#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1845-10-14

Greetings, fellow tutu-lovers!

It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome back to another week of Ballet Tutu History. Today is #TutuTuesday, the day we delve into the world of tulle, silk, and all things twirly.

This week, we’re setting our time-traveling tutus down in the year 1845, a date brimming with exciting developments in the world of dance!

Now, I might not be rocking my signature pink tutu quite yet – after all, it wouldn’t quite be in style! – but let’s imagine how utterly fabulous it would look amongst the intricate silks and fabrics worn by dancers back then.

I’m off to a stunning show in Vienna tonight, but first, let’s dive into what happened on this very day in ballet history…

The 14th of October, 1845, falls into a time when ballet was blooming like a gorgeous rose in a magnificent Victorian garden! In those days, the most exciting thing was that ballet was becoming increasingly accessible for those outside of royalty. Theatres were springing up, and a passion for dance was beginning to blossom across Europe.

While tutus were not quite as extravagant or full as they would become, think of a delicate, airy silk fabric – almost like a very stylish underskirt - paired with a romantic, long skirt with ruffles. The romantic style of this time was all about grace, elegance, and just a hint of a fairy-like wonder.

I imagine dancing in a beautiful, airy, multi-layered skirt like those featured in La Esmeralda or Giselle, with flowing chiffon sleeves, would feel truly exquisite. And let’s not forget about the headdresses! Feathers and intricate ornaments were a must. I just picture them bobbing about as I leap and turn, all those intricate decorations catching the candlelight.

Imagine yourself performing on stage in that dazzling light. Can you almost smell the excitement in the air? I know I can, just thinking about it!

Well, my darling tutu enthusiasts, while no earth-shattering ballet premiere occurred on this day (which makes for perfect Tutu Tuesday exploration!) the sheer creative energy of ballet around 1845 is something that truly inspires me.

Ballet dancers like Carlotta Grisi, Marie Taglioni, and Fanny Elssler were performing in full glory in Europe. Each of them brought a new and unique flair to their movements, sparking audiences and fueling the fire of passion for ballet in the public imagination.

These women were real trailblazers, carving the path for future ballerinas like myself to grace the stages and show the world that dance is an art form worth celebrating.

It’s simply not possible for a ballet fanatic like myself to ignore the world of dancewear. Just picture yourself with me now in Paris in 1845… the elegant fabrics and the delicate lace! My eyes are already widening just imagining it all.

Think about it – we’re surrounded by artisans, busy hands making garments of the highest quality. They are the heart and soul of ballet fashion, turning designs into wearable art. The dedication these designers showed to their craft, is almost mythical!

Imagine me, strutting through the boutiques, carefully considering each fabric, its texture and its movement. I can’t even imagine how it felt, to buy a magnificent outfit knowing you’re preparing for a ballet performance… the anticipation would be utterly delicious.

Now, because I travel to the past, and have had the absolute pleasure of catching some trains in the early Victorian era – the time period where most ballet was performed– it was something of a whirlwind experience.

It's almost comical: I’m tucked away in my fancy carriage (yes, the plush velvet seats!) with a hot cup of tea (it was, surprisingly, the best part!). I love imagining the whispers of gossip and excitement about the next ballet season. Imagine being a tutu-clad dancer on the go, seeing the scenery rushing past my window...the world felt endless!

This is just a glimpse into the ballet world of 1845, folks! This post is number 720 in my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History series. Stay tuned each Tuesday, where I’ll continue to unearth exciting secrets from the ballet's glamorous past. Don't forget to hop on over to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com for more inspiring, enchanting adventures.

Until next Tuesday,

Emma x