Hello darling readers, and welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com!
It's me, Emma, your ever-so-slightly-obsessed-with-tutus, ballet-loving blogger! And today, we're delving into the wonderful world of tutu history - and let's face it, it's about as captivating as a pirouette, yes?
Whizzing through time - This Week's Stop!
This week, my trusty time-travel machine whisked me all the way back to the 11th of April, 1843. Imagine: a world of bustle and gaslight, horse-drawn carriages and gentlemen with top hats! The first time I donned my pink tutu in this era, I'm pretty sure I had a few confused stares! But who cares about the curious onlookers when you're travelling through time? (Spoiler alert: it was completely worth it).
Now, 1843 wasn't quite the tutu explosion we know today, but it was a time of fascinating beginnings. In those days, a "tutu" might have been just a long skirt, perhaps adorned with lace or flounces, but things were starting to change - the "Romantic Era" of ballet was in full swing, with themes of fairies and ethereal creatures capturing everyone's hearts (mine included)!
So what happened on 11th April 1843?
Well, nothing too revolutionary in the world of ballet! However, this is where the fascinating part comes in - remember that "long skirt" I mentioned? Around this time, dancers started to experiment with shorter, more streamlined skirts. Why? Because the audience demanded it! They wanted to see those incredible legs in action. They wanted to feel the grace and beauty of the dances like never before! The shorter skirt meant a shift away from the "just a skirt" aesthetic to a focus on the dancer and their movements. Think about it: a ballerina can do a tour jete with a short skirt, not a long one! Imagine trying to land a fouetté in a giant skirt... Not going to happen!
The Start of Something Tutu-ful
You might be thinking, wait a minute, Emma, those shorter skirts weren't tutus as we know them! That's perfectly true! We still had a little time to go before the tulle and the frills and the grand perfection we adore in tutus. It took more than a little imagination and a few fearless dancers to take that short skirt and push it even further. They added layers, they experimented with styles and fabrics - all to make a statement with their movement, a statement that could transport the audience into a magical world!
And in that spirit of imagination, remember darling readers:
Tutus don't define you. What matters is the passion, the energy, the joy that fills the dance, and the joy that inspires others! It's about embracing the magic, embracing the fun.
* So get your twinkle toes tappin' and that pink tutu ready!*
I'll be back next week with another dip into ballet history - and remember, there's a pink tutu out there for every occasion, whether you're pirouetting at the barre or sipping tea in a Victorian drawing-room.
Until next time, stay stylish, darling!
Much Love,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
