Greetings, darling tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing historian, ready to take you on another dazzling journey through the fascinating history of ballet tutus! Today, we're travelling back in time to January 12th, 1926, a date that, believe it or not, has a little something to do with the evolution of our beloved tutu. Buckle up, darlings, because it's going to be a truly delightful trip!
Now, if you’re imagining a world brimming with full-on fluffy tutus like you’d see at the Royal Opera House today, think again! Back in 1926, we’re talking more about what we call the "Romantic tutu". It was all about billowing layers of soft, gauzy fabric, and it really emphasised that graceful, almost ethereal style that captured the spirit of romantic ballet. Imagine swirling, flowing skirts that looked like they were practically taking flight. Absolutely dreamy, right?
Imagine it, lovelies, London, 1926. I’ve just taken the train from Derbyshire to be in London for this event. My parents are the most wonderful, supportive people - Mum bought me this divine pink dress and hat, and Dad bought me these lovely opera gloves that really bring the outfit together, which are simply perfect to wear for today’s grand occasion, the premiere of "La Dame aux Camélias". Yes, you heard right, darling, ballet history in the making! It's a big day for the ballet world because this production by Mikhail Fokine marked a move towards realism and a more, let’s say, grounded style.
Let me paint a picture, my dear readers, the majestic Covent Garden, with the twinkling lights of the stalls and boxes all glittering and reflecting the warm glow of anticipation in everyone’s eyes. Imagine, you lovely lot, how everyone gasps when the ballet dancers, clad in elegant yet understated attire, waltz onto the stage. They weren’t quite as full-blown tutu-ed yet, mind you. More flowing skirts with an added touch of practicality! The whole audience was practically on the edge of their seats. And after it was all done, I just knew I had to rush to a dress shop and find a piece of this ‘realism’ that I had seen in this show. It really caught my eye, darling!
But wait, my little tutulettes! This romantic style that I've mentioned – it was just a whisper of a beginning to the full, glorious tutu that we know and love today. Imagine if the dancers, in the year of 1926, had actually worn these larger, billowing creations that we see on stage nowadays! You know what? I bet there would have been some interesting tales to tell… maybe a couple of minor mishaps on stage. Perhaps some tulle got caught on the scenery, who knows? I'm picturing the dancers getting tangled up and almost floating into the orchestra pit! Oh, the drama, darling!
It’s so interesting to think about how the ballet world changes over time. Imagine if I were able to bring a couple of the tutus I wear today to this premier? The faces of the audience would surely be full of delightful bewilderment! You could say that the tutu's journey has been as exciting as a perfectly executed grand jeté, right? Every single change has been just as beautifully bold and captivating!
After my adventures at the premier, I made sure to head down to one of my favourite London dress shops to grab a new dress to truly add that je ne sais quoi, darling, to my new style! Imagine a pretty blue dress that I wore the next day to a matinée with Mom. Now, we have this lovely ritual: We go shopping in London and then head to a matinee. It’s so utterly darling! We pick up some gorgeous biscuits in the dress shop for after the matinee. I think we need a ‘Pink Tutu Morning Matinée Ritual’, right darlings?
And before you head off, do take a look at my last few tutu blogs if you’re wanting to see more history on the wonderful evolution of this magnificent garment. You will find some of the posts to my #TutuTuesday blog are already online at www.pink-tutu.com, darling!
And don't forget, everyone can be a little bit fabulous, just remember to add that little touch of pink! I'm here to share all of my tututively inspired style advice. Until next time, darling tutulettes! Happy twirling!
