#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1843-07-11

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! It's #TutuTuesday, and I'm positively thrilled to take you on another journey through time, this time landing in the glorious year of 1843. It’s been an absolute whirlwind of a week – a captivating ballet performance in Paris, a charming tea party in London, and a delightful spree through the silk shops in Florence. My wardrobe is practically bursting with new delights!

This week marks post number 602 in my Ballet Tutu History series, and trust me, you won't want to miss out on the intriguing fashion tale I have to share. This is where the journey truly gets exciting, darling, as we explore the beginnings of that iconic, graceful silhouette: the ballet tutu!

Now, let's picture ourselves back in 1843, shall we? A time of romance and artistry. Think crisp white blouses with delicately frilled collars, graceful skirts with sweeping hems, and opulent embellishments like intricate lace and pearls. And of course, the delightful bonnets and parasols, essential accessories for every lady on the streets of London.

But our story is about dance, so imagine with me for a moment: grand opera houses, sparkling chandeliers casting warm shadows, and ballerinas soaring through the air in movements that seem to defy gravity. A hush falls over the audience as the prima ballerina steps onto the stage, dressed in a dress…not quite what you’d expect! You see, it’s 1843, and the tutu, that symbol of ballet we know and love, is still a young, newly emerging trend.

You see, back in 1843, skirts were long, full, and heavily draped. Imagine the hoopskirts, darling, the billowing, extravagant silhouettes! In contrast, on this day in 1843, something new was born – a daring new costume for the ballerinas, crafted of tulle! Light, airy, and almost transparent.

It wasn’t the tulle itself that was new – this soft and sheer fabric had already been around for some time, a lovely, feminine touch to the more substantial fabrics of the time. But this tutu was designed to hug the dancer's body closely from the waist up and then fall in a flurry of delicate, floating tiers of tulle.

This revolutionary style, dear readers, began to push the boundaries of what a "lady's dress" was meant to look like. The silhouette emphasized movement and fluidity. A vision of elegance and grace that defied traditional norms, celebrating the ethereal beauty of the dance.

Now, who do we have to thank for this amazing new style? We must tip our hats to the incredibly talented and pioneering ballerina, Marie Taglioni. This incredible dancer, an epitome of grace and artistry, became synonymous with the tutu! Her iconic role in "La Sylphide" helped propel this new costume onto the stage and into the hearts of audiences across Europe.

And can we just pause for a moment to talk about those gorgeous shoes? Those elegant pointe shoes, made with delicate leather and carefully constructed to provide support and flexibility for these amazing dancers! I've tried them, you know, on my little trip back to the Victorian era! And let me tell you, darling, pointe work requires incredible strength and discipline.

Imagine being one of those extraordinary dancers. They would practice day in and day out, perfecting their technique. They’d study their roles, rehearse tirelessly. All for that moment, under the spotlight, where they would transform themselves into these mystical beings, like La Sylphide herself, flitting through the air with grace and charm. And that, my darling, was the beginning of an era!

That revolutionary step in ballet costume, a mere one hundred and eighty years ago, changed everything! Over the years, the tutu continued to evolve, from the romantic, ethereal, flowing layers of the "La Sylphide" tutu to the layered, tiered look that defines the tutus we know and love today! We’ve seen it in different lengths, variations of tulle and colors. We’ve seen it take on whimsical styles and sophisticated silhouettes. It’s been worn by ballerinas in ballets as different as "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty"! And of course, as it makes its way to our wardrobes as everyday wear, a sweet and graceful addition to our attire!

My darlings, as always, my journey through the ballet tutu's history is meant to inspire and encourage. It’s a testament to how style and elegance have evolved and transformed. It shows us how dancers have pushed the boundaries of dress and motion and expressed the soul of ballet through the costumes they wear!

I invite you all to step into your own journey of personal expression. Do you have a favorite style of tutu, whether it's the traditional layered tulle or a more modern variation? Tell me all about it! Don’t forget, wear your tutus with pride, whether you’re on stage or just on the street!

See you next week, darlings, for more fun on #TutuTuesday! Don't forget to check out my newest blog posts on how to create your own DIY tutus!

With love, from your dearest Emma in Derbyshire!