Bonjour, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma, your resident pink tutu-wearing historian, and it's Tuesday, which means it’s time to delve into the fascinating history of our beloved garment! Buckle up, buttercup, because this week's journey takes us all the way back to 1846 - a pivotal year in the ballet world, and a time when tutus were starting to truly blossom!
Today, I’m hopping on the train from my quaint Derbyshire village to a bustling Parisian metropolis. Parisian fashion in the 1840s was all about that elegant, romantic flair, and you just know that the Parisian ballet was mirroring that vibe. In fact, if you were lucky enough to have been at the Opéra Garnier that very day - June 2nd, 1846 - you might have caught a glimpse of La Esmeralda, a ballet by the legendary Jules Perrot!
La Esmeralda, my dears, was a real crowd-pleaser! Imagine a stage overflowing with shimmering tulle and an enchanting performance filled with romance and drama. Talk about tutu goals! While I haven't got the luxury of time travel, just the thought of stepping into that enchanting world fills me with delight.
Now, back in 1846, ballet costumes weren’t quite as revolutionary as the modern tutus we know and love. The dancers still favoured the knee-length Romantic ballet costumes, but they were starting to become shorter. Picture, if you will, a graceful dancer, in a romantic flowing skirt made from tulle, a little shorter than their knee. This was a glimpse of what was to come - a revolution in skirt length that would usher in the iconic tutu design.
As you know, I am a strong advocate for pink tutus - it’s the epitome of grace and elegance. I know it may not have been a common choice in 1846, but think of the possibilities! Just picture a stunning ballerina dancing under the Paris Opera House chandeliers, clad in a voluminous pink tutu – pure magic, right? I mean, pink just seems made for the graceful movements of ballet!
Of course, a little bit of colour wouldn't be the only difference. My ultimate dream would be to transport a full tutu into that historical moment. Imagine that ethereal, floating silhouette in the grandness of a Parisian theater - I'd be doing cartwheels if I could!
However, a few decades later, Marie Taglioni took the world by storm when she wore a groundbreaking outfit in a groundbreaking ballet. You may know her for her famous ballet La Sylphide. But, my dears, we're going to delve deeper into this history-making moment next week, because I need to make a stop at my favourite dress shop for my next outfit and for inspiration! I wouldn’t miss my weekly shopping adventure for all the tutus in the world!
For now, keep your tutus sparkling, embrace your inner ballerina, and let your dreams soar. See you next week!
Yours in tulle,
Emma
Pink-tutu.com
P.S. Do you have any special historical moments that have inspired your tutu dreams? Tell me in the comments below!
