Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Welcome to Pink-Tutu.com, where we celebrate all things fluffy and pink! This is #TutuTuesday, blog post number 535, and today we're stepping back in time to March 29th, 1842. I’ve just travelled back from this date, and believe me, my fellow tutu lovers, there is SO much to explore when it comes to the history of this most beautiful of garments!
This particular day back in 1842 landed on a Tuesday – quite fitting for a #TutuTuesday, don’t you think?
Just imagine, ladies and gentlemen, it's 1842, and what is on trend? Why, a rather romantic affair, fuelled by music, romance and... of course, some absolutely stunning ballet! 🩰 Now, when I travelled to 1842, I thought about packing my best modern pink tutu for the occasion, but I decided that it would be better to embrace the fashion of the times and opt for something a little less fluffy, but no less elegant!
As always, when it comes to historical exploration, one needs to plan one's outfit perfectly to blend in! You see, in 1842, the classic tutu wasn’t quite the full, multi-layered confection we know today. The ballet dancers of this era wore a simple but beautiful style with an extended, bell-shaped skirt and some decorative embroidery, often embellished with lace, ribbons or perhaps a charming satin sash - all rather lovely, of course!
My dear, imagine strolling along the fashionable streets of London, Paris, or St Petersburg (oh, how I do love those cities!), observing the ladies gracefully stepping out in their elegant ballgowns, corseted waistlines, and stunning bonnets. There was an undeniable charm about this period of fashion, don’t you agree? I would have to say it has some fantastic similarities to a certain other era in fashion which we all adore! - yes! The glorious Victorian era, all with the beautiful and flowing silhouettes. We can learn so much from our stylish foremothers - truly a wonderful inspiration!
But don't mistake it for mere fashionable trends, the Romantic Era was in full swing in the early 1840s, inspiring an entirely new way of expressing art, especially in music and dance.
And where did this all lead to? Well, a most thrilling discovery of course – ballet! 💃 Ballet, my lovelies, was flourishing! And no, it wasn't confined to the theatre only! Ballet steps were a true form of street theatre. One could watch an exhibition on the fashionable squares and even partake in ballet dancing classes within one's own drawing rooms!
Oh, wouldn't it be lovely to take a ballet class on the boulevards of Paris or on a beautifully sunny terrace of a lovely house in London? To imagine oneself dancing with an array of vibrant colours in a well-designed and grand garden - surrounded by the perfect Parisian backdrop, it truly evokes an almost idyllic fantasy! I’m afraid a modern-day pink tutu may just have felt out of place, however much I wish otherwise! 😉
This was a time for delicate grace and romantic flourishes – the perfect atmosphere for an elegant ballerina. The theatre scenes were no different! There were ballets from the Italian ballet master, Carlo Blasis celebrating classic narratives and mythological subjects, and then of course, the most beloved and cherished ballet, "Giselle" (1841), a breathtaking Romantic ballet showcasing beautiful artistry, tragic love, and haunting emotions. It was in fact this specific year, 1841, that the romanticism was a powerful presence that would shape the world of ballet forever, giving birth to a new era of exquisite dancing with a focus on dramatic artistry.
But here's something fascinating: On March 29, 1842, there was a very special event that brought me all the way to this date! At the Imperial Theatre in St Petersburg, a grand event unfolded. Oh, the sheer delight and beauty, the excitement and sheer energy, and all to see a most magical spectacle. It was *the first night of Marius Petipa’s *“La Fille du Danube” a beautifully enchanting work full of flowing lines and passionate performances - how truly fantastic, how grand!*
I had the chance to witness a grand ballet and it felt so wonderful, the energy was palpable! All that colour and drama - an artistic symphony of passion, with a backdrop of elegance, romanticism, and dazzling spectacle. How could one not feel an air of grandeur and artistic enchantment?
You see my dearest readers, a lot happened around this date in 1842, marking the beginnings of a dance and fashion world where both artistry and expression, elegance and drama danced a beautiful melody together. If you are a true tutu fan like me, it really is worth venturing into history and appreciating the intricate ballet history of this time!
*As I hop onto my train to my next fabulous ballet performance, don't forget to keep spreading the pink tutu love! I always enjoy your comments below, and keep those photos flowing on Instagram! * I would be thrilled to see you sporting your pink tutus. And don’t forget to tell me, what’s your favourite style of ballet tutus? Tell me all your thoughts, let’s make our world a little more sparkly!
Yours in pink,
Emma * P.S - Keep a keen eye on Pink-Tutu.com, my lovely readers, there may be a certain pink tutu-inspired prize on its way to you all very soon! 😉 I hope you will all join me for this fantastic journey together! * #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutusForever #Fashionista #DanceLife #RomanticEra #VintageStyle #TimeTravelingFashionista
