Hello my darling Tutu Twirlers!
It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another delightful delve into the wonderful world of tutus! This week, my little tutu-clad feet have taken me all the way back to July 9th, 1913! Oh, what a glamorous era! I swear I even saw a dashing chap in a top hat giving a lady a gorgeous bouquet of roses – pure romance!
And guess what?! The tutu, oh my, the tutu! It was simply a marvel! Back in 1913, tutus were still taking on their modern form. The classic "Romantic" tutu, with its tiers of gauzy fabric and a delicate, feminine design, was all the rage! Imagine dancing a graceful pas de deux in a flowing, pastel-hued creation - heavenly!
The tutus of the early 20th century were still fairly restrictive – imagine a petticoat underneath a stiff layer of tulle. But don't worry! Even in 1913, women were all about being daring and bold with colour and movement. Imagine those beautiful dancers swirling and leaping on stage! Talk about grace! The 'Romantic' tutu was designed to emphasise the ballet dancer's lines and give an elegant, ethereal feeling as they danced across the stage. It really was all about femininity and elegance - the tutus even looked a bit like billowing, fairytale skirts. Oh, I can just see those elegant dancers twirling under the soft stage lighting! And the music! Imagine the most exquisite symphony!
But of course, what is ballet without a little fashion flair? After watching an awe-inspiring performance of 'Giselle', I had to hop onto the grand train that brought me here in the first place (and also to find something amazing to wear!) – after all, you can't visit a vintage fashion mecca without doing some serious shopping. Just as I expected, the shops here in London were brimming with fashionable fabrics, bonnets, and, of course, all the accessories! The dress shops! My, my! They had gowns in silk, lace, and even satin – so incredibly elegant! And of course, my favourite thing: hats, headbands, and those fabulous, stylish shoes that even I – with my trusty pink tutus - could have worn. A vintage hat was the ultimate statement of elegance - and you just had to have a great, wide, brim. And with every purchase, I thought about how the ballet had truly captured the fashion and art world, blending beautifully with all of the exquisite costumes.
Of course, a ballerina on the go has to consider her tutu needs! There's nothing quite like finding the right tutu in the right colour – it simply brings a ballerina's look to life! Thankfully, there were numerous shops that stocked tulle and gauze, even with pretty bows. And guess what?! It didn't stop at those glorious fabrics; they even had fabulous corsets - such wonderful creations for those flowing tutus to show their form. A vintage corset with a tutu, oh, the beauty of that! It all spoke to the incredible attention to detail – the little flourishes on every design! It reminded me of those days when ballet was just taking off - the 'Romantic' tutu was simply born from the times. It was elegance in motion.
There's just something about a vintage tutu that truly encapsulates a romantic, fairytale quality. Even though my trip here was relatively short (after all, I need to keep my travels in the past somewhat short – especially when I have an appointment to perform at the Royal Opera House), it was a journey filled with memories of a beautiful time. If I had stayed, you just know I'd have joined in on a ballet class with those lovely ladies, perhaps learning a new routine, all whilst being wrapped in a gorgeous 'Romantic' tutu. It's truly fascinating how something so delicate as a tutu could have a significant impact on not just fashion but the whole culture of the time!
So, as you put on your favourite tutu today, remember the legacy of those early 20th-century dancers. Let's celebrate them and their wonderful, elegant, tutus - an icon that will never go out of style! Don't forget to post your tutu selfies! Don't forget, my darlings, I post every week! And don’t forget the ultimate in #TutuTuesday fun – my new ‘Tutu Tuesday’ contest! Tell me your dream tutu style! My favourite entries win a free copy of my latest ballerina guide. Now get out there and embrace the elegance of tutus - every day!
With love and twirls, Emma
XOXO
