Hello darlings! Welcome to my blog, Pink Tutu! It's Tuesday, so you know what that means - #TutuTuesday! Today we're hopping aboard the Time Travelling Express for a romantic journey into the history of the tutu, travelling to the enchanting world of 1845, specifically August 12th!
Let me tell you, stepping back into the fashion of this time is pure magic. Forget those dull and dowdy Victorian frocks, we're entering a period where the world of ballet was finding its footing, and its elegance and grace were reflected in the beautiful designs of the times!
You might not think much of the year 1845 - but it's chock-a-block with interesting happenings. You've got the Great Famine ravaging Ireland, a whole load of technological innovations, like the telegraph, steam engine and the invention of vulcanized rubber!
However, the biggest news for me in this period is something rather delightful - a brand new era of ballet was blossoming! That's right, lovelies - the Romantics are making their move! Think grand narratives, passionate dance, and beautifully flowing tutus taking centre stage.
It's a bit of a "Tutumorphosis" moment, really. Those heavy, impractical, full-skirted gowns were fading into the past. And in their place were these lovely light and airy creations that enabled the ballerinas to pirouette, leap, and float with ethereal beauty. This shift in design allowed them to fully embrace the dramatic storytelling and emotional depth of the ballet's choreography.
Now, you may not recognise the tutu back then for its famous fluffy and fabulous "powder puff" look - because that wasn't in fashion yet! Instead, they were these lovely flowing affairs, usually crafted from white silk, delicately decorated with tulle. A little different to the contemporary ballet tutu, but elegant nonetheless! Imagine dancing in such graceful attire! I just imagine these gorgeous ladies whirling around in these frocks, showcasing their technique and artistry, and inspiring awe in the audience. Don't you want to take a spin on the stage?
Today, 1845-08-12, we're going to be talking about one particular enchanting tutu that debuted that night - La Sylphide. A captivating and beautiful ballerina in a white silk, floating tutu, danced with such exquisite delicacy - she must have looked utterly ethereal on stage! Can you picture her floating and twirling with such graceful charm? You see, ballet wasn't all about flashy moves and costumes. Back then it was about artistic movement and emotion expressed through dancing.
Don't worry, loves! We'll have plenty more on the history of the tutu and all the fantastic creations that have graced stages around the world!
Until then, do make sure to put on your pink tutus (even if they're a more modern take on the style) and let's embrace that graceful and lovely romantic feel of ballet! And of course, don't forget to check in next week for our next edition of #TutuTuesday - it's sure to be a delightful voyage into the history of our favourite garment!
XOXO, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
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