Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, my dearest tutu-loving friends! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another trip down memory lane, this time focusing on the fabulous tutu!
Today, 14th April, 2020, marks another significant day in tutu history, and oh boy, you're in for a treat!
Remember last week when we discussed the romantic, whimsical tutus of the 19th Century? This week, we are heading into the early 20th century to see the evolution of tutu styles that defined the beginning of a new era for the world of ballet!
As a ballerina with a passion for both history and, of course, tutus, nothing thrills me more than to unearth the stories behind these iconic garments.
This week I found myself in beautiful Vienna. I must say I simply adore this city! Imagine waltzing down the streets, Vienna’s magnificent architecture providing the most stunning backdrop. I had to slip into my prettiest pink tutu (because, honestly, what’s more magical than a waltz in a tutu?) for my stroll and I received the warmest smiles and the most beautiful compliments from the locals! They said my outfit perfectly complemented the city’s romance.
And of course, being in Vienna meant seeing a performance of Swan Lake, by Tchaikovsky, at the exquisite Vienna State Opera. Talk about a truly unforgettable experience! Seeing the graceful ballerinas gliding across the stage in their classic tutus made my heart soar! It's such a privilege to travel back in time, witness these remarkable performances, and to truly feel the enchantment of a bygone era!
Now, let's get back to the tutu's fascinating story...
The Early 20th Century and the Birth of the "Romantic Tutu"
You know how much I love my tutus, right? It's no wonder then that I absolutely adored the "Romantic" tutus of this era! You've got to understand, by 1900, the tutu had started to shed its old-fashioned, rather restrictive silhouette.
This century brought a surge in the popularity of tulle – this delicate, sheer fabric just begged for ethereal designs, giving the tutus an air of romanticism!
The new-wave "Romantic tutu", as we now affectionately call it, was characterized by a fitted bodice and multiple layers of tulle that were carefully manipulated to create soft, flowing lines. The result? Absolutely captivating.
Can you imagine yourself as a dancer, flitting across the stage in a tutu of pure white tulle, illuminated by stage lights, captivating audiences? Absolutely breathtaking!
"The 'Tutu' Transformation" - A Tale of Innovation
In the 1910s and 20s, the ballet world began embracing modernism, influencing dance and, inevitably, costume design. The ballerina’s tutu had become a captivating instrument of expressive dance!
A truly iconic movement of this period came from the world-renowned Ballets Russes. Did you know the name derives from the fact that they were founded in Russia in 1909, later becoming immensely popular all over the world? They were revolutionary in terms of costumes, using colourful silks and exquisite detailing.
The Ballets Russes, with the artistic brilliance of Diaghilev, introduced “ The Skirt Tutu.” Imagine layers and layers of layered chiffon or tulle – a real showstopper! But this skirt wasn’t simply a traditional skirt. It had these fantastic swirling shapes with lots of draping and volume, a true symbol of expressive movement in ballet!
I'm sure you can just picture the sheer artistry! And talk about the visual impact! The colour combinations and the captivating details? Simply stunning! This period was truly all about exploring the full potential of the tutu, bringing about a fresh, new visual language to the ballet stage!
Travel Tip!
Speaking of journeys and ballet... Remember how I love my travels? I’ve got a top travel tip for all of you: always pack at least one fabulous tutu in your suitcase! Trust me, no matter where you are travelling to – a dazzling pink tutu can add a touch of sparkle to any location. Just like my stunning pink tutu added such a spark to Vienna!
I’m just getting warmed up! We still have so much more tutu history to cover in the 20th Century. But I have to hop on that time-travelling train for now. I can't wait to explore more fabulous eras and stories, revealing the evolution of this truly captivating garment, the tutu!
See you next Tuesday for a fabulous new #TutuTuesday blog post!
Don’t forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com to stay updated and join the #TutuTuesday conversation.
Until next time,
Emma xx
