Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Welcome back to another installment of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. This week we're taking a trip back to a time when the tutu wasn't quite the iconic symbol of ballet it is today, 28th June 1842 - and believe me, it was a most exciting time for tutus!
This is your girl, Emma, here - your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, writing to you straight from the bustling streets of London! You might be surprised to learn that whilst Paris was the centre of fashion at the time, the tutu wasn't really a Parisian creation, despite what some might tell you. It was actually a Parisian dancer who truly brought the tutu to the world - the exquisite and inspiring Marie Taglioni, whose debut performance in La Sylphide on this very day changed ballet history forever! Isn't that fantastic? A Londoner born dancer revolutionised ballet, changing the shape of what we all associate with ballet costumes. That's true, historical tutu magic!
Now, a little backstory - back in the day, ballet dancers used to wear full-length, billowing skirts, often covered in layers of fabric, which was a little restrictive, don't you think? This could only have been incredibly impractical and a little hot under the stage lights! Can you imagine doing all that grand jeté and fouetté in all that extra fabric? Talk about a fashion faux pas. Marie Taglioni, the Queen of the Romantic Ballet as she is known today, was a bit of a rebel. She yearned for more movement and grace in her dancing, so with the help of costume designers, she made the bold move to wear this incredible, breezy and light garment – a revolutionary, multi-layered, white tulle skirt that touched the floor only slightly - allowing for the first time ever, full fluidity of movement! This is how the tutu as we know it today really started! It was such a revolution at the time, and was totally controversial and inspiring at the same time. So much has changed since then. There is such a great amount of artistic diversity and the modern world of ballet seems to celebrate every body type with the latest dance trends and modern style, where everyone from the traditionalists, the ballerinas and the everyday individual, embraces the beauty and artistic power of dance.
I'm always enthralled by how fashion can evolve through history, and the tutu, with its graceful movements and airy design, is such a quintessential element of ballet. So on #TutuTuesday today, I'm going to take us all back to 1842 London for a quick little trip, just for the day! I'm hopping on the train in my best pink tutu. I can just imagine the streets of London – with its grand horse-drawn carriages, elegant ladies in elaborate hats, and the clinking of glass on the tables in pubs along with the vibrant bustle and excitement around Covent Garden where the Opera house stood in its all its glorious art deco fashion. And let's not forget the music - oh, the music! It must have been quite something back then.
As I get off the train at Euston station in London - with a few extra pink feathers attached to my tutu to complete the look - I have a little flutter in my heart for all the exciting fashion discoveries to be had! What kind of styles will they have here? What will be in fashion? What new design will change everything?
Of course, we can't forget the ballet performances themselves, as we always do at www.pink-tutu.com - with their beautiful music and gorgeous sets, it's the ultimate in creative escapism. Let's raise a glass, (perhaps with a little champagne or a lovely sherry) to all the dancers past and present and the magic of their artistic, inspirational creativity!
Speaking of creative escapism, wouldn't it be divine to get a peek at those iconic costumes in a beautiful Parisian Salon or an exquisite grande maison? If we could only jump in a time machine for a quick peek – well wouldn't that be absolutely magical! The theatre would be all a buzz with its theatre scene in full swing and we could easily take in a little bit of the London theatrical energy – even just for an hour or two! Perhaps a visit to a delightful tearoom is on the cards! Perhaps a shop filled with amazing little gifts and unique pieces to add some extra sparkle to our lives? A fashion boutique perhaps – if they even existed at this point in history! Perhaps we will create one, for ourselves in time, with an extraordinary name such as 'Les Boudoir Ballet', a store with a pink and silver colour scheme. Perhaps one that stocks beautiful ballerina clothing, ballet pumps and the finest tutus of course - with, of course, an incredible pink-hued satin grand opening! How incredible that would be, and to bring all the beauty of dance, and history to all my amazing readers and followers!
But let’s focus on today, #TutuTuesday. To mark this glorious day and to remember the artistic power of the ballerina, I invite all of you, to wear your tutus! (pink, please). Why not bring the grace and poise of a dancer into your own daily routine - a lovely way to be inspired by art and embrace a little bit of the magic that we love and associate with dance, by being extra graceful, with your amazing pink tulle outfits and with a dash of historical magic to boot! You don’t need to be a ballet dancer to wear a tutu, as it really adds something quite extraordinary to every outfit. I encourage all my fellow tutu-lovers, to post photos of your most fabulous tutu-inspired ensembles on my #PinkTutu blog and socials – I will feature all your best efforts on the site - it’s so much fun and we all love sharing the love of tutus. Don’t forget the magic and creativity of the tutu. Let your creativity inspire you and let’s make every Tuesday into #TutuTuesday – what do you think? Let me know all about it in the comments section!
But that’s not all, this amazing week, as part of #TutuTuesday, I'll be giving away a special historical treasure that will bring the spirit of 1842 to you! It will feature one amazing piece of beautiful 19th-century historical fashion – to add that touch of elegance to your daily outfit! Just comment below with your favourite ballerina performance. Let's bring the power and artistic spirit of dance into every part of our lives and I will personally hand-pick the lucky winner who will be crowned with the fabulous pink historical prize – a fabulous gift just to thank you for your love of #TutuTuesday!
For now, it’s back to writing up my diary, which I keep as a record of all my #TutuTuesday history research, of fashion inspiration and travel time, because I know one thing is certain, it is full of artistic magic and beauty.
Don’t forget, #TutuTuesday! Spread the joy, spread the colour, spread the beauty of tutus. Until next Tuesday, be strong and be beautiful and above all be full of the power and strength of your dreams!
Ciao for now, my dearest #PinkTutu followers!
Emma. xx.
