Bonjour mes chéries!
Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It’s me, your very own pink-clad time traveler, Emma, back with another thrilling installment of your weekly Ballet Tutu History fix. This week, we’re taking a little trip back to April 25th, 1843, the day before my favourite dressmaker opens a brand-new shop! Can you imagine – all those delightful fabrics and trimmings in one place?! I'd simply be overwhelmed with glee!
Oh my goodness, you can’t even begin to imagine what fashion is like back in this era. Everything’s so elaborate and whimsical, especially here in Paris. The French adore frills, flounces, and of course, the ever-so-fashionable crinoline, which, don’t get me wrong, can be terribly cumbersome if you’re planning on performing a grand jeté!
I simply adore Paris – it's truly the capital of fashion and ballet! My latest outfit is utterly divine. This exquisitely embroidered bodice and shimmering tulle skirt makes my heart flutter with joy, just waiting to be twirled and danced in! Did I mention it's a delightful shade of pale pink, perfectly complimenting my sparkling crystal ballerina shoes? You see, ladies, one must always wear pink. Pink says ‘joy, elegance, and sophistication' – the perfect attributes of a true ballerina.
As I flit through the bustling Parisian streets, admiring the elegant carriages and colourful street performers, it’s impossible not to feel utterly inspired. There’s a sense of excitement in the air that's hard to miss, an almost tangible buzz of creativity.
However, while this era is an absolute dream for the eye, it’s far from a tutu dream! No, ladies, you'd be shocked to discover that the tutus we know and love are still just a glimmer in someone's imagination! Our beloved fluffy friends – they weren’t invented until 1881 by none other than the flamboyant designer, Christian Dior! Can you imagine?! A mere 38 years before our time, dear friends, a tutu was just a distant dream. Quelle horreur!
While we do find some beautifully crafted dancing garments in 1843, the ‘tutu’ is simply a far-cry from our elegant companions. The dancers wore tuniques that flowed like a wave around them – quite charming but oh-so-long and rather restrictive! Can you even imagine attempting a pirouette with a full-length gown? Not quite as graceful as our flowing, tiered tutus, is it?
However, that’s not to say we haven't got beautiful outfits to be enthralled by in 1843. Imagine the elaborate corsets, with intricate embroidery, cinching in at the waist, a delightful vision in delicate fabrics like satin and lace! This was an age of grace and femininity, so it was certainly reflected in the clothes!
You simply must come with me on a little expedition. I think I'll take the train to visit my darling friend in Derbyshire where she's crafting her own tutu-inspired creation. She is taking an embroidered bodice and incorporating tulle layers - such daring inspiration! I imagine the effect must be stunning.
It's not just the theatre that draws me back to this era. In 1843, you will find the most glorious of ballrooms and grand houses bustling with excitement and music. In fact, this very week we celebrate *"The Season", a celebration of balls and music and in 1843, this was an integral part of fashionable life.
If you ask me, there’s no place like a good ballroom for swirling about in a fabulous outfit. And although my darling Derbyshire friend's outfit is very daring for her time, sadly it still does not feature the majestic tutu.
Oh, the wonderful, the breathtaking, the glorious ballet! There is so much about our past to cherish, so much history of costume to explore and to admire.
*Remember, dear ladies: life is too short to wear boring clothes! *
Have a fabulous day, filled with twirls, giggles, and of course, all things pink!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
