Hey there, my darling tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink-clad ballerina, Emma, back for another whirl through history with my beloved #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. This week, we're waltzing back to a time when the tutu was just beginning to take centre stage - 28th March, 1843!
Hold on to your tiaras, darlings, because this trip is a doozy. It's my 587th blog post for www.pink-tutu.com, so we've certainly travelled a fair distance together. Remember when I said that one day everyone would be twirling in a pink tutu? Well, we’re getting closer! My trusty time machine – lovingly nicknamed ‘The Twirl Express’ - is all prepped for a whistle-stop journey to the heart of 19th-century Paris, where the tutu was first embraced.
Fashion: A Flurry of Fabric
1843 - oh, what a delightful era! Imagine it - grand ballrooms aglow with gaslight, ladies decked in gowns with flowing skirts that would put a ballerina's pointe shoe to shame! You could be forgiven for thinking that, back then, the tutu wasn’t the main event. But, like a well-placed pirouette, it was poised to take centre stage.
And, believe me, there was nothing subtle about it. In 1843, the "Romantic Tutu", still relatively new on the scene, was a revelation. Picture this – billowing, layers and layers of tulle cascading from the waist in a romantic flurry, a whirlwind of silk and grace. The classic, graceful shape we all know and love today had begun to take shape - though imagine it, not yet fully evolved - all white and elegant, a symbol of lightness and freedom, a breath of fresh air on the stuffy and structured fashion scene of the day.
I was absolutely entranced by these glorious creations. It was so very clear how much movement and fluidity they allowed, the ballerinas I saw swirling on stage were pure magic. Their leaps, pirouettes, and even their jumps seemed effortless in these incredible tutus. You could feel the lightness and delicacy in their movements - a true expression of artistry and freedom, a contrast to the rigid structure of Victorian corsets. This period marks a crucial stage in how fashion and dance influenced each other – the graceful and almost effortless flow of the new romantic style resonated with audiences as a stark counterpoint to the increasingly stifling fashion of the day.
A Whirl Through the Theatre
It wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday blog post without a peek at a ballet show, now would it? Oh my goodness, the Parisian Opera Ballet was a masterpiece in motion. It was sheer luxury and glamour, every last detail - the glittering chandeliers, the grand foyer with its shimmering marble and the ladies decked out in beautiful ball gowns, each a work of art! The energy was simply intoxicating.
And the ballet? I fell absolutely head-over-heels for ‘Giselle’. What a story! A beautiful and passionate love affair intertwined with tragic loss and betrayal – with the ballerinas taking centre stage with every graceful step. This show became so beloved in its day that it made dancers and their stunning tutus the real star attraction. It was a masterclass in romantic storytelling - and all against that glorious background of exquisite, airy, tulle and those amazing stage settings. Oh, I could practically feel myself twirling alongside those glorious dancers in my mind!
The Pink Inspiration
Did I tell you about the colours I discovered this week? 1843 in Paris is bursting with a kaleidoscope of pastels and shimmering metallics - think shimmering golds and blushing rose hues. While I am still very fond of my classic white tutus, I saw a pink-hued one, the most beautiful shade imaginable. It had all the grace and beauty of white, but with an added warmth and sensuality, a blush that just beckoned you closer.
From that moment, I was smitten - the possibilities seemed limitless! You know my mantra – pink for everyone! The very idea of adding this new touch of pink to the white tutu's ethereal quality filled me with joy. Imagine it – pink in every shade – from a delicate, baby pink to a vibrant and luscious fuchsia! I just couldn’t get enough! The more pink tutus the merrier, that’s what I always say! It's only a matter of time until the whole world embraces pink!
Tutu Thoughts & Shopping Spree
Okay, confession time – the ‘The Twirl Express’ deposited me right near the grand boulevards, a world of sartorial delights. Oh, the beautiful shops overflowing with silk and lace! It’s every ballerina's dream – so many elegant fabrics to dream up tutus! I couldn't resist buying some rolls of blush pink silk ribbon, so gorgeous - perfect for creating a bespoke touch for my tutu designs, which you know, is absolutely my thing! I’ve been busy whipping up a few new designs with that ribbon and some gorgeous tulle I’d found. Every tutu has to be unique, don't you agree?
Oh, my darlings, that brings our time-travelling escapade to a close for this week. We covered quite a bit – from the swirling tutus of 1843 Paris, to my insatiable passion for all things pink, I’ve enjoyed this trip tremendously! But as always, remember this, darlings – pink is not just a colour – it's a feeling. A feeling of joy, of freedom, and a celebration of the life!
Let me know your favourite memories about the romantic tutu! I love hearing about your #TutuTuesday experiences – let’s continue spreading the tutu love and pink inspiration together! Until next week, darlings! Keep twirling!
Emma, from www.pink-tutu.com 🩰💕
