Hello dears! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller and purveyor of all things tutu, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post for www.pink-tutu.com. This week we're swirling back to 1845.12.23. Did you know this was a rather exciting day for ballet fashion?
This week's blog post marks a grand total of 730 #TutuTuesday entries! It's simply marvellous that we can delve back into history every week and explore the fabulous evolution of the tutu, the darling of dancewear.
As a Derbyshire girl at heart, I've travelled by train (my absolute favourite form of travel!), through time, and arrived in the very heart of ballet-mania – Paris. There's simply nothing like a Parisian December, don't you think? All the glittering lights and the scent of hot chocolate – heavenly! But I haven't come here for the hot chocolate, although I may have had a sneaky croissant and a cup earlier today. I’m here to see what ballet-wear excitement this particular December 23rd holds.
What was I doing this day back in 1845, you ask? Well, I'd just caught the final curtain call of "Giselle," which was quite a feat, given its first premiere in 1841. That Giselle tutu, oh my! Those perfectly constructed layers, the delicate wisp of a skirt that makes the ballerina float... simply beautiful!
Of course, a little bit of backstory for our fellow tutu lovers: This "tutu," although a long way from the fluffy, whimsical designs we adore today, was actually quite revolutionary for its time! Gone were the heavy, long skirts of the past. Instead, dancers like the glorious Carlotta Grisi were gracefully pirouetting in what we'd recognise as a more 'romantic' style tutu, showcasing the delicate form of the ballerina.
Can you imagine the absolute buzz back then? Here we are in the age of "Giselle," with its dramatic, ethereal beauty, and the very foundation of what we know as the tutu – that symbol of grace and feminine power – is evolving right before our very eyes!
I know we all adore the traditional ballet tutu. Those stiff, full-length tutus made famous by "Swan Lake," ahem... ahem... they’re not really my style. I must admit, those aren't the most practical for a time-travelling blogger who loves a little movement. However, they are so classically elegant, and perfect for the stage, that they will forever be part of the grand, historic narrative of ballet and tutu design.
While I'm on the topic of elegance, did you know there are several different kinds of tutus used in ballet? You've got the romantic tutus – oh so graceful, they flow around the legs in swirls and flicks! Then we've got the "classic," which is that iconic stiff, fuller, multi-layered creation! You know, the one that screams "swan lake!" The shorter variations like the "pas de basque," with their shorter layers are absolutely divine to twirl in, just wait till you see my upcoming blog on them... But what I truly love about tutus are those incredibly creative designs used in the theatre - just bursting with personality and stories. I must admit, I was almost tempted to put on a ballet class just to feel that sensation of dancing with a little bit of fluffy delight.
Speaking of creativity, I absolutely love the way modern designers play with the shape and length of the tutu, incorporating interesting fabrics and colours – everything from shimmering satins to airy silks and yes, I'm talking about vibrant colours, not just pink although that remains a top contender always . We can truly witness how the evolution of the tutu mirrors the creative, expressive dance that ballet embraces. It’s not just about dancing, it’s about telling a story with each twirl and pirouette!
On this special 1845.12.23, I can't help but wonder, dear readers, how the ballet tutu will evolve in the coming years? I think I can safely say, this little, flirty, skirt-like wonder is here to stay, bringing joy and elegance with it! I, for one, will be here to keep up with every last bit of tutu history – and perhaps inspire you to take a spin in your very own! 😉
This Tuesday, as I sit amongst the buzzing bustle of Paris, I can't help but feel a sense of giddy delight, surrounded by the passion of dance and the beautiful legacy of ballet costumes, and, of course, tutut-s! As for me? I'm going to celebrate my trip to this glorious time with a decadent Parisian pastry – after all, even time travellers need a little sugar! Until next #TutuTuesday, darlings!
Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com! You know how I feel, life is way too short to not wear a pink tutu. Let's spread the tutu love!
Lots of pink and sparkly love, Emma
