#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1838-01-23

Welcome, my lovelies, to another thrilling Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com!

I'm your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, and today's blog post, number 317, whisks us back to 23rd January 1838.

I'm so excited, because today, we're going to peek behind the curtain of ballet history and discover how those iconic tutus we adore evolved. Now, gather round, my dears, because you're about to be transported to the glittering world of ballet, circa 1838!

Our journey starts in the heart of Parisian fashion – imagine rows of opulent shops bursting with exquisite fabrics, bustling with seamstresses, and teeming with the most fashionable ladies and gents. This is where the first glimmers of the tutu appeared.

But wait a moment! Let’s rewind to a time before tutus even graced the stage. Picture a world where dancers, mostly men, wore tight-fitting, knee-length breeches and ornate velvet jackets, with their hair elaborately styled – a far cry from the billowing grace of tutus!

It wasn't until the early 1800s that things started changing. The emergence of the Romantic era brought with it a new appreciation for beauty and grace. Imagine graceful fairies fluttering through moonlit forests, enchanting figures twirling effortlessly on stage, evoking a sense of lightness and wonder.

And this, my darlings, is where the story of the tutu begins.

Now, let's talk about the revolutionary Marie Taglioni, a name that echoes through the history of ballet like a graceful melody. It was Taglioni who, in 1832, shocked the world by performing in a stunning, light, white skirt – the first real tutu! She wore it in the ballet, La Sylphide, playing a ethereal, captivating woodland spirit.

This ground-breaking tutu, you see, didn't just cover her legs, it was short! This innovation completely transformed ballet costumes, ushering in a new era of freedom and artistry for female dancers. No more long, cumbersome gowns that restricted movement – instead, a whimsical, flowing silhouette that danced effortlessly across the stage!

This, my lovelies, marked the start of the Romantic tutu – a truly iconic, airy design, typically crafted from layers of tulle. You can still see echoes of the Romantic tutu in contemporary designs today!

Now, back to the 23rd January 1838, which is when Marie Taglioni's captivating La Sylphide had its debut in St Petersburg. You see, her performance created a ballet frenzy, which meant she was touring around the world. Think grand theatre performances, sold-out shows, and countless admirers, all clamouring to witness her ethereal dance!

The world was captivated by the sheer grace and delicacy of La Sylphide. Taglioni, with her effortless pirouettes and breathtaking extensions, became the epitome of ballet's burgeoning Romantic era, and the tutu, a symbol of that elegance and enchantment.

Now, you might be wondering what was fashionable in 1838? Imagine full, voluminous skirts, adorned with delicate embroidery and floral motifs, a bit like what I’m wearing in my photograph, but even more extravagant! And gentlemen, well, let's just say a well-tailored coat and trousers were the epitome of gentlemanly chic.

But this was only in the afternoon. In the evening, the world was all about flowing gowns, low necklines, and, of course, a touch of embellishment to add that extra bit of sparkle!

Remember my darlings, it's never too late to add a touch of "tutu" flair to your everyday attire! Let's celebrate the joy and elegance that tutus bring to our lives, even if it's just a playful addition to your outfit or a statement piece at a special occasion.

Now, I'm off to see a captivating ballet performance myself. This week, I'm seeing the premiere of the The Nutcracker - just imagine the magical tutu costumes that the ballerinas will wear! I will be posting pictures and my ballet reviews, as well as shopping inspiration on my social media – do join me there, I love talking about dance and sharing ideas with you!

And if you have any ideas about how to use a tutu, or how to wear a tutu, I'd love to hear from you, feel free to comment, or even email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!

Until next week, my darlings, remember, always stay twirling! 🩰

Your loving Tutu Time Traveller, Emma x

* www.pink-tutu.com *

#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #BalletLover #PinkTutu #EmmaInThePast #TimeTravelTuesday #BalletOutfit #TimeTravelingBlogger #BalletBlog