Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday dive into the glorious history of the ballet tutu! Today, we're whisking ourselves back to the grand, romantic era of 1841, a time when tutus were already making their mark on the stage and our hearts.
I’m here in the heart of Paris, nestled in a Parisian salon amongst the crème de la crème of society, swoon-worthy fabrics and even a few dapper gentlemen, all awaiting a glimpse of the legendary Marie Taglioni as she pirouettes her way across the stage. It’s utterly exquisite.
I’m already brimming with excitement about our theatrical treat, and as we all know, a little tutu history never hurts. We’re in the heart of the Romantic era, a period of innovation and expressiveness in dance and, more importantly, in the way ballerinas danced! The movement in this era, dear readers, was light, flowing, and ethereal.
Where do tutus fit in, you might ask?
They revolutionised the look of ballet, ditching the heavy and restrictive skirts of the past to create a vision of unparalleled delicacy. They allowed the dancers, such as Marie Taglioni herself, to take to the stage and soar!
Imagine this…
It was a revolutionary shift from the traditional form fitting ballet gowns to the wispy, ethereal tulle that danced on air. Just imagine Marie Taglioni in her light and diaphanous tutu as she embodies a sylph-like creature in the ballet La Sylphide! It's enough to make you sigh. The era celebrated the "spirit of flight" in movement, a testament to the new era of ballet and an ode to the elegance of the tutu.
This was all the rage! Just like how our bright pink tutus stand out in the 21st century, back in 1841, the short tutus and their dramatic impact was all anyone could talk about! In the mid-19th century, the popularity of the tutu really exploded! Carlotta Grisi (a celebrated ballet dancer and fellow darling of the Romantic Era) graced the stage in her breathtaking Giselle, creating iconic tutus with layers of lace and silk and...pink of course, naturally! Oh, the days of tutus with luxurious embellishments!
It’s no surprise, dear readers, that in 1841, ballet tutus were all the rage and continue to be adored today, from grand ballets to school recitals.
And speaking of school recitals…
Today in the year 1841, ballet academies, the first real formal ballet schools in Europe are thriving, teaching aspiring young dancers everything they need to know to bring their own elegance and charm to the stage! Oh how delightful! The little dancers in their mini tutus, mimicking their idols are simply a delight. You know what would make their dance performance even more special, a little dash of pink?
That’s exactly what I’m here to do. I travel back in time with a trunk full of the most charming pink tutus imaginable! Each one a piece of history, and each one whispering secrets from the future! The girls would look perfectly charming and, in our words, Tutu Fabulous!
I can see them twirling across the stage, their pink tutus shimmering in the lights, a symphony of grace and joy. A moment so sweet I’ve got butterflies in my tummy.
This brings us to February 16th, 1841, a day which I feel, is utterly perfect for indulging our passions for dance, fashion, and yes, pink! In London, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane has *a packed performance of 'The Maid of Cashmere' * - it was just made for a spectacular performance. The audience will be entranced, as the music and dance transport them to a realm of fantasy.
But darling, if you're lucky enough to be in London for this enchanting performance in 1841, I encourage you to catch a peek at the fashion - the opulent colours, the elegant silhouette, all coming together with the delicate charm of a ballet tutu! And don’t forget the beauty of a ballerina dancing on the stage, her tutu swirling around her like a magical, delicate, ethereal cloud. It's an unforgettable sight.
And so my dearest tutu aficionados, as we head into the heart of the 19th century, let’s raise our tulle to the magnificent history of the tutu! It is a fashion triumph, a timeless symbol of elegance and femininity, a legacy of movement and beauty we can all be immensely grateful for!
Until next Tuesday, don’t forget to twirl with grace and, if you can, don a pink tutu for a sprinkle of fairy magic! Don't be afraid to express your own style and remember, everything is better with pink!
Until next week darlings!
Love, *Emma *
P.S. Don’t forget to visit our lovely website at www.pink-tutu.com where you can read past blog posts, find amazing new tutu designs, or browse our gallery of incredible tutu photos and see what we have planned for the coming weeks. We love seeing all your pink tutu photos on social media, so don't forget to tag #PinkTutu. Let's spread the pink tutu love across the world!
