Hello my darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we celebrate all things fluffy, frilly, and fabulous! Today, on this most glorious #TutuTuesday, we're whisking you away on a journey through time to 9th September, 1845, where tutus were just starting to make their grand entrance onto the Parisian stage. Buckle up, my loves, for a whirlwind tour of ballet history and a peek into the world of early tutus!
Now, let me tell you, 1845 was a heady time for dance. Paris was THE place to be, a vibrant melting pot of creativity and glamour. Think cascading lace, swirling silk, and the rhythmic thrum of orchestras accompanying every pirouette and jeté. Imagine yourself there, in a sea of fluttering fans, the air thick with the scent of roses and champagne, and on the stage, ballerinas flitting through the air like fairies! Ah, to have been there!
Speaking of fairies, 1845 was a big year for the ballet blanc – which basically means ‘white ballet.’ Think frothy, ethereal tulle and lace, swirling like snow, worn by beautiful dancers on pointe. It's almost magical, isn't it? 💫
While I'm totally about a good, glittery pink tutu, I have to admit there's a certain romantic charm to the ballet blanc. Imagine being whisked away on a fairytale journey! And this style certainly had its moment, particularly with the rise of the Romantic Era in ballet. Think Giselle with its dreamy, ethereal story. Those wispy, almost diaphanous tutus are the very epitome of graceful lightness and feminine beauty. I have a feeling those romantic styles are going to inspire my new tutu designs – get ready for a flurry of pink and tulle!
This being #TutuTuesday, let’s focus on those magnificent tutus! I mean, could those early tutus get any more dramatic?! With their tiers upon tiers of tulle, they resembled clouds of pure loveliness – almost impossible to imagine those early ballerinas twirling in them, considering all those layers! But oh, the visual spectacle! That’s why we love them! 🥰
In fact, these early tutus, with their flowing lines and delicate fabrics, helped to push the boundaries of ballet. They emphasized the ethereal quality of movement and truly let the ballerinas' graceful figures shine. They weren’t just clothes – they were a form of expression, a vehicle for storytelling, and a symbol of beauty. They allowed the dancers to fly, quite literally!
Did I tell you about my little trip to Paris just last week? The most magical thing, you know! And guess what? I found the most beautiful vintage shop stuffed with early tutus! I nearly fainted when I saw them – so delicate and beautifully handcrafted, it’s just not the same now! Don't you just wish you could slip into one and feel the whisper of those gossamer layers around you? It’s all about the drama and the fantasy.
Just like we love our fabulous tutus today, these early ballet dancers embraced them as more than just clothing – they were an extension of their art! A symbol of artistry and the freedom of dance. Can’t you just feel the joy emanating from those early dancers? Just imagine that energy in a beautiful ballet performance! You'd almost need a fan just to catch your breath.
But before I whisk you off to the next century, let's indulge our inner history buffs! Now, on 9th September 1845…
… Giselle had already been captivating audiences in Paris for a while – that iconic, romantic story, combined with the elegance of those early tutus… magic!
... Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had just embarked on their honeymoon. How lovely! 👑
... Fashion was undergoing its own evolution, with flowing gowns and elaborate hats, mirroring the grace of the early ballet tutus. The whole world was captivated by romantic style.
Now, to leave you with some food for thought, here are some things I ponder as I journey back through time:
Was it harder to move in all those layers? Can you even imagine the meticulous hours of preparation it took to make those tutus? Let’s give a cheer to all the talented craftspeople behind those amazing creations! 🙌
And those pointe shoes! Pointe shoes! How did those early ballerinas get up there and make those magical movements in what seems like impossibly small shoes?
As I leave you with that delightful puzzle to contemplate, don’t forget to subscribe to Pink-Tutu.com for more fabulous #TutuTuesday posts. Remember to follow me on Insta and keep those pink tutus twirling! And just remember – no matter what century, a fabulous tutu will always make the world a brighter, prettier, and more enchanting place. 💕✨
See you next week, my dears, for more tutu magic!
Emma, your travelling pink tutu advocate 💖
