#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1844-03-12

Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma, your #TutuTuesday history guide, popping in from a particularly delightful Parisian afternoon! Now, if you’re anything like me, you simply can't get enough of those beautiful, billowing, tutus, right? Well, strap yourselves in because we're taking a time-hopping trip back to March 12th, 1844, a date ripe with sartorial intrigue and the glimmer of ballet's nascent evolution!

Let's just say, it’s not quite the tulle explosion we have today, but as a true tutu-thusiast, I’m always on the hunt for those historical tidbits! You see, dear readers, back in the 1840s, it wasn’t so much a “tutu” as it was the beginnings of a fashion movement… Imagine delicate, layered layers of gauzy white cotton, more ‘Romantic Era’ than 'Whirlwind of tulle'!

I know what you’re thinking, "But Emma, a tutu is a tutu!" And you're not wrong, my dear. But consider, fashion history unfolds in the most delicious and unexpected ways! You see, those early "tutues," as they've become known, were worn by some of the very first ballerina divas! Think Carlotta Grisi, the queen of ethereal, dramatic dance! The gowns she wore were simply the height of ethereal, billowing elegance - a real step towards those flowing tutus we love so much!

*Now, you can imagine my excitement because on this date back in 1844 - right here in Paris - the iconic *The Giselle had it's world premier! The Giselle! It’s the story for any true ballet fanatic! A fairy-tale about the ultimate dance and love story! (You can always catch me swaying along in the audience at these performances. Honestly, there’s something truly enchanting about ballet – even my dear, lovely Derbyshire village folks would agree!) **

I just had to experience this, so you know I popped back to Paris and waltzed straight to the Theatre de l'Opera! The place was buzzing, absolutely alive with the spirit of Giselle, and let me tell you, the beauty of the dancers' movement was almost as unforgettable as the exquisite costumes.

As I stood among the crowd, admiring the ladies' dresses, I thought, “Gosh, how the Parisian spirit reflects the world of tutus! From delicate lace to billowing fabrics, Parisian fashion is an absolute dreamland for any tututu fan!” I spotted the most delightful silk dresses with their perfectly structured boned bodices. Those were really the epitome of "Parisian glamour,” don’t you think? The elegant ladies had just enough poofy fabric for that airy and feminine aesthetic - I'm definitely taking some inspiration from these looks for my next tututu project!

Of course, being me, I had to take a whirlwind shopping spree for a few pieces that had my little ballet-loving heart thrumming - imagine! Gorgeous fabrics, feather boas that tickle your fingertips - absolute fashion magic! *Speaking of, my very dear readers, I *do hope my own tututu collection has been inspiring you all. Why not post your favourite tututu creations on my Pink-Tutu website? I’m always on the lookout for a bit of fashion inspiration from you lovelies. Sharing is caring, isn't it?

As always, remember, my dear ballet enthusiasts, the joy of tutus isn't about their history or their evolution, it's about that magical, whimsical feeling that only a twirling, beautiful, ballet tutu can provide! So get those pink tutus on and let's dance!

**What are your favourite #TutuTuesday memories, and do any of you have a favourite ballet stories from Paris? I’d love to hear your comments below.

See you next #TutuTuesday! **

P.S. Fancy a delightful French-inspired #TutuTuesday recipe? How about Mille-Feuille, a delicate pastry made with paper-thin puff pastry - sounds almost as beautiful and delicate as one of our favourite ballet tutus, wouldn't you say?**

(End blog post)