Welcome back to my ballet tutu blog, darling dears! It’s your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, here! 🚄💖 It's another #TutuTuesday, so get ready for another dive into the glorious history of ballet tutus!
This week, we're twirling back to May 25th, 1841. Let’s just say that, fashion-wise, this era was definitely “bigger is better”. Big hair, big gowns, big hats! Everything was exaggerated! It was also the height of romanticism in ballet, with beautiful, airy costumes and dreamy themes.
You'll remember from last week's post (#490, in case you missed it!) that the tutu, as we know it, started taking shape around 1830. Well, by 1841, this new look was all the rage in the ballets of Paris, darling! The dancers wore these beautiful, flowing, white tutus, usually knee-length or slightly longer, which gave them a sense of lightness and freedom.
And imagine my delight when I discovered, on this very date, that the iconic Opéra Garnier in Paris, our beloved ballet temple, had its foundation stone laid! Can you imagine being a ballerina performing there?! I'm already picturing a beautiful scene: Parisian dancers twirling in billowing, white tutus against the backdrop of this beautiful, historic building, their grace and beauty captured for all time. 💖
But tutus weren't the only bit of costume evolution happening! The romantic era also saw a dramatic shift in the ballerinas' footwear, darling! In the past, ballet shoes were a lot less comfy – think stiff leather and no toe points! Can you even imagine? 😩 Well, 1841 saw the arrival of pointe shoes! I mean, the first proper pointe shoes weren’t super common, but it was an exciting beginning. Think soft leather and even a little satin – much more forgiving and comfortable. And it was around this time that the iconic pink pointe shoe started becoming popular. The first pink ballet slippers! My heart does a little twirl. 🩰💕
Speaking of pink, how wonderful it would have been to visit a Parisian ballet store back then and discover their fashion! Now, I know a pink tutu is practically a religious experience for us modern-day ballerinas, but back in the day, ballet costumes were almost exclusively white. My lovely pink, raspberry, and blush tones wouldn’t come into play until decades later! 😩 So, it was definitely my little trip to the future that inspired me to wear my trusty pink tulle today! It’s good to know you don't have to conform to tradition!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a #TutuTuesday blog post without some fabulous fun! This week, why not give a try a fun little ballet experiment? Have a friend help you practice a single pirouette, but without touching the floor for balance. See how many spins you can do! Just make sure you wear something comfortable. 🤸♀️
And don't forget to share your TutuTuesday adventures! I'd love to see what pink delights you come up with!
Remember, the only rule in the tutu game is to embrace your inner ballerina! 💖
Stay tuned, my little swans, for more fascinating tutu history next week! And until then, keep those toes tapping and those pink tutus spinning!
Yours in twirls,
Emma 💖
P.S. Want to read my earlier #TutuTuesday blogs? I’ve archived them on www.pink-tutu.com.
P.P.S. Don’t forget to share your pictures on social media using the hashtags #PinkTutu and #TutuTuesday
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