Post #563
Hello, darling dears! 🩰 It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller Emma, and today is #TutuTuesday, so we're going to be doing a deep dive into ballet tutu history! I'm just back from a jaunty trip to the dazzling City of Light, Paris, you know - where fashion and dancing simply swirl in a delightful, breathtaking whirlwind. It was like being whisked into one of the most enchanting ballet scenes ever, just without the pirouettes, of course... ahem, more on those later, 😉. But as it's #TutuTuesday, let's chat about the star of the show!
Today, October 11th 1842, a huge milestone in ballet tutu history! Can you guess what? Why, this is the very date that the first ever production of “Giselle" by the Romantic Era ballet masters Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Adolphe Adam was performed in Paris! 🎉 You just know that Giselle, the sweet and innocent peasant girl with the tragic love story, has to be wearing an absolutely stunning tutu! And she is, with a beautiful *white tutu! I'm *obsessed. And honestly, you can bet I already have a pink version ordered for myself from the best dressmakers in London! 🌸
It seems my mission to get everyone to wear pink tutus is already gaining momentum even in the 19th century. Ahem... well nearly. Just a few tiny tweaks to the Giselle tutu are all we need, perhaps a hint of rose-pink or peach and we're good to go! 😊
Oh, don’t think my travels around Europe aren't all work and no play, darling! London has been positively sparkling, with a fantastic shopping spree in Oxford Street, all the latest styles and fabulous fabrics. It truly does inspire me when it comes to my beloved pink tutus - so I think it's high time I tell you more about the amazing history of tutus themselves!
The “Giselle” Tutu - An Inspiration! It seems my mission to get everyone to wear pink tutus is already gaining momentum even in the 19th century! It truly does inspire me when it comes to my beloved pink tutus - so I think it's high time I tell you more about the amazing history of tutus themselves!
But wait, why exactly does this make today so exciting in terms of ballet tutu history? *Well, before “Giselle”, ballerinas were wearing quite restrictive, heavy gowns with cumbersome *crinolines, making it impossible for the graceful dancing we see today. It was the Romantic Ballet Era that brought in lighter clothing, specifically, **the shorter tutus, that allowed the beautiful swirls and movements we now take for granted. This style is truly elegant, practical and has stood the test of time, becoming an iconic part of ballet culture - just like the ballerina bun, oh yes! (More about buns another time, maybe next week...?) 💁♀️
Imagine trying to dance a beautiful ballet with the weight and bulk of all those fabrics and layers! The choreographers and dancers had to come up with something lighter. And they did, in the form of waists that dipped low - which gave more room for movement! The change to shorter tutus happened gradually but quickly in the 1840s, paving the way for an evolution of ballet performance that brought about the elegance and freedom of expression that we love and admire so much. It was all so inspiring to watch the stunning choreography with the dancers’ graceful movements as they floated across the stage in Paris – and then there were those tutus! 🩰✨
And let’s not forget, ladies, pink has been making its way into dance wear as we move into the second half of the 19th Century, so watch this space, darling!
Fashionably Back in Time - And The Pink Tutu, Of Course! While I can't exactly take pink tutus with me when I travel back in time, (and I have tried, don't think I haven't! But alas, even with my top secret pink glitter time travel spray , a proper tutu would get a bit stuck in the 19th century!) I do take inspiration from all the stylish ballet fashions of that era and then when I return, I take my inspiration and head for my favourite stores in Derbyshire. Honestly, you wouldn't believe some of the gorgeous lace and delicate materials I can get! sigh Then I have a ball transforming all that beautiful material into my pink ballet dream dress creations! 🌸✨
Of course, all my pink tulle designs come complete with my favourite pink additions - lace, flowers, sparkles… oh my, there really is something for everyone! Honestly, the amount of time I spend picking the best fabrics to suit my pink tutus is endless. My Derbyshire cottage workshop is covered in pink! You know that saying about how everything is rosier when it's in pink? Well, in my cottage it's true! 😉
It's fascinating to see how fashion trends intertwine with dance styles over time. You could almost tell from a look at the clothing what type of dance would be taking place, as we move from the romantic era to modern and contemporary. And guess what? You don't have to be a ballerina to appreciate tutus, though I must admit that when I'm surrounded by so much swirling, romantic, elegant dance, the only outfit that suits is a beautiful, fabulous pink tutu. 🥰
That's all for now, my dears. I’ll be popping back next week to share a few more insights on the lovely world of ballet history - and, of course, all the fantastic ways to get you in a pink tutu! 😉 Keep your eyes peeled for #TutuTuesday, and let's all be happy about pink tutus, always, right? 🌸✨
See you next week, lovelies!
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
