#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1840-06-02

Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and tutu-licious! It’s #TutuTuesday, and as usual, I’m ready to whisk you back in time on a whirlwind adventure, exploring the captivating evolution of the tutu. Today, we’re journeying to the year 1840 – oh, the fashions we shall find!

Before we start, darling, make sure you're sporting your most fetching pink tutu. And don’t forget the pink feather boa for extra flair, you know, just in case the year 1840 is feeling a bit… austere.

So, grab your teacup, settle in, and let’s waltz through the captivating history of the tutu. Today, we’re at the heart of it all: Paris! You simply cannot imagine a more enchanting place to be for a tutu enthusiast. The cobbled streets thrum with artistic energy, and the scent of jasmine in the air is positively intoxicating. This, my dears, is the era of romantic ballet!

Now, while you’ve got your trusty pink tutu on, imagine if, in this time, there were no tutus! Scandalous, isn’t it? Luckily for us, the Romantic Era of ballet was a beautiful whirlwind of artistic and creative exploration. Our ballerinas – and believe me, darling, they were graceful as swans – were starting to break free from the cumbersome, heavy skirts of the past, with the focus shifting towards elegant, graceful, and most importantly, lightweight movements! This need for flowing, movement-friendly costumes is what gave birth to the iconic tutu!

The ballerina's "short" dress, or “tutu”, was considered a marvel. Imagine! A flowing skirt that allowed for effortless leaps and pirouettes, rather than those heavy, restrictive petticoats. Oh, my dear, I've danced in them - and let me tell you, there's no comparing the freedom.

In the bustling Parisian theaters, these beautiful tutus were captivating audiences. Made with lightweight tulle and featuring delicate, often ethereal designs, they became symbols of beauty and grace, truly encapsulating the spirit of Romanticism. Imagine those first tutus, crafted with precision and care, every detail perfecting the ballerina’s fluid, airborne form. A symphony of tulle, the fabric flowing as a ballerina danced.

Now, June 2nd, 1840, doesn't have any big dance events listed - yet. I'm always researching, darling, so don't worry. The main dance in Paris would have been at the Salle Le Peletier, the home of the Opera, as we know it today. The year was packed with performances by the biggest ballerinas. So grab your ticket, and off we go!

Think about it, darlings. June, the time of delicate petals, sweet summer evenings, and all things rosy! The perfect season to fall head over heels for a romantic ballet, or indeed, to embark on your very own ballet-themed travels. Perhaps we should all hop on a train and head for Paris. A journey aboard the train is pure luxury, especially when it's adorned in delicate pink satin. And wouldn’t you know it, darling, but my favourite shade of pink is the very shade of this month’s gorgeous new rose silk tutu that I simply had to buy. A true vision in pale pink with delicate rose-shaped lace details, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any evening.

Of course, I haven’t let my new purchase go to waste. Yesterday, I took my own ballet class with a view, the sun streaming through the studio windows, a touch of whimsy in the air, and a symphony of pirouettes that would put the Paris Opera to shame. We may be in the Derbyshire countryside, my darling, but we still know how to make a statement with a bit of flair and a whole lot of pink!

Now, let’s turn back the clock, back to those very first tutus! It’s truly incredible how something so beautiful and effortlessly feminine has had such a lasting impact on dance. Those early designs are a testament to the pioneering spirit of those first ballerinas, their quest for freedom of movement giving rise to one of the most captivating and enduring pieces of performance costume ever.

And my darlings, a big part of this movement is due to our fabulous choreographers, who knew that beauty doesn’t have to come with restrictions. We see the evidence of their genius when we witness those effortless leaps, that soaring grace that tutus allowed ballerinas to achieve, that effortless float and twirl that has made ballet so undeniably captivating.

And what better time to celebrate the sheer beauty of the tutu, and indeed, ballet itself, than a balletic fashion show. Darling, I'm working on it, and let me tell you, it will be glorious. Imagine rows of cascading tulle, shades of pink as soft as sunset, with a flurry of dancers twirling in elegant synchronicity, with maybe just a touch of sparkle to add extra drama. I can practically smell the champagne.

Oh my dears, do let me know your thoughts on my grand vision for a ballet fashion show! Let me know if there's any colour or style that particularly catches your eye – because when it comes to tutus, my dear, we have a lot to talk about!

Remember to share this post with anyone who wants a touch of grace and a whole lot of pink in their life, and as always, tag me in your favourite #TutuTuesday moments! You can find me on all social media, just search for @pinktutu. And make sure to keep checking in on www.pink-tutu.com for the very latest fashion, travel, and all things tutu.

Until next time, darling, and remember, life is too short to wear anything but pink.

Emma, your time-traveling pink tutu enthusiast.