Welcome, my lovelies! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another exciting delve into the fabulous history of the tutu! This week we’re venturing all the way back to 21st November 1843. Now, I know what you’re thinking – a tutu back then? Surely not! Well, you'd be surprised... and today’s #TutuTuesday is all about smashing those preconceived notions! 😉
As you know, I simply adore my travels through time! It’s not every day you can sip champagne with Marie Antoinette one day and attend a Shakespearean play the next, all whilst sporting the most exquisite pink tutu imaginable. It’s all thanks to my ballet performances – that and a little sprinkle of magic, of course. You see, each magical tutu I dance in unlocks a new portal, taking me through the ages to meet those who shaped ballet's iconic story. And let me tell you, these encounters have taught me so much!
Let's talk Paris, shall we? This week I’m standing, tutu twirling, in the heart of the city, a place that, even then, was buzzing with culture and creative energy. The very essence of fashion! Can you imagine – a place where not only was a new design language emerging but where ballet was absolutely THRIVING? It’s like heaven for a tutu lover like myself! And on this very day, 21st November, there was a real buzz in the air. You see, the famous Opera Garnier had opened its doors, a grand new stage for the stars of the day! Imagine the excitement!
This was the start of something incredible – an era of spectacular dance, exquisite costume design, and theatrical extravagance! Now, let’s talk tutu...
You might not immediately associate tutus with the 1840s, and understandably so. These early tutus were not the delicate wisps of tulle you see today! We’re talking full, calf-length skirts – yes, you read that right – CALF-LENGTH! Made from stiff fabrics like taffeta and gauze, they were often elaborately layered, giving them that iconic ‘pouffy’ look that, honestly, was a little less elegant than we might see now. The movement was...well, very controlled. You wouldn't see pirouettes flying across the stage.
However, the exciting thing about these earlier tutus was their symbolism. You see, ballet was not the universally accessible art form it is now. It was an aristocratic pastime, often linked to royalty. The lavish tutus – with their embroidered accents and layers upon layers – showcased the wealth and status of those who performed on stage. Ballet was about more than just dancing, it was about performance! The tutu, in a way, was a form of spectacle, it was about putting on a show, a glamorous and elegant one, and showing off to the whole world.
But I hear you ask – Emma, darling, why should I care about 1840s tutus?
This is the beauty of fashion, my lovelies, it’s all about the journey! Every tutu, every change in silhouette, is a fascinating reflection of the times. It tells us about how people dressed, how they wanted to be seen, and most importantly, how dance itself evolved. You see, just like a grand ballgown evolving into the elegant dress we know and love today, these early tutus were a stepping stone. They set the scene for the magnificent tutus we know today, a testament to innovation, elegance, and an art form that has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
So the next time you see a dancer twirling in a cloud of tulle, take a moment to appreciate those first tutus that dared to stand apart from the crowd. Imagine the excitement, the sense of grandeur, and the thrill of seeing these incredible dancers in these early designs. Because, ultimately, every dance is a story. It’s a story about the past, present, and future of an art form that continues to captivate and inspire.
And, oh, how could I forget about you? It wouldn’t be a true #TutuTuesday without a challenge, right? 😉 I want to see your creativity flowing, dear readers! Tell me about your favourite ballet moments from the 1800s – a ballerina you admire, a show that left you mesmerised, a costume that sparked your imagination.
Let's delve into this extraordinary era together and see how ballet's sartorial story unfolded. Share your thoughts with me! Tweet me, Instagram me, send a postcard – let's keep this conversation alive!
*Now, onto the exciting part! * As for my travels this week – I am quite literally dancing with the stars! I managed to squeeze in a performance at the Opera Garnier – a chance to stand on the same stage as some of the most celebrated dancers of the time! This experience was nothing short of incredible, even in my chicest pink tutu. I have photos galore and plenty of stories, but I'll be saving them for next week!
As always, thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey through time. Now, remember – let's keep those tutus spinning and embrace the joy of dance!
See you next Tuesday, my darlings! 💖
P.S. Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more of your favourite #TutuTuesday blog posts! You can also find me on Twitter (@PinkTutuBlog) and Instagram (@pinktutublog).
Emma xoxo
