Hello darling Tutu lovers! It's Emma here from www.pink-tutu.com, bringing you another dazzling dose of Ballet Tutu History for #TutuTuesday! This week, I'm jetting back in time, not by plane this time - who could resist the romance of a vintage train carriage - to a glorious, glorious year, 1900. It's a journey through the centuries, to a time when fashion was pure magic, and tutus were about to take the world by storm!
The Year of The Tutu Transformation
This is a year brimming with big ballet changes. Back in the early 1800s, tutus were basically fluffy, pretty skirts, but by 1900, they were already evolving into the beautiful iconic dance costumes we adore today. It's all thanks to a brilliant French dancer called Carlotta Grisi. She loved being the centre of attention, and, to stand out, she requested that the long tutus of the day be shortened - creating what we now call the Romantic Tutu.
This shortened design, flowing just above the knee, let ballerinas show off their dancing prowess like never before, and the Romantic Tutu instantly became the must-have look. These new tutus, with soft, floaty tulle skirts, gave ballerinas a look of weightless, almost ethereal grace - a total contrast to the earlier heavier costumes, a bit like how a chic frock makes a dramatic shift from jeans and a jumper, if you know what I mean!
Now, while Carlotta had already had a huge influence on the fashion of ballet, she was just getting warmed up, because this was also the year that the ballet world was gripped by the spellbinding beauty of her performance in “Giselle”, the most stunning and enduring ballet. You see, it's all about the dance bringing the costumes to life - just think, wouldn't a fab outfit like a glamorous pink tutu look much better worn dancing?
London Lights & Theatre Delights
I couldn't miss out on a London visit! Imagine: bustling cobbled streets, grand Victorian theatres - it's a perfect setting for some serious Tutu spotting.
*So, let's talk tutus! How did Londoners style them in 1900? *
The fashion is all about creating that graceful silhouette! Imagine delicate silk undergarments flowing beneath tulle, paired with pretty ribbons and lace accents. Ballerinas would even add colourful flowers or a jeweled pin to their hair for an extra dash of Parisian glamour. The essence was to accentuate those lovely ballerina lines with some classic fashion elegance - it's why it's called "Romantic" - all the drama, yet all graceful!
Think, ladies, about the outfits we create for ourselves at ballet - our lovely leotards, elegant warm-up outfits, or stylish dance wear, all set to enhance how we move, all perfectly balanced between looking beautiful and moving gracefully! This was happening 120 years ago too, only more formal! And the tutus of the time - think more fabric in every outfit - they all had beautiful lace and flowers on them. In that sense, this early tutus remind me of the tutus we wear today with all the sequins and glitter. Both have a magic and a beauty all their own.
1900 London Theatres & The Perfect Tutu Moment!
You'd be mesmerized to see the opulent Covent Garden Opera House. It's one of those places you instantly picture in your mind when you think about ballet. What is more, 1900 saw an explosion of ballet across London! There was "The Alhambra", with its stunning stage productions. Even "The Empire", famous for its grand, lavish performances, was captivating audiences with its unique take on ballet. A visit to see the latest performances and explore those elegant stage dresses - that would be a spectacular way to spend a day! Just imagining how magnificent those theatre-going Londoners felt in their fancy frocks with the glitter and shimmer from their tutus - wow! And who knows what dance outfits, what magnificent tutus might be showcased - just for them to admire.
Pink Is The Colour of Tutu Perfection!
Of course, a fashion lover like me always has one burning question when I’m in any historic location - what were they wearing in pink?! You’d be amazed, though, the impact of the colour pink wasn’t quite as loud back in 1900 - at least not as bold as it is today!
Yes, it was the color of babies, and gentlemen even sported pink clothing! It represented innocence and delicacy, a feeling completely in keeping with the graceful movement and romance of ballet. Pink tutus, while not widespread in 1900, did exist. Just imagine a vision of soft, pale pink, adorned with intricate lace - perfect for those gentle, fluttering moves on stage. And imagine, just for a moment, an entire troupe in pink tutus... my heart just does a little flutter, doesn't yours?
More #TutuTuesday Treasures To Discover...
Well, darling Tutu enthusiasts, I'm already on my way to my next time-traveling adventure - and who knows where my pink tutu might be heading? I can't wait to find out, but for now, I urge you to continue your ballet journeys, exploring the dazzling tutus that have shaped this wonderful art form! And remember, it's always time for a #TutuTuesday adventure!
Time Travel Essentials
Remember those elegant tututocks I always suggest for a classy travel look? I do recommend a nice train trip - just be prepared for some strange stares - I've lost count how many times I got looks from people because of my pink tutu. I love getting dressed up in it just for fun and being bold, and if others get a laugh out of it, well then all the better! It brings a smile to my face to see their reaction. It's such a contrast from today, where there's nothing quite like tutus! They say it was like that back in 1900 too as well - lots of fashion to get people thinking how much times have changed, or how we’ve returned to those iconic shapes and forms in so many different styles!
Fashionista Travel Tips: Remember ladies, a stylish outfit can make time-traveling extra fun. If you fancy doing some Tutu Tuesdays yourself, a nice vintage frock paired with a ballet flat, and perhaps a vintage hat, are always classic fashion winners. You can even make your outfit more fun by using some tulle. Remember: Always be confident in your style, but above all - have fun with it! There's nothing more eye-catching than a Tutu lover confidently rocking the look.
The Big Tutu Secret Is....
For all those budding ballerina ballerinas and ballet fans out there - don’t you forget the greatest ballet secret of all! Every ballerina I meet, every performer I watch has a love, a desire and a fascination for tutus just like yours. That is, no matter what type of ballet - and believe me there are so many types - they will all be about this one costume.
Now, where can I go to wear my pink tutu for a day of ballet?!
It's always Tutu Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! And remember: every day is a day to twirl!
Until next #TutuTuesday, darling tutu lovers!
Emma
PS Today is the 4th of April, and I bet it’s full of ballet magic just like mine - maybe even someone wearing a pink tutu? Maybe that's just me - maybe it’s how my brain works after so much time traveling - that's all tutu and no drama - you know I love to bring in a good twist! Let’s see, it’s probably too hot for tutus right now, so it might be better for shopping and more elegant dancewear for my next trip! Let’s check this blog out and see where it goes - what do you think?!
