Hello, darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-enthusiast, ready to whisk you off on another delightful trip through time!
This week, we're going back to 1845! Buckle up, because we're hopping on a steam train and heading to Paris, the city that always makes my heart dance a little faster (and not just because of the fashion, oh my!).
Now, 1845 might not be the first time you'd think of when tutus came about, but this is actually a very pivotal year in tutu history. Imagine the stage, all gaslight and hushed anticipation, and a young dancer, the very epitome of grace and beauty, taking centre stage in a new, exciting creation… a tutu!
Think, if you will, of a skirt, but shorter, lighter, airier - more like a cloud of silk floating about a dancer's limbs! It was, as the fashionable people said at the time, the "height of fashion" and, oh my, it's certainly one of my absolute favourite fashions from the period!
While the first "tutus" might have looked more like what we'd call a tulle petticoat nowadays, the stage was beginning to see more and more variations. Think elegant layers of white tulle, the perfect foundation for sparkling diamonds or shimmering pearls – pure theatrical magic, don't you think?
However, a little secret… tutus weren't quite the centrepiece of a ballerina's look at this time. It was still quite traditional for dancers to wear long skirts that would flow and twirl. Yes, I know! Not quite as chic as a wispy tutu, right?
So why 1845, you might ask? Well, darlings, it was the year of the grand premiere of Giselle. Yes, that Giselle, the story of love, loss, and the ethereal beauty of the wilis! Can you believe this is how a little dancer's dress changed the course of ballet history? And just look at how beautiful those original costumes were, long and graceful but so intricately designed with exquisite details. They were truly breathtaking and perfect for showcasing the elegant artistry of the dancers.
This performance was the perfect storm - the music was beautiful, the dancing breathtaking and the whole thing simply radiated drama - it set the stage for tutus becoming much more than a fleeting fad. Giselle cemented the place of the tutu in the world of ballet and it has held that position with honour and style ever since, and, if I may say so myself, it truly looks good on any ballerina, young or old, amateur or professional. It is, of course, utterly perfect with the addition of some pink… the quintessential pink tutu. It’s a look that’s practically begging for an encore!
Now, my darlings, don't let anyone tell you that history is just dates and dusty books. It’s also about discovering things like these little nuggets of fashion and stories that make the world so much more interesting. Who knew such a small item of clothing, the tutu, could have such a profound impact? And we must not forget that Giselle continues to be performed today and continues to thrill audiences and inspire new dancers who dream of wearing that legendary costume on stage and filling those shoes (which themselves have their own interesting history – for another post maybe! wink).
You see, history, darlings, is all about style! So remember, embrace the little things, the beautiful details that make your life feel magical and fabulous. And if you're ever feeling a little bit sad, or uninspired, put on your pink tutu and twirl!
I'm going to continue my own twirl through Paris, where, as luck would have it, the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris is just starting rehearsals for a performance of… wait for it… Giselle. Imagine, seeing that tutu, on that stage, so soon after that history was made… I can practically feel the magic of history in the air, darlings! And you can too - whether you're just starting out, a professional, or simply an enthusiastic enthusiast like myself, Giselle will always be a touchstone of inspiration.
Next Tuesday, I'll be taking you on a fascinating adventure to explore another brilliant ballerina's fashion! In the meantime, happy dancing, darlings!
#P.S. Remember, keep an eye on www.pink-tutu.com for all your tutu needs, and be sure to let me know about your favourite tutus on social media with #PinkTutu ! I’d love to see how you style your pink tutu - even if you haven't time travelled back in time. The possibilities are endless!
