Hey Tutu-licious friends! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, back again with another #TutuTuesday installment of my Ballet Tutu History blog!
This Tuesday (12th November 2019 - quick, make a note in your diaries, darlings!), I'm whisking us back in time to a period where the tutu wasn't just a symbol of grace and elegance, it was the must-have fashion accessory for any self-respecting lady. This is going to be a real history lesson with a sprinkle of sparkle because it involves one of my favourite things in the entire world - the French Belle Epoque era!
Oh la la! Who doesn't adore this era? It was a time when Parisian life was all about swirling, dancing, and wearing fabulous clothing (especially for women!).
But back to tutus… during the Belle Epoque (roughly 1890-1914) these airy, twirly garments moved from the stage onto the streets. It was the epitome of the glamorous fashion of the era and let me tell you, women loved them!
But why, Emma? Why were tutus so popular during this period? I hear you ask. Well, let's dive into the ballet history for a moment. The romantic and classical ballets were at the height of their popularity and the iconic tutu, a symbol of delicate beauty, innocence, and light, mirrored the themes and emotions of the era.
The Belle Epoque period coincided with the time when tutus first evolved into the iconic, shorter, and poufier style we adore today. They were no longer the long, practical, layered dresses worn by early dancers - oh, the advancements! They were made from tulle and stiff net, perfect for displaying the beautiful lines and movements of the dancers, making their leaps and turns even more mesmerising.
Imagine - seeing women of all ages swirling and dancing around in their charming tutus, a sea of billowing white and pink, as they saunter down Parisian boulevards. That's exactly how the trend was born.
It wasn't just in France where the tutu caught the imagination. This trend spread throughout Europe and the world - and trust me, women were obsessed. I can even imagine ladies from Derbyshire, where I’m from, trying to mimic the style with homemade tulle creations and perhaps a pinch of tulle and lace here and there, ha ha!
Tutu designers and artists took inspiration from the world of ballet. There was a frenzy around "ballet-inspired" dresses, gowns, and even hats, shoes, and accessories all incorporating the feminine and enchanting air of the tutu. It truly was an exciting time for fashion! I love those little hats that sat so jauntily on a woman's head with tulle or feathery decorations that reminded everyone of the lovely tutu shape. And did I mention how absolutely adorable those early ballet pumps were, just so perfectly dainty and elegant, with beautiful rosettes or ribbon trims? Swoon!
I wouldn't be a good #TutuTuesday blogger without indulging in a spot of time travel! Just for this special post, I jumped into the DeLorean (well, not exactly, more like a rather dusty steam train… ) and landed in Paris just in time to witness this remarkable tutu boom. It was incredible, the air buzzed with an almost magical energy as the sound of music poured from every street corner. Imagine - elegant cafes, beautifully dressed ladies in pastel-hued, tutu-inspired frocks sipping coffee in the dappled sunlight and artists sketching graceful women, their tutus billowing in the breeze. The charm of Paris and the allure of the ballet inspired an almost impossible-to-replicate fashion era, wouldn't you agree?
Oh, darling, but that's not all! My trip to Paris revealed a delicious piece of fashion history that made my heart sing with joy!
The most remarkable find of the trip? Madame Caroline Gräfin von Wachtmeister. Who, you ask? Let me tell you - she's one of the most famous names in ballet history! Caroline wasn't just a passionate lover of ballet and tutus; she was a dancer herself, trained in ballet, and a devoted champion for ballet. This amazing woman even created her own school of ballet, and this wasn't just for society ladies to have some fun - her students trained hard and competed professionally. Caroline was a powerhouse of grace and a truly amazing role model for women of that time!
To immortalise her passion for the stage, Caroline decided to launch the ultimate tribute to ballet in all its glory… A collection of tutu-inspired jewellery! Yes, you heard me right! She designed an array of stunning necklaces, earrings, brooches and even headpieces featuring the most gorgeous miniature tutus crafted from delicate gems and precious metals. It’s such a beautifully graceful style, one that is perfect for today's fashionable tutu-loving ladies as much as it was for women a century ago. And let me tell you, if you're planning a fancy costume party this year (maybe something like Grease or The Great Gatsby, or even Grease Meets the Great Gatsby ha! ha!) you could definitely re-create a similar look for the party! Just imagine! The look could be truly show-stopping. I may even give it a try myself...
Back to this week’s topic! This Tuesday, the 12th of November 2019, marks a day full of fabulous dance events around the world - from spectacular ballet performances to delightful dance workshops! Imagine, you too can get involved, just like those Belle Epoque women! The beauty of ballet lives on! The tutu remains the symbol of feminine grace and a whimsical dream and you, my darling, are living that dream!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pink tutu and get ready to dance!
I am absolutely ecstatic to share this fascinating history of tutus with you! I love spreading the message of pink tutus, graceful fashion, and joyful ballet to every corner of the world! And, darling, please remember - don't be afraid to wear your tutu, embrace your inner dancer, and remember…* every day is a perfect occasion to twirl!*
Stay Tutu-licious, and see you next #TutuTuesday! 💕💖✨
Emma
