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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1843-10-03

#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - October 3rd, 1843

Dearest Tutu Lovers!

It’s me, Emma, your very own pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday where we delve into the fascinating history of the tutu – our most beloved and iconic piece of dancewear.

This week, my train ticket took me all the way back to October 3rd, 1843 – just imagine! The year Queen Victoria had been reigning for seven years, gaslight was the latest technology and the crinoline was in full bloom!

The centre of the ballet world, and where I found myself this week, was Paris – the heart of all things fashionable and glamorous! You might be surprised to hear that in 1843, the tutu as we know it today – a short, billowing skirt that shows off those exquisite ballerina legs – was yet to exist!

Don’t worry though, there was plenty of twirling and elegance going on in the dance studios. You see, ballerinas of the day wore tutus, yes, but they were very different! Picture this: a full-length skirt, made from layers and layers of tulle and stiffened with layers of netting. These beautiful gowns flowed elegantly and had the most magnificent swirls and ripples!

Today, in this glorious jour, I actually visited the Opera Garnier, a majestic palace of performance that had only been built eight years before. Now, I have to admit that the opulent, intricately decorated building just left me utterly speechless! Can you imagine watching the ballet there?

The stage that day was alight with graceful movement, as dancers in these billowing white tutus swept across the floor with an ethereal, romantic air. In fact, the very dance they performed – “Giselle” – is a tragic love story, and just about everyone was in tears (not me, though, of course! Too busy enjoying the choreography!).

There was just something so elegant about the flowing skirts of the time – and believe me, the dancers put them through their paces with all sorts of dramatic poses and intricate steps. Think of a sweeping waltz across the stage and you can almost feel the breeze through the delicate, gauzy fabric of these magnificent tutus!

Did you know that in those days, the ballet itself was called "danseuse", and ballet dancers were simply known as "danseurs"? That might sound a bit odd, but I suppose in time, the term “ballet” became so widely loved, that it even trumped the original name!

Although today’s ballerina looks are much more focused on highlighting movement, back in 1843, the tutu was a statement in itself! This was more about fashion, more about theatrical glamour! Think Marie Taglioni – the very embodiment of elegant womanhood. With those graceful turns, expressive hands, and delicate flowing movements, she certainly knew how to set the stage on fire!

That's why I'm still so fond of these beautiful, full-length, Victorian era tutus, darling! They were such an important part of ballet’s early days, and they're a great example of how dance and fashion intertwine to create such spectacular visuals.

It’s actually so intriguing how the tutu has evolved from those opulent, billowing designs to the more contemporary, functional, and streamlined designs that we see today.

Now, dear reader, I must jet off! Another train ride awaits! I'm excited to visit another fascinating ballet history event and bring back even more thrilling #TutuTuesday discoveries for you all.

See you next week, darling! Remember, every day is a chance to embrace the magic of dance! And don't forget to visit *www.pink-tutu.com * for all things tutus!** And if you want to look extra glamorous this week, go for a full length pink tulle skirt ! Or go for an off the shoulder pale pink and black bodice and tulle skirt with a floral print! It's about YOU!

Until next week, keep your head high, and remember: Life’s a ballet, and everyone can wear a pink tutu!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1843-10-03