#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1838-07-24

Hello my darling tutu lovers! 🎀 It’s Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through the annals of dance history! Today’s #TutuTuesday journey takes us back to July 24th, 1838, a date that holds a rather special place in the tutu timeline… and I must tell you, it’s positively bonkers exciting!

Now, I know some of you may be thinking “Tut tut, Emma, surely the tutu was around back then? Wasn’t it the epitome of Victorian elegance?”. And you’d be half right. See, back then, we had these lovely full skirts – more of a crinoline-tutu hybrid if you will. Picture those exquisite silhouettes, flowing down to the ankles, all layered and swishy, perfect for waltzes and such! But it was a bit restrictive for truly expressive dance moves, you know?

So picture this… 1838, the heart of Romanticism is pulsating through art, music, and even ballet! This is the era of ethereal heroines, tormented love, and – my favourite bit! - the introduction of the ‘Romantic tutu’, the iconic short tutu that we know and adore! 🎉

It was a daring move, shortening the skirt, baring the legs – gasp! This bold design brought an exhilarating sense of liberation and allowed for all those graceful, flowing jumps, échappés, and leaps, showing off the ballerina's strength and fluidity! Oh, the excitement, the freedom! 🤸‍♀️

I can just picture the audience’s astonished faces – especially since most Victorian women would barely show an ankle in public! It must have been positively shocking, but the impact was immediate! The short tutu allowed dancers to express their artistic emotions through movement and created the visual language we associate with ballet even today.

Imagine, in this glorious year, 1838, a new star was born in Paris - Marie Taglioni. Her iconic La Sylphide is what everyone’s buzzing about. The piece was revolutionary, not just for the beautiful dancing but because she wore the first version of the Romantic tutu! I bet there was not a single soul in the theater who wasn’t absolutely transfixed by her artistry! It’s like a magical little dream, perfectly embodying the essence of the Romantic era. ✨

What does this mean for us tutu enthusiasts, you ask? Well, let’s face it, the romantic tutu is practically synonymous with ballet! It’s a symbol of ethereal grace and it paved the way for those breathtaking tutus we wear and cherish today. It’s the legacy of a powerful artistic movement! 💃

For this #TutuTuesday, I decided to celebrate the occasion in style by taking a trip to Paris to see a production of La Sylphide - I'm feeling decidedly more "La Sylphide" today! What a perfect way to pay homage to this historical turning point in ballet and the legacy it continues to leave behind!

This journey was truly enchanting, and the experience inspired me to create something truly special for this blog - a La Sylphide inspired outfit!

I’ve combined the beauty of the Romantic tutu with a touch of contemporary flair, using delicate fabrics and shimmering accents for an elegant yet playful look. I opted for a dreamy shade of pink, because let's be honest, every ballerina’s favourite colour is pink! It just screams ballerina! It's almost as if the colour pink were made to be worn with tutus. If I can, I’ll make it my mission in life to get everyone in the world to wear a pink tutu - don't worry, I’ll let you know when I make any progress!

And for my pièce de résistance - imagine this - my darling tutu is embellished with delicate tulle and a sprinkle of pink sparkle - how glamorous! It is all set off with my hair adorned with fresh roses, which of course are my favourite flower. 🌸

Today, let’s celebrate the magic of the ballet and the historical brilliance of Marie Taglioni and the creators of that iconic tutu. Their artistry lives on in every ballerina's dream and every tulle we swirl! So, let’s give ourselves a standing ovation for the remarkable power of creativity and embrace the the enchantment that is the romantic tutu! ✨

Oh, I just cannot forget to share with you my absolute favourite things about visiting Paris: the food! The street performances! And all those beautiful stores full of elegant fashion. There's just nothing quite like Parisian chic! It’s like the tutu equivalent of a symphony! I love seeing how the streets become stages, bursting with music and dance! It’s like a non-stop ballet performance – you'll see the most stylish people strolling around with such elegance and grace. It truly is inspirational!

Don’t forget to share your own #TutuTuesday adventures, my darling tutu lovers! And keep an eye out for more exciting discoveries on www.pink-tutu.com!

See you next week for another #TutuTuesday trip, where we’ll delve into even more wonderful tales from the world of dance! 🩰💕