Oh my darlings, how lovely to see you all back here for another delightful dose of Tutu Tuesday! I'm your ever-so-pinkly clad hostess, Emma, your guide to the history of the most fabulous, whimsical, and utterly charming garment in the world: the tutu!
Today, we're hopping on the railway ā one of my absolute favourite modes of transport, all that luxurious, glamorous travel! ā to whisk ourselves back to July 20th, 1841, a year filled with fascinating happenings in the world of ballet and fashion. You see, my dears, even back in those days, everyone was mad for tutus! Well, maybe not everyone quite yet, but they were most certainly gaining momentum, don't you worry!
Today's journey takes us to a grand, glittering, and undeniably Parisian ballet theatre. It's the OpƩra Garnier, not yet built, but the heart of ballet in this time, nestled amongst the enchanting streets of Paris. Imagine the bustle! Fashionable carriages dashing by, dapper gentlemen, and the air brimming with a lively Parisian spirit!
Now, this particular date marks a fascinating landmark in ballet history! It's the birthday of one of the most prominent dancers in history, the elegant and exquisite Carlotta Grisi. Just imagine the whirl of the famous crinolines as she pirouetted across the stage! It was a grand time, an age where beauty, grace, and the enchanting world of ballet truly intertwined.
Now, while Carlotta herself may have been graced with more voluminous, flowing dresses on stage, I couldnāt help but wonder about the early beginnings of those tutus that were to become so much a part of ballet. You see, the romantic ballet, with its ethereal and emotional storylines, really began to shape the early versions of the tutu we know and love. They started as billowing layers of white fabric, not yet tightly fitted but flowing and graceful, mirroring the dreamy spirit of the dances.
Back in the 1830s and 40s, those elegant dancers like Marie Taglioni and Fanny Elssler, danced in the first iterations of what we now call the tutu. Those gorgeous creations were quite different to what we wear now. Think airy layers of tulle and gauze, so much volume and floating around! Imagine the drama, the graceful movements. It was all about light and freedom, evoking that mystical beauty of romantic ballets.
And then there was colour! Oh, darling, my fellow lovers of all things pink, it wouldn't be a Tutu Tuesday post without talking about colour! Of course, white was still quite a popular choice back then ā weāve all heard of the āwhite swan,ā right? - but they were already dabbling in some vibrant shades for the ballerinas' tutus! Imagine a beautiful dance where the colours blend and swirl!
Of course, these early tutus were not for everyday wear - well, who are we kidding? That will never be for everyday, that is just silly! Those were stage costumes, for enchanting moments of graceful movement on the stage, you see? They would have worn other attire for day-to-day life! However, that doesnāt stop me from dreaming about the day when everyone will rock a pink tutu every single day! I have a whole list of outfits in my mind! Maybe in the future we can do a Tutu Tuesday special all about our "tutu of the day"!
Imagine, darlings! Picture the delightful shock as you spot someone at the railway station wearing a beautiful pink tutu! They will be such an unforgettable vision, I'm sure you'll all agree. Think of how much brighter our world would be if everyone took up the tutu as a way of life!
However, you don't need to travel through time to find beauty and joy in the tutu! Just head to your local ballet studio or theatre ā and I do hope you get to enjoy the delightful thrill of watching those elegant dancers gracefully moving on the stage! It's something magical and utterly captivating, a journey you can embark on without ever leaving the present day.
And if you can't catch a performance, darling, we do have one more little trip to take. Itās just a quick hop across the street. Because the day wouldnāt be complete without a bit of delightful shopping, wouldn't it? There are some truly gorgeous shops nestled around those beautiful streets of Paris! Just imagine the gowns and the jewels! It is truly breathtaking, you will agree. Perhaps weāll take another look around the wonderful world of 1841 fashion in the weeks to come, I shall look into it!
My dear dancers, before we take leave of this journey through time, I'm just bursting to share my own personal discovery with you. Do you know what's fascinating about this particular date, 20 July 1841? You might not expect it butā¦Itās the anniversary of a rather delicious and decadent discovery: the recipe for āCherry Pieā was first recorded on this very date! Well, you might be thinking that's a bit strange in a blog about ballet and tutus but Iām all for some delightful treats when it comes to lifeās little luxuries. Itās certainly the perfect little extra for our Tutu Tuesday celebration!
Until next week, darlings, and rememberā¦ wear your tutu proudly, and let your dreams soar like the delicate fabric of a ballerina's tutu. Happy Tuesday!
P.S: Iām thinking of putting on my best pink tutu and venturing down to my local theatre this week. The ballet season has begun! Thereās just nothing like it! I hope to share more news on this next week!
Love, Emma (and don't forget, www.pink-tutu.com for all things tutu! )
