#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1838-01-30

Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com. Today we're taking a time-travelling trip back to January 30th, 1838, to peek into the world of ballet tutus!

Just imagine: the year is 1838. The Industrial Revolution is chugging along, fashion is flowing with romanticism and it’s time to see some exciting developments in the world of ballet… including tutus!

I'm off on my usual whirlwind tour in my darling pink tutu - perfect for a spot of time-travelling, naturally - and heading straight to Paris! The City of Lights is always the heart of the ballet world, you know!

Now, before we set off on our journey back to the romantic 19th century, we need to think about those essential travel items. Imagine, dear readers, just how fascinating this time period is - we need our lovely French travel outfits, the perfect silk shawl for travelling on the train and of course, a very special, vintage-inspired tutu. (Think flowing layers of white tulle, maybe with a hint of pastel pink to add a touch of whimsy!)

But first! Let's stop at the train station. Look at the bustling crowds - everyone rushing to hop onto the iron horse bound for exciting new destinations. I wonder if anyone notices me in my bright pink tutu?! Probably not. I mean, they don’t have an internet to check on what #TutuTuesday trends are these days!

Right now, tutus aren't the full-length, majestic skirts we see on stage today. Back then, ballerinas were still mostly dancing in loose, flowing dresses. They didn't fully embrace the tutu until Marie Taglioni. And trust me, this little dancer was a game-changer!

In 1832, Marie made her big entrance as a magical sylph in the ballet La Sylphide. Wearing a new design of a simple white, knee-length tulle skirt, it allowed for effortless movements. And let’s not forget, it allowed the ballerina’s legs to be on full display – a daring statement for those times! This sparked the birth of the tutu, giving a glimpse of what ballet fashion would become!

As I step off the train, and take a stroll down the fashionable boulevards of Paris, I can just imagine the excitement over this new kind of ballerina skirt. Everyone’s talking about Taglioni! But don’t think everyone’s on board yet. Some people believe that the shorter skirt was too daring. A bit much! “Indecent” is the term of the day - much like today's reaction to new dance forms!

This new style of tutu was more practical and highlighted the ballerina’s technique, not just the length of their dress. Suddenly, the emphasis was on ‘en pointe’ – tiptoe dancing, which needed lightness, balance, and control! You could call this a revolution of ballet dancing - both on and off stage.

But back in 1838, the tutu, with it’s swirling fabric and grace, was making its presence known - one dazzling performance at a time. I love it!

As we dance into 1838, remember that our ballet outfits are a symphony of artistry, combining practicality and beauty. Even back then, dancers were already showcasing those flowing, dramatic shapes – so vital to the language of ballet.

I bet they couldn't wait to be dressed in the beautiful costume that could enhance the dramatic art of dance!

Remember, history isn’t just dusty museums and old paintings, my darlings. I always find such fantastic inspirations for my new tutu designs when I’m on my ballet adventures, from all points in time! I love being inspired by history to keep the love of dance and fashion alive! I’m just going to take a few quick snaps here to share with all my darling #TutuTuesday friends back home! (After all, we're just living out the fashion fantasies that dancers dreamed about back in 1838, aren’t we?)

Speaking of time travelling, I simply adore finding vintage tutus! There’s always that thrill of the chase for that little piece of ballet history in the attic of a theatre, or buried in an antique store.

Right now, in my favourite pink tutu, I feel I have travelled into that historical moment – so perfectly captured in the style of ballet. You might think I am wearing something utterly ridiculous - especially if you happen to stumble across this blog and aren’t quite up on what the latest #TutuTuesday is all about.

But as the new age of the tutu dawns on the dance scene, I want everyone to wear a pink tutu!

I'm sure you're just as thrilled about tutu history as I am, so be sure to check back next week for another inspiring trip to ballet history! I am heading for New York City. Imagine, I’m thinking that perhaps a ballet tutu dress might be just what is needed on the New York social scene! After all, fashion is cyclical - and this timeless creation will surely set me apart on those streets!

See you next #TutuTuesday! 💖🩰

Yours in tulle and twirls,

Emma www.pink-tutu.com