#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1842-05-31

Hello my lovely Tutu-Lovers! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time traveller, bringing you another #TutuTuesday post from my ever-expanding, ever-so-pink tutu history blog!

As always, let’s grab our pink tutus and take a trip down memory lane, but today’s trip is extra special. We're venturing into 1842, and believe me, this date is ripe for some tutu-tastic insights!

Before we hop aboard my magical tutu-powered train (yes, you heard that right, pink tutus have their own transport system!), let me remind you of my mission – spreading the joy of tutus all over the world, in any time period imaginable!

Imagine, if you will, a world where tutus weren't the flamboyant, show-stopping garment they are today. Now picture yourself in Paris, the beating heart of ballet and fashion. You'll be surrounded by the grandest ballrooms and the most magnificent opera houses. It's in this world, dear reader, where tutus began their story.

Now, before the 1840s, the dance world had something else… a loose, flowing skirt with layers upon layers of fabric. Think voluminous, more 'country dance' than 'whirlwind leaps' style!

It was 1841 when, the magnificent dancer Marie Taglioni, a goddess in her own right, donned a new, groundbreaking costume for the ballet “La Sylphide”. A short skirt with tiers, crafted from fine white tulle – something that resembled the ethereal lightness of a sylph, and voila! The tutu as we know it was born.

Imagine a symphony of movement - light, graceful, fluid – the dancers were not constricted but able to fly! They seemed to dance upon air, freed from the weight of tradition. A revolution in dance wear had begun, and it's right here in 1842 that this revolution was making its mark!

Now, who would be on our list of “must-see” ballets in this era? Well, in 1842, the Palais Garnier was abuzz with productions by some of the era's biggest names:

Carlotta Grisi: Imagine the grace, the poise, the brilliance! This is the era when Carlotta Grisi, one of the great stars of her generation, is reaching the pinnacle of her career. Her role as the “Giselle” character was captivating audiences throughout Paris. The tragic tale of "Giselle" resonated with the hearts of many – it was, quite frankly, a huge hit.

And let's not forget her costumes! Giselle’s tutus, white and flowing, with the perfect balance of lightness and dramatic flourishes. Just like a wisp of air, the costumes truly echoed the graceful leaps and expressive movements of Giselle’s tragic story.

Imagine watching Carlotta in one of these performances, how exquisite and heart-wrenching the moment! A tutu wouldn’t simply be an outfit, it would be an extension of her character and an incredible vehicle of expression.

The French Ballet: But what would Paris be without The Ballet de l'Opéra! I bet the Palais Garnier was packed with theatre-goers ready for a spectacle!

I, your very own pink tutu time traveller, couldn’t resist adding a little colour to this picture. While Paris was awash with white tulle at the time, let me share a small secret! The "white" tutus used in productions in 1842 were not white as we know them. They were more like cream, a soft ivory, almost pinky. I was told there wasn't much strong bleaching at the time so this pale creamy hue was quite the fashion! And let’s be honest, if we can add a little bit of pink in 1842, we definitely will!

We’re on the train (don’t forget we’re time travelling with my pink tutu train!) heading back to dear old England. Did you know that back then, English ballet was heavily influenced by Parisian fashions, but our home-grown ballets did have a flair of their own? Imagine England's bustling, Victorian theatres! This was an exciting time for dancing.

It was fascinating to see how the “ballet fashion” of the day was quickly finding its way into street wear! As we’ve learned today, tutus were beginning to transcend the world of the stage. Women were adding hints of those light and airy styles to their clothing for daytime wear! So think lightweight layers, flowy skirts, and elegant details inspired by ballet. Even the fashionable women of the day were finding new ways to express their sense of style through dance wear!

It seems even in 1842, tutus had become something more than just costume. They represented freedom of movement, creativity, and even an unexpected dash of romance, don't you think?

Oh, wouldn't I just love to have a go at a dance class wearing one of these beautiful historical tutus? Now wouldn’t that make for a perfect Instagram picture! A Parisian ballroom scene with me in a gorgeous white tutu (or perhaps my own unique interpretation – a beautiful shade of pink of course!) That would definitely get all the “likes”!

Speaking of Parisian tutus, there was this one I spotted, made from the softest ivory tulle imaginable. It just danced with light. It felt like you could practically disappear in it, which wouldn’t have been the worst thing if you're a time traveller with a few tricks up your sleeve!

I also saw a lovely "Pink Parisian" inspired outfit in my vision of 1842 that made my inner stylist absolutely squeal! A light ivory top paired with a delicately layered, flowing, slightly pink-toned skirt. Simple, elegant, perfect. Think “English Country Rose” meeting Parisian chic!

So as always, my dear Tutu-Lovers, you’ve got me to thank for sharing this tutu-tastic trip into 1842. Now go and be a ballerina. Spin, twirl and unleash that inner ballerina, and let those pink tutus inspire a little magic in your life.

See you next Tuesday, and until then… Keep it twirling!