the glamour, and the artistry of ballet through a modern, bold, and fashion-forward lens! *

And that, my loves, is why I always, always encourage you to embrace your own style and have fun with it.

Think of the tutu as your canvas. It's a blank page just waiting for your unique imagination to flourish upon it. So don’t be afraid to add a touch of pink, a sprinkle of sparkle, and a touch of your own individuality.

Let's remember: the power of fashion lies in self-expression!

*And what's more fashionable than a pink tutu? Exactly! *

And that is how I left a little bit of Paris and a lot of tutus on my own wardrobe and in this space for you!

Stay tuned, dear lovelies, because next #TutuTuesday we'll be diving into the fascinating history of ballet and fashion, where I promise there will be a whole new world of stories to tell. Until then, let your inner ballerina shine and remember, you can always wear a tutu if you want! 💕

See you next week, for another exciting episode of #TutuTuesday!

Love, Emma

www.pink-tutu.com

*P.S. I also travel in style, by train, so let me know what station you want to see next week - and I will whisk you away in a delightful, Tutu Tuesday journey! *