#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1832-07-17

Welcome back, darlings, to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, here, back with another delve into the history of ballet and tutus. Today we're venturing back to July 17th, 1832, a time before the glorious explosion of the tutu we know and adore.

This week's journey takes us to the very heart of the tutu world – Paris! This grand city was the hub of fashion and artistry in the 19th century, and that certainly included ballet. As always, I packed my suitcase with a selection of the most vibrant pink tutus, and boarded the train with a skip and a twirl in my step – a journey that’s always far more entertaining with a little tutus in tow!

Now, before I share the juicy tidbits from my trip back in time, I want to ask… Who here is planning a trip to Paris? I simply can't resist a little retail therapy in the City of Lights! If you're looking for the perfect pink tutu or a beautiful new outfit for your next ballet class, Paris is a must-visit.

Right, now to business! Imagine this… 1832 Paris, a time before the billowing tulle creations that make our hearts flutter. Ballet, as an art form, was certainly captivating the audience, but the dancers were clad in something altogether more… well, grounded!

Ladies, hold on to your tiaras – instead of the magnificent tutus we know today, dancers of this era were adorned with tight-fitting, ankle-length gowns! Can you even imagine it? How could they move with any freedom in all that fabric?

Think of these outfits as an evening dress – layers and layers of stiff silk with little movement in sight. They didn’t have those dramatic jumps or expressive spins we adore, and the only glimpses of leg they got were those little peep-toe shoes! Now, don’t get me wrong, there was an undeniable elegance and poise about them – the dance moves were designed for the gowns – but it simply doesn’t hold a candle to the graceful, light and utterly fantastic tutus we get to wear these days.

Of course, times were a-changing even then! You wouldn’t be a fashion blogger if you didn’t keep your eye on those exciting new trends!

Back then, the big change was a woman called Marie Taglioni, who was causing a real stir. She was one of the most famous dancers at the Paris Opera, known for her breathtaking lightness and virtuosic skill. And this incredible woman is actually credited with introducing a form of ballet tutu that moved us towards the style we see today!

You’ve probably heard of her, ladies! Well, she didn’t quite go all-out and create a fluffy pink tutu – but she dared to expose a little leg! Imagine – leg showing on stage!

It’s worth mentioning that, the dress still came down to just above the ankle, but with layers and layers of gauzy white fabric that had a much more romantic, flowing silhouette. Her choreography demanded this change; the moves needed more freedom, and the white tutu allowed it. You could actually see the beauty of her legwork as she moved, instead of being swathed in silk like some medieval queen.

You know I just love finding fun historical details! Did you know that this whole concept of the ballet tutu was actually borrowed from Greek costumes? I mean, the Roman toga had a distinct influence on some of these designs – a little ironic, but you just have to love how fashion influences have woven through history!

And, before I leave you for the week, just think about this: How does the ballet tutu still manage to be so unbelievably chic and stunning? This garment has transformed alongside our ballet world – from those humble beginnings to the breathtakingly beautiful tutus we see now!

This time around, I had the most wonderful trip to a Parisian theatre to see "La Sylphide." I’ll tell you, the Parisian audience really knows their tutus and it was the most elegant and magical production. I even spied a few lovely tutus for sale – perfect for a touch of Paris chic, right?

But hey, it’s not just about the theatre! It’s about the tutus we wear, the excitement, and the power to change how we look and feel. That's why I encourage you all to embrace the joy of the pink tutu.

Now, off I trot! Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and leave a comment – tell me, what are you favourite tutus, dear ladies? Share your photos and let's discuss!

Don’t forget, #TutuTuesday is about celebrating those delightful fluffy skirts and all the happiness they bring. So get twirling!

Until next Tuesday!

Emma xx

PS. Keep an eye out for Post #30 where we explore a revolutionary innovation that happened only a few years after 1832 – prepare to have your minds blown by what we were about to discover about tutus! 😉