Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu! It’s a glorious Tuesday and you know what that means – it’s time for another delve into the fabulous world of ballet history! Today, we’re stepping back in time, all the way to 14th May, 1833.
Imagine a world where tutus weren't yet the iconic symbol of grace and beauty that they are today. It might be hard to believe, but back in the 1830s, dancers weren't twirling in those dreamy tulle creations. In fact, their costumes were far more…shall we say, "practical" than elegant!
My dear friends, we're standing at the precipice of a fashion revolution in ballet. Today marks a truly momentous occasion – the birth of the Romantic era! This period was more than just a shift in dance styles, it was a total transformation in how dancers dressed, and darling, that includes those darling tutus!
Let's hop on a time-travelling train (because I have to say, the convenience of travel back in the day was not at all fashionable, let alone convenient!) and step back to that iconic 14th May, 1833. We’re in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, where the theatre is buzzing with a new excitement, ready to welcome the enchanting spirit of romanticism into the ballet world.
The dance floor was dominated by long white dresses. These weren't just any dresses, they were a celebration of fabric and flounces, like a fairytale dream! Imagine a symphony of ruffles and flowing skirts, all swirling with the delicate steps of the ballerinas. It was a whirlwind of movement and artistry!
While this might seem rather plain compared to the tutu-tastic wonderland we know today, it’s important to remember that it was a pivotal moment in dance fashion. Think of it as the starting point, a blank canvas ready to be painted with all the beauty and sparkle that we associate with the tutu today.
Speaking of sparkle, let's take a trip to the Opera Garnier (don't you just love the sound of it? So elegant!). I've always been fascinated by the beautiful building itself. So many beautiful gowns and performances - can you imagine being transported in a carriage and being the belle of the ball? The extravagance of the Opera Garnier in this period of ballet history was almost like entering another world! Imagine the energy, the beautiful costumes and, most importantly, the passion for dance that filled the theatre on that fateful day.
We've still got a few years until we'll see tutus become the undisputed star of ballet fashion, but we're getting closer! The world was on the cusp of something special, a blossoming of artistry and elegance, waiting to take the dance world by storm. And trust me, that’s exactly what was about to happen.
Fashion has always been a language of its own, and during the Romantic era, the ballet costume began to speak volumes. The desire for something more ethereal, a greater freedom of movement, was growing, and this need for change led to a revolution in dancewear, paving the way for the enchanting tulle masterpieces we adore today.
Now, let’s chat a little bit about what happened today. Of course, I’m no historian (that’s what all the books are for!) but, you know I like to sprinkle some fun facts in when I can! On 14th May, 1833, we have no mention of tutu happenings, just a lot of romantic fashion and elegant dancing in those floor-sweeping gowns! This is a great starting point as this fashion, although lacking a tutu, paved the way for our lovely fashion statement.
Just a little aside, dear reader, I always think that time travel requires the perfect dress. And of course, what could be better than a dreamy, pink, ballerina tutu? What else can you wear? You never know where your journey will take you, or what fashionable fashion faux pas you might have to face!
In this grand old time of the ballet, when we were all waiting with bated breath for tutus to finally come onto the scene, Madame Celeste, an incredibly famous ballerina was the belle of the ball - a favourite on the London stage! Isn’t she fabulous? We may not have had the tutu yet, but these early ballerinas really were an inspiration!
This brings us to the end of our historical journey, darlings, but as we know, the story of tutus isn’t finished! In the coming years, the fashion will change, tutus will evolve, and there will be even more beauty and grace to celebrate.
Until then, remember, darling, you can wear your very own tutu anytime you like. Be it in a studio class, at the ballet theatre, or simply around your home - it’s your opportunity to add a dash of pink elegance to every day. And don't forget to share your beautiful tutu moments on social media! Use #TutuTuesday and tag me - @EmmaTutu – I love seeing your amazing styles!
See you next Tuesday for another peek at tutu history! And don’t forget – spread the pink love, darling.
Until then,
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
