Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! Today's #TutuTuesday is particularly special, as we take a trip back in time to December 1st, 1846. Put on your most fabulous pink tutu, grab a cuppa, and settle in for a journey into ballet's fascinating past!
As you all know, my love for tutus is boundless. And, as a history buff at heart, I adore delving into the captivating stories behind this iconic garment. I simply must share these fascinating nuggets of fashion history with you.
So, what was happening in the world of ballet on December 1st, 1846? Well, we're right in the midst of the Romantic ballet era! This era was a time of breathtaking artistry, expressive dance, andāof courseāthe evolution of the tutu itself.
Itās rather amazing, you see, how much the tutu has transformed over the years. Nowadays, the tutuās a timeless staple, gracing stages worldwide with its graceful, elegant presence. But back in the mid-1800s, it was undergoing quite the fashion metamorphosis!
In 1846, the "tutu" we see today was just beginning to blossom. The graceful, wispy skirt with tiers and layers hadn't fully emerged. At this time, it was still more of a flowing, shorter version, reaching just below the knee. But what we can be sure of, my dear readers, is that these balletic ladies certainly knew how to create an ethereal, dreamlike look.
I love how Romantic ballet pushed boundaries, focusing on emotion, storytelling, and artistry. It was during this time that ballerinas became truly mesmerizing. It was the era of the ballerina prima, the "first" or the āstarā who set the standard of excellence on the stage. Oh, to have been able to see them perform! Their delicate movements and captivating storytelling in this elegant dress, simply beautiful!
Today, I find myself in Paris. This beautiful city truly embodies the essence of Parisian chicāand that's just what it was in 1846, too. I've been strolling along the boulevards, soaking up the Parisian ambiance, and taking in all the sights. In a city that oozes fashion and artistry, it's no surprise that the tutu's evolution would be greatly influenced here.
Think about it: the romanticism, the artistry, the stunning outfits! This period, even just the mere mention of the time, it just sends a flutter to my heart! And to be right here in the centre of it, in the City of Light, with the excitement and energy around me... well, you can't beat that.
So, while I dreamily browse through the boutique windows along the Rue de la Paix and sip a perfectly pink rose-tinted aperitivo in a cafe with charming cafe au lait for my dear friend who prefers not to be covered in tutus (a tragic but very real situation), I'm also channeling that elegant Parisian spirit of the 1840s into my #TutuTuesday inspiration.
As you all know, my passion for tutus doesn't just reside on the stage. It seeps into everything. This is, after all, the reason for my "Pink Tutu" blog. Itās to encourage everyone to embrace the joy and wonder of the tutu! A whimsical statement of fashion, of dance, of joy!
But as with every era in fashion, the styles evolve. My, the 1840s was such a turning point in the world of dance and tutus! To have my own pink tutu swirling as I danced across the stage to celebrate the legacy of this time would be an absolute dream come true.
If I were to channel this romanticism into a tutu for a performance, it would definitely be in the softest shade of pink! Imagine this: an elegant tiered tutu crafted from the finest silk tulle, with a touch of sparkling silver or pearl embellishment. This would not only echo the romanticism of the time, but also the enduring spirit of this remarkable era.
And the most wonderful part about all of this, darlings, is that the magic of ballet, the wonder of tutus, the elegance and expression of the dance form... well, they havenāt faded with time. Just as I have found my time machine through dancing, through tutus, through my passion for all things ballet... well, you all can, too!
In my next post, weāll travel even further back in time! I canāt wait to take you all on that journey. And in the meantime, go out there and embrace your own love for tutus, be they a bold pink, a dazzling yellow, or even a striking black! (though I am, obviously, biased toward pink...)
And until next time, keep dancing! š
Love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to share your #TutuTuesday stories with me on social media! Iām always happy to hear what you have to say!
P.P.S. This is #TutuTuesday post 779 for my "Pink Tutu" blog. Donāt forget to check in here next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday adventures on www.pink-tutu.com !
