#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1838-01-16

Hello my darling dance devotees and tutu enthusiasts! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, here with another enthralling journey through the history of the glorious tutu.

Today's voyage will whisk us back to a thrilling date: 16th January 1838. Just imagine, darling! That's nearly 200 years ago, and whilst tutus might not have been swirling across the stage as we know them today, a very special ballet was about to grace the world with its elegance - "Giselle."

And don't be thinking for a second that tutus were just plain and simple in those days! No, darling, there was an undeniable elegance in their simplicity, like a whisper of gossamer charm. This is why it's such an exciting topic for our blog today! Let's dive in and unravel the origins of these fabulous creations!

Now, before the majestic tutus we know and adore, imagine dancing in an elegant floor-length, voluminous, bell-shaped skirt made from many layers of white cotton fabric. Sounds restrictive, doesn't it? Well, darling, it certainly was! You can just imagine, all that fabric!

Thankfully, this era, referred to as the "Romantic" period in ballet, embraced a beautiful blend of elegance and emotion, with a hint of fantasy and fairy-tale magic woven in. And guess what, this magic led to the rise of tutus!

We're talking the very beginning, right at the heart of that glorious Romantic era! Now, the beautiful dancer Marie Taglioni, with her grace and poise that seemed almost like floating on air, made ballet even more romantic. In 1832, she dared to wear a shorter skirt - a real game-changer! Gone were the bulky gowns and in their place, a skirt that allowed her legs to dance free and tell a beautiful story, like a whisper of imagination brought to life!

You see, in 1838, when the gorgeous ballet "Giselle" first charmed its audience, a magical new style was beginning to appear: the "Romantic" tutu! Imagine layers and layers of fabric like an explosion of white fluffy clouds! This beautiful ballerina's "romantic tutu" showcased those slender, powerful legs to the world. This revolution was a real moment of artistic liberation!

This moment, my dears, was truly transformational for dance, a little like finding the perfect vintage tutu, isn't it? From that very day in 1838, "Giselle" inspired a wave of imagination and innovation. Every day brought exciting new styles and even newer ways of embracing the beauty and power of these airy costumes!

Remember the tutu as we know it today, that amazing ensemble that defines ballerinas? It wasn't a singular, sudden burst of brilliance, but a lovely evolution over time. You see, my loves, this magical piece of fashion tells the story of how art and fashion work together, much like a delightful symphony of steps, whispers, and captivating emotions, all spun together with love and grace!

Tutus, darling, aren't simply clothes! They are more like little sculptures made of layers of fabric, stories that unfurl and dance before your eyes, like magical beings spun from silk and air. They tell us stories of joy, longing, grace, and courage, much like the characters who bring them to life!

But remember this - in those early days of the tutu, the idea of showcasing the legs and their movements was revolutionary! Imagine, having the courage to embrace something new and innovative! I love this fearless attitude! It's just like our Pink-Tutu spirit!

Now, we must take a peek at some of those fantastic Tutu Tuesday treats from the past that helped make the "Giselle" era so special!

Just picture a grand old theater! Imagine a shimmering stage, soft lighting, and a whisper of music... And then, behold, a gorgeous dancer steps out onto the stage in the "Romantic" Tutu! "Giselle" - an ethereal love story about betrayal, grief, and a beautiful sacrifice. The performance became a sensation across the world! It even captivated people far and wide who were mesmerised by the sheer magic of ballet! Just like that, the romantic era of tutus made history. It truly revolutionized ballet as we know it, transforming the art form into an evocative, deeply passionate art.

This trip, dears, has been delightful! From Victorian England and its elegant beauty, the world of dance is constantly changing! Each dance and every Tutu tells its own story - from the "Giselle" that launched the world of "Romantic" tutus, to those dazzling, short "tutus" that swirled onto the stage decades later, bringing in a modern era of freedom, power, and daring expression!

That's it for this Tutu Tuesday darling, but we'll be back next week with more incredible stories, incredible dances and more fashion magic! Keep dancing, keep exploring the magic of tutus!

Love always,

Emma

PS: I simply can't wait for my next dance performance in beautiful Derbyshire. After a long journey by train to London for a few days of exciting shopping in beautiful West End shops I love that beautiful vintage boutique down on Portobello Road! I must say this has been such a fun and busy trip and of course, the exciting ballet shows on Covent Garden stage at the Royal Opera House with those amazing tutu filled shows! And remember dears - every tutu can tell a beautiful story and create beautiful memories, so spread your love of pink and tutus! Until next Tuesday, my dancing lovelies!

*PPS: You can keep up with my ballet and tutu obsession on the www.pink-tutu.com blog every Tuesday and don't forget to tag me #pinktutu on your amazing pictures! *