#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 19th March 1833! (Blog Post #64)
Hello lovelies! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink, twirly and ballet-tastic! I'm Emma, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back from a whirlwind adventure in the 1830s, just in time for another delightful #TutuTuesday!
As you all know, I'm absolutely obsessed with tutus. And trust me, even in the past, a good tutu never goes out of style. So, let's jump into the tutu archives for this week's history lesson!
A Day in the Life: 19th March, 1833
Fast forward to 19th March 1833 - can you believe it's been almost two centuries?! Paris was abuzz, as it always is! It was all about grand balls, lavish opera houses and of course, ballet! Can you imagine being whisked away to a glittering performance at the Opéra Garnier in Paris? Ooh, my dears, I just love the theatre! So much drama and glamour - think feathers, silks, and of course, those grand, swirling tutus.
I happened to catch a dazzling ballet performance this week at the Opéra. Now, I must tell you about this stunning little ballerina – Mlle Marie Taglioni. Oh, she was truly divine! I simply adore how she floats and twirls – such effortless grace! And her tutu... it was a little on the short side for my taste, my dears, but it really allowed her legs to dance freely. Quelle elegance! She absolutely embodied the romantic era in her artistry.
You know what, though? 19th March, 1833, happened to be the first performance of her most iconic piece: "La Sylphide." * Yes, you heard that right! It's a ballet that became *absolute sensation, changing the history of ballet forever. Just picture a gentle, graceful spirit (a Sylphide, for those in the know) with a magical, billowing white tutu. This, my darlings, is what really sparked my fascination with tutus. Can you believe it? A whole ballet set against a misty backdrop with a dancer, ethereal in a cloud of tulle. Truly romantic!
The performance made such a splash that I simply had to get my hands on a piece of that tulle to bring back to the future! Imagine, the fashion industry, oh my. This new era was truly romantic. Tutus have come a long way since those days, but it’s absolutely fascinating to see the beginning of what would become such an iconic symbol of ballet.
Travelling Back in Time!
Oh, by the way, how do I travel through time? Why, through ballet, of course! My family has always been about ballet. My mother, a true Derbyshire lass, and my father, a gifted choreographer. We’re known for our dazzling, theatrical performances across the land. Between our grand tours, I always make time to visit my beloved Derbyshire. I even have a tiny little pink tutu-filled shop just around the corner from the theatre in Matlock. My secret, my dears? Each performance is a gateway to a different era. You see, it’s an enchantment that grants me the ability to travel through time! My wardrobe – bursting with tutus – just expands to fit each time period, don't you know? Just another benefit of a pink tutu wearing time-traveler!
Now, about my outfits for my visit to 1833. This period was all about simplicity, so imagine a flowing gown with a soft pink underskirt! Of course, it wouldn't be complete without a delicately embroidered pink satin bodice - so fashionable! Ah but of course, my signature pink tutu wouldn't be complete without the delicate pearl embellishments!
My Time in 19th Century London
And London was bustling! The excitement was palpable as the carriages zipped and zoomed through the streets, their horses snorting and neighing. Imagine, ladies in flowing gowns and gents with top hats, all gathered at grand events and theatres, ready to be dazzled. There was a thriving artistic scene, oh my, the artistic and romantic influences - everywhere!
I found myself lost in admiration at Covent Garden – just marvel at the stunning architecture! There was a captivating performance by the famous dancer – Carlotta Grisi -- the epitome of grace and artistry in a splendid white tutu. But, of course, the tutu was only half the story, don't you know. Everything had to be exquisite and oh so stylish – the hairstyles, the accessories, the shoes!, the elaborate sets, the costuming – it all truly played into the magic.
Shopping for Inspiration
Speaking of stylish, let me tell you about my shopping adventures in London. Oh my goodness, the silk shops! So many gorgeous silks, satins, and velvets in every shade imaginable. I bought some exquisite fabrics and laces, all of which will become absolute treasures in my vintage clothing collection, back in my Derbyshire boutique. Just imagine that gorgeous cream-coloured silk flowing as I pirouette – sheer ballet magic!
Of course, the pink tutu shop wouldn't be complete without a gorgeous selection of bonnets. The fashionable bonnets with velvet ribbons, feathered trim – sigh, such intricate details and a splash of colour! My boutique is full of delightful vintage bonnets and hats for all the lovely ballerina ladies who appreciate the finer things in life. Wouldn’t it be a delight to waltz down the cobblestone streets in such a gorgeous hat, don't you know?
Pink Tutus are always on Trend
So, you see, tutus have been around forever, my dears, evolving throughout the years, changing in shape and size and always adorning the ballet world. Just think about it - they were as popular in the past as they are today! Who knew that pink tutus were such a timeless fashion statement?
Oh, speaking of timeless, how much fun would it be to rock a pink tutu today! No, I'm not suggesting everyone go out and get a big pink fluffy ballet tutu. No no! We can take it a bit less literally and still have lots of tutu fun! Think - a pink pencil skirt, a pink ruffled top, or even just a splash of pink tulle peeking out from a cute sweater – the options are truly endless. It's about finding your inner ballerina, expressing your creativity, and just having a little fun.
So, there you have it, lovelies. It’s been a lovely #TutuTuesday trip back in time! I can’t wait to see you next week, for more tutu adventures, and who knows? We might be hopping off on another time-travelling ballet adventure together! But in the meantime, don’t forget to rock your own style and spread the tutu love! #TutuLove #PinkTutu #TimeTravel #BalletHistory
Love always,
Emma 💕
www.pink-tutu.com