#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1837-07-04

Greetings, dear readers! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here, and this week we're jetting back to the year 1837, right into the midst of Queen Victoria's reign! Did you know the tutu was already making its graceful entrance onto the stage back then? Well, sort of… Let’s embark on this whimsical journey to explore the roots of this iconic garment.

Today, July the 4th, 1837, the nation is celebrating the coronation of our new monarch. A new era is upon us, a time of societal change and an abundance of exquisite new fashion trends. Whilst the Queen herself is renowned for her sensible gowns, the dance world is about to see a dramatic shift!

In the mid 1800s, the ballet world was quite different. The ballerinas still wore long, flowing skirts, reminiscent of classical Roman and Grecian fashions. Imagine - a skirt flowing gracefully about your legs as you twirl and leap, rather restrictive wouldn't you say?

Think of all those yards of fabric. And what about those heavy, intricate corsets? No, I’m afraid it was a long way off from the lightness and freedom of the tutu we know and love today! It must have been hot work, I tell you, even for a seasoned ballerina.

But a change was afoot. Imagine our delight as Marie Taglioni, a truly brilliant dancer, enters the stage.

Now, Marie, was a visionary, and this particular 4th of July has been marked by her ground-breaking performance as a 'sylph'. For those of you unfamiliar, sylphs are ethereal beings, creatures of the air. So what did this ethereal dance require, you might ask?

Introducing... the Tutu!

Marie's costume was groundbreaking! She was a pioneer - a forerunner of our beloved ballet tutus. It wasn't the full-blown tutu as we see today, but it was an incredibly short, knee-length skirt, adorned with tulle. It revolutionised the performance of ballet, with all its beautiful and daring steps and jumps. This was a major moment in dance history.

This early stage of the tutu saw a shift towards the classic romanticism in dance. This romantic aesthetic with its lighter fabric was perfect for demonstrating the newfound grace and artistry that defined the era. The tulle fabric became even lighter and more airy as the years progressed, allowing for greater freedom of movement for ballerinas, especially in those breathtaking pirouettes and leaps.

Let's talk fashion, darlings. You're thinking Pink? Well, of course! Though we are yet to witness the full flowering of the tutu in the glorious colour of our collective passion, imagine the vision. Marie and the ballerinas of that time would have adorned their stage with colour, a hint of pink perhaps amongst those blush pinks, violets and lavender hues. They wore a range of colours, and they were a sight to behold. The 1830s, for the tutu, was a whimsical and fascinating moment in time.

### Tutu Shopping in 1837:

If I had the privilege to travel back in time to 1837, you know where I'd be heading, dear readers? The theatre district in London, London was the undisputed hub of theatrical costumes at that time. And I'd be waltzing into the ateliers, surrounded by seamstresses creating these magnificent gowns. We're not just talking about tutu history; we are exploring the artistry of clothing.

And then there are the fabrics, darling! Silk, tulle, muslin... it’s just an absolute dream! Think of all those patterns, lace trimmings, delicate floral embellishments, beads and even, sometimes, a little touch of velvet! Can you just picture the incredible possibilities? Just try to picture your 21st-century pink tutu amongst this fashionable backdrop... oh, the joy!

Where does our love for the tutu come from?

We've only just begun to see the evolution of this exquisite garment. It's not about simply a bit of cloth but rather, it’s about expression. Think of all the emotions we associate with tutus, the joy, the passion, the artistry... they all stem from the history of the garment.

Next week, we will be back to see the continued journey of the tutu. But for now, we have so much to think about!

Do you enjoy the tutus of today or do you think they could be improved? How about a pink tulle tutu to get your loved ones to look fabulous for a special event? Let us know what you're thinking. We love hearing your comments, dear readers, and seeing all of your pictures with #pinktutu, of course! Don't forget to stop by next Tuesday for more fascinating tales about our favourite garments.

Until then, stay stylish, keep spinning, and most importantly, stay true to your tutu!

Love, Emma xx

www.pink-tutu.com

Remember to #TutuTuesday on your favourite social media!