Hello my darlings! Emma here, ready to take you on another exciting journey through the history of ballet tutus. Grab your pinkest tutu and a cup of tea, because today we're heading back to the glorious year 1832!
Ooh La La! Paris is Calling!
This week, my travels have brought me to the vibrant city of Paris. Just imagining the cobblestone streets, the delicious smells wafting from bakeries, and the grandeur of the Palais Garnier makes me blush! The Parisians are the undisputed fashionistas of the world, and who better to learn from than them when it comes to the origins of our beloved ballet tutu?
Now, you might be thinking, “Tutues? In 1832? But Emma, those frilly skirts didn’t come along until much later!” And you’d be almost right, my dears! But this week’s blog post isn't about the modern tutu. Today we’re taking a peek behind the curtain, all the way back to a revolutionary shift in the way dancers dressed: the introduction of the Romantic tutu!
The Rise of the Romantic Ballerina
Imagine, if you will, the year 1832. The world is buzzing with exciting new ideas and revolutions in art and society. And on the grand stage, a new kind of ballet is taking flight - Romantic ballet!
Romantic ballet was all about expressing emotions and dreams through dance. Gone were the strict courtly ballets, and in came stories of fairies, sprites, and nymphs. Now, the ballerinas had to embody the airy grace and lightness of these mystical beings, and that’s where the shift in dress came in.
The Romantic Tutu: Short & Sweet
Gone were the cumbersome skirts of previous centuries! The Romantic tutu emerged, shorter and with multiple layers, freeing the ballerina's movements. This new look embraced the airy lightness that Romantic ballet demanded, letting the dancers glide and leap like they were on cloud nine!
Now, this was a daring step! A move that took bravery and vision. This was more than just a fashion trend, it was an artistic statement - an open declaration of freedom! And what better place than Paris, the epicenter of artistic expression, to witness the rise of this stunning new look?
Ballet Performances – From the stage to the shops!
One of my favorite things about time travel is the chance to witness the extraordinary ballet performances from the past! Now, just picture it: the glittering lights, the elegant audience, the air thick with anticipation...and then, that first glimpse of a dancer in a billowing Romantic tutu, their movements defying gravity, their passion evident in every step. Pure magic, my dears!
And here's a secret I learned today – ballet has always been more than just dance. Back in 1832, it was the hottest ticket in town, and its impact on fashion was HUGE. The Romantic tutu wasn't just a costume on stage; it quickly seeped into everyday fashion. Think flowing, diaphanous skirts and ribbons cascading over ball gowns! You might even have seen these influences in some of your favourite vintage finds.
Shopping Splendor in the City of Lights!
My dear readers, the Parisian shops were like a whirlwind of exquisite silks, ribbons, and lace! Every shop window seemed to whisper secrets about beauty, grace, and the magic of movement. My oh my, how I wanted to purchase every last item in those stores, from tiny silk slippers to a full set of tutus (imagine a pink one!) But of course, even time-traveling ballerinas must watch their budgets! So instead, I took a leisurely stroll through the elegant streets, dreaming of someday bringing those designs into the 21st century.
September 11th, 1832 – A Day For Romance!
This trip to Paris in 1832 will forever be etched in my memory! I soaked up the artistic energy, the city's grandeur, and the beautiful performances I saw. I have a special fondness for this day – September 11th, 1832 – because it embodies everything that the Romantic era stood for! It was a time for innovation, expression, and the celebration of human beauty.
Keep Those Tutues Flowing!
That’s it, my dear friends! Our #TutuTuesday journey to 1832 is over for now. I hope this glimpse into the past has filled you with the same enchantment I feel every time I get to experience a different era in ballet history! Next week, we'll be stepping into another time and place, so be sure to join me for more fashion and fun on www.pink-tutu.com.
Until then, keep your heads held high, keep those tutus flowing, and never be afraid to let your own creativity soar!
Lots of love,
Emma xoxo
