Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! It's a beautiful Tuesday, the sun is shining, and I'm feeling particularly giddy because today's #TutuTuesday post takes us on a journey to the past. Get ready, because we're travelling back to September 7th, 1841, and I, your fashion-forward time-travelling guide, am ready to spill the tea on all the sartorial delights of the era.
As you may already know, my time-travelling abilities are all thanks to the magic of ballet! Each performance fuels my enchanted wardrobe and propels me through the annals of history, where I'm constantly searching for the next big tutu inspiration. It's a demanding job, darling, but somebody's gotta do it, right?
So, imagine this, my lovelies. We are in the heart of Paris, a city bursting with romanticism and artistic flair. The waltz reigns supreme, fashion is an intoxicating blend of flowing silks and dramatic ruffles, and... the stage is where the tutu is really beginning to make its mark!
Now, 1841 might not be the year of the modern, streamlined, perfectly pleated tutu that we know and adore, but it's a pivotal time nonetheless. Imagine a world where a tutu is actually considered revolutionary. It's an era of experimentation and pushing boundaries, and this era brought the "jupe de danse", which, while not yet the modern tutu, served as a precursor to the iconic garment we know and love.
The "jupe de danse" was a short, bell-shaped skirt with layers of fabric that billowed outwards as the dancers moved, allowing for an entirely new level of freedom of movement. These early tutus weren't all about frills and bows; they were designed for the practicality of the balletic art. They freed the dancers' legs, enabling them to perform leaps, pirouettes, and other intricate movements with greater ease. They were revolutionary! Can you imagine dancing in those corseted, flowing, layered dresses from the past? It would have been like wearing a tapestry while trying to leap through a window! The "jupe de danse" really made a difference.
This innovative approach to dancing and design, combined with the popularity of ballets like "Giselle" and "La Sylphide," meant that the tutu was gaining a powerful presence.
Oh, but we're not just about tutus here, darlings. I've always found a fascinating link between ballet and fashion, and September 7th, 1841, in particular, has a fashion tale I just have to share.
Remember those flowing, dramatic silhouettes we spoke about? They weren't just confined to the theatre! Today is the opening day of the Grand Prix de Paris, the first "Fashionable Horse Race" to ever be held! That's right, imagine ladies in their fanciest gowns, hats, bonnets, and everything ruffled, frilled, and fabulous gathered in the Bois de Boulogne to watch the horses race. Can you imagine the spectacle!
You know what makes this extra special? I managed to catch a glimpse of a dress on display in a Parisian shop window! It was the most delightful shade of pink, imagine that, just like the one you see me wearing! It had layers and layers of delicate fabric, almost like a "jupe de danse" you could wear out and about. I know this might seem like a silly thing to get excited about, but for me, it's just another example of how the elegance and grace of the ballet influence all aspects of life.
Of course, while the world was catching up to the innovative tutu, some things were pretty similar. In Derbyshire, England, where I call home, there was news about a* sheepdog competition*, an event full of energy and excitement just like those early performances of "La Sylphide"! Imagine a room full of little fluffy sheepdogs, maybe wearing miniature pink tutus! Okay, I know that was a stretch, but that's the power of a #TutuTuesday post! We dream big and keep those tutu vibes going, my loves!
In the grand scheme of fashion and history, September 7th, 1841, might not be the most headline-grabbing date, but for me, it's a glimpse into a time when tutus, horse races, and a dash of pink, brought joy and beauty to the world. It just goes to show, sometimes the most remarkable stories are woven in the most unexpected places! And, of course, there's always time for a good tutu story, darling.
I hope this #TutuTuesday transported you, just a little, back in time, where we explored the beginning of the tutu revolution and, even, touched on a dash of early horse racing and a good dose of pink. Until next Tuesday, darling, keep those twirls high and embrace your inner tutu-wearing fashionista! Oh, and don't forget to head on over to www.pink-tutu.com to stay updated on all things tutu!
P.S. What are your favourite pink-tutu moments in history, my dears? Share them with me in the comments!
With love and twirls,
Emma xx
