Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here with another installment of your weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History fix. This week, we’re waltzing our way back to the 31st of May, 1836. It’s time to don our fanciest ball gowns, hop on the train, and travel back in time to a period brimming with exciting developments in fashion, theatre, and oh, of course, tutus! This is post number 231 on the www.pink-tutu.com website – get comfy, and let's get twirling!
Parisian Fashion
Now, the 1830s was a time of incredible change in fashion. Those corsets were really starting to loosen their grip – at least for some – as the "Romantic Era" swept across Europe. The emphasis was on flowing lines and delicate fabrics, and for me, that’s where the magic begins. This trend in women's fashion totally set the stage for a ballet tutu revolution! You can picture it, can't you? Beautiful billowing skirts, perfectly paired with lightweight, form-fitting tops that allowed for fluid, graceful movement. This was truly the age where dance began to take its rightful place as an art form that celebrated beauty and the freedom of movement!
The First "Tutus"
Now, let’s talk tutus, because that's what we're really here for, isn't it? We wouldn’t be here today without the brilliant minds of those 19th-century dancers and choreographers. But what did they look like, these early versions of what we consider a tutu?
Believe it or not, the word "tutu" wasn't even a thing in the 1830s. Shocking, I know! They called them ‘jupe-culotte’ – imagine the giggles in ballet class if we tried that name today! ‘jupe-culotte’ literally translated to "skirt-pantaloon" – and they weren't the super short, pouffy things we think of now.
These early tutus were, well, more like ballet skirts, just flowing layers of fabric gathered around the waist with ribbons or ties. They gave the dancers a much freer range of movement, letting their steps and leaps be seen without a long skirt restricting them.
Ballet Shows and Fashion Shopping!
Now, back to my favourite thing about this era… shopping for a ballet show! Imagine strolling down the Champs-Élysées in Paris, taking in the sights of the world's finest fashion boutiques. My heart would skip a beat! Imagine spotting those delicate lace trimmings and flowing silk fabrics. Those early Parisian fashion houses – they were literally crafting what would become the ultimate ballet uniform. The romance and elegance of the time made even the simplest of materials feel luxurious and beautifully delicate.
My Top Three Favourite 1830s Tutu Trends
So, what’s my verdict on the tutus of this era? Here are my top three:
- The Lace-Up ‘Jupe-Culotte’: Picture this: white tulle, delicate lace edging, ribbons tied perfectly around the waist – it’s a dancer's dream come true!
- The Tiered ‘Jupe-Culotte’: Layers and layers of flowing fabric. The tiered effect, reminiscent of the romantic, Victorian era, allowed for even more movement. So beautiful, so dreamy!
- The Printed ‘Jupe-Culotte’: Remember, these are still in their early stages. The most daring, fashion-forward dancers started to experiment with patterned tutus! Silk prints with floral motifs, geometric patterns, or even tiny ballet motifs themselves – this was the start of the real ballet fashion revolution!
The Power of the Pink Tutu
As always, I just can’t help myself – what’s more inspiring than a pink tutu? These early ‘jupe-culotte’ would look simply stunning in a pale pink. Just picture that elegant blush hue against a dancer’s movements, it’s truly a sight to behold! It embodies the lightness, beauty, and movement of that era in the most charming way. Maybe in the future, I can take a trip to 1836 to encourage the Parisian designers to explore more shades of pink.
Off To My Next Time-Travelling Adventure!
And that’s it for today! I hope you’ve enjoyed our little trip back in time, discovering the early origins of our beloved tutus.
Don’t forget to visit our website www.pink-tutu.com for more on the history of tutus, fashion tips, and loads more information on our love affair with all things ballet. And, if you happen to be a ballet enthusiast in the Derbyshire area, do come along to one of my performances – we can twirl the night away!
Until next week, dear readers, let's continue to spread the pink tutu love and embrace the beautiful world of ballet!
Yours in pink tutus,
Emma
