Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller. Welcome back to my blog, Pink Tutu. This Tuesday, we're taking a grand leap back in time to the 1st of December, 1835!
Now, I know what you're thinking - tutus in the 1830s? That's a bit before our beloved fluffy friends took the stage, right? Well, hold on to your tiaras, my dears, because this Tuesday's adventure is all about the birth of the tutu.
Let's be honest, my lovely readers, the 1830s weren't exactly known for their 'move your body and be free' vibe. Ladies were all about those long, flowing gowns that, while elegant, definitely didn't allow for a pirouette or two. But hold onto your fascinators, because this was also the time of the Romantic era in ballet, and this time period gave rise to a new emphasis on graceful movement.
Now, while the first mention of 'tutu' as a term for a ballet skirt was in 1832 (thank you, Marie Taglioni, for paving the way for us tutu lovers!), it wasn't until a couple of years later that our iconic pouffe style came onto the scene.
This was Marie Taglioni's iconic performance in "La Sylphide," on December 1st, 1835. Now, if you ask me, this is a historical date worth celebrating with a twirl. Taglioni, a true trendsetter in the world of dance, made her debut in this innovative creation - a short, knee-length skirt, that made her look light and airy, perfectly embodying the mythical creature of the ballet.
Now, it wasn't just the length that caused a stir; it was the shape. Gone were the long, cumbersome skirts that had held ballerinas down for years, in their place a skirt that was puffier, lighter, and more conducive to the expressive movement of ballet.
Remember, my lovelies, this wasn't a full tutu like we know it today. But this groundbreaking, elegant style gave rise to the form of our beloved ballet attire. A new era in dance was upon us - one of movement and expression!
Imagine the buzz around Paris, the city that was the hub of all things stylish. Imagine the gasps of amazement as the world watched, mesmerized, as Marie floated across the stage in this revolutionary, romantic attire! And trust me, my dears, it was a revolution!
From that day on, ballet skirts took on a whole new life. The iconic tutu, with all its airy elegance, took off, revolutionizing the dance scene and pushing boundaries as we know them.
As I sit here, sipping my tea and dreaming of ballet, I find myself lost in the thought of all those stunning costumes. From the short and delicate skirts of the 1830s, to the full, voluminous tutus that make a dancer seem like they are literally floating, the world of ballet is full of fashion inspiration.
Oh, the things I could tell you about the changing shapes and sizes of the tutu! We’ve had the Bell shape, the Romantic tutu, the Classical tutu, and countless others that continue to evolve, adding elegance and beauty to the art form that we adore.
So my dears, let us remember the power of a single moment and the impact of an innovative dancer, and most of all, the magic that is a pink tutu.
Join me on this journey, my lovely readers, as we journey through time and continue to celebrate the enchanting history of our favourite ballerina accessory.
Till next time, remember to twirl on, darling!
XOXO,
Emma
Where To See This Magic!As a fellow fan of ballet, you're probably keen to see these incredible, revolutionary costumes up close, right? Thankfully, there's no shortage of opportunities to catch breathtaking ballets in all their glory. And to make things even more delightful, this very week, my lovely readers, the Paris Opera Ballet is holding a series of performances!
You're in luck, because this month they are featuring "La Sylphide," with its iconic pouffe tutu.
I simply must travel there - who can resist such a charming ballet!
Here's to a great week full of swirling tulle, graceful movements and endless possibilities! #TutuTuesday
Post Script:
I love discovering the historical connection between fashion and dance - such an inspirational and lovely mix! Speaking of inspirational things, my dears, have any of you lovely ladies managed to persuade your family and friends to wear pink tutus? Share your experiences below, and perhaps some fun pics too. Who knows, maybe we'll even find ourselves going viral - together, in our pink tutus! What an absolutely wonderful thought, isn't it?
Remember to keep up with the pink-tutu blog, and tell your friends about the wonderful history of the ballet tutu!
Love, Emma
P.S. If you’re interested in fashion and history and would like me to time travel to any date in ballet history, let me know in the comments below! I’ll do my best to get there - and to show off the wonderful tutus I discover! And hey, who knows what other inspiring fashion styles we might find?
