Hello darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com and my weekly delve into the delightful history of tutus! This week we’re hopping on the time-travelling train, tickets clutched tightly in my little gloved hand, and heading all the way back to the year 1842. Oh, it's just absolutely thrilling, and the excitement over this one, well, it’s nearly enough to make this tutu spin right off me!
We all know that the tutu is the very pinnacle of dancewear, the emblem of grace and beauty, the quintessential statement of femininity. But have you ever stopped to consider just how this exquisite piece of dancewear came to be? Today, I want to unveil the origins of this incredible invention – one that has captivated audiences, inspired artists, and enchanted imaginations for centuries!
Now, a little while ago, I was in Paris, having a glorious time at the Opera (such gorgeous costumes, such wonderful performances, and absolutely delightful pastries)! The shops, my dears! Simply brimming with the latest fashion trends. The ladies looked lovely in their gorgeous dresses, bonnets and parasols - it was pure inspiration for my own fashion pursuits.
In my travels, I discovered something absolutely incredible - I was on the hunt for some beautiful fabrics when I stumbled upon a most exquisite garment hidden amongst the layers of silken gowns and the latest velvet cloaks! It was in a tiny shop, crammed to the ceiling with the finest fabrics, in the heart of the city!
You’ve guessed it, it was a tutu, the precursor to our beloved pink frocks! But, darling, it was a bit different back in 1842! Now, we’re talking about the very beginnings, the earliest prototype - if you will! You could barely recognise it compared to our present day masterpieces. A tiny little puff of a thing with barely enough fabric to cover what needed covering, I tell you.
In 1842, these tutus, these glorious predecessors to what we wear today, were barely there, a very loose skirt and a kind of... I hate to say this but - underskirt! It had to be worn with some sort of under garment that had more body, a much more elaborate understructure than you’d expect these days - not what you'd see on stage at all.
But, oh, the joy, the freedom it must have given those early dancers! No cumbersome dresses! Just a whirlwind of motion! As we move on through our journey of #TutuTuesday we shall delve further into the evolution of this extraordinary piece of dancewear!
The excitement of discovery, of unlocking a secret of the past makes me spin around and twirl - as always I just have to go out and try on some new and elegant tutus as soon as I'm back in Derbyshire - It wouldn't be right for me to have this knowledge and not do it, would it?!
This Date in History
Let’s talk about what happened on 26th July, 1842: this date happens to be particularly poignant as we journey back in time!
Did you know that, back in 1842, there was an extremely significant dance performance in Russia? That was the first time a specific style of ballet was staged, that set a style that still lasts in our modern world even to this day.
They've named it “The French School” - how fantastic, right? And now, all our beautiful contemporary ballerinas in every nation all over the world, from Paris to New York to Moscow can trace back the origin of their dance moves right back to the beginning. Oh, I do love a little ballet history! It makes every single turn and leap so very much more magical, doesn’t it?
The Time Travel Diary: The Journey Begins
This past week was truly extraordinary, and as much as I hate to say goodbye to the wonderful world of 1842, we have to keep on traveling! Now I am right back in my lovely English Derbyshire, home of all things sweet and English! And to think I got to take my travel journal, my trusty, little leather-bound diary to Paris to record all my inspirations and adventures!
Well, darlings, we've arrived at the end of this journey, but I'm already planning for next Tuesday - we’ve only just begun to peek into the fascinating story of tutus, and my research is already hotting up to discover more!
Now, it's your turn. I’m eager to hear from you. What is your favourite ballet tutu? Why do you think this exquisite garment is so iconic and has captured the imaginations of so many?
Don’t forget, darlings, if you like pink, love ballet, and can’t resist a gorgeous tulle frock - get that #PinkTutu out and join me for another #TutuTuesday adventure!
Until next time!
Emma
xo
