Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident Tutu Queen, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your ultimate guide to all things pink and tutu-rific! Today we’re taking a little trip back in time – a very stylish one, of course! - for our #TutuTuesday dive into Ballet Tutu History! I’ve just landed in…well, actually it's almost landed as my carriage is still making its way along the cobbles, all en route to London town, where I'll be taking in a glorious show at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Fancy! Let’s just say, it’s an extra special #TutuTuesday for a very special reason!
Before we get into that though, darlings, it wouldn’t be a proper #TutuTuesday blog without some fabulous fashion chatter, wouldn’t it?! I’ve completely fallen in love with the bustle skirt, don’t you just adore it? It’s perfect for adding that extra feminine flounce and creating such a lovely silhouette! It reminds me, somewhat, of a tulle tutu, in a way…a more grounded version! Speaking of which, it’s going to be quite the treat to see those glorious costumes tonight. The Italian ballerinas, with their delicate movement and oh-so-ethereal tutus. How perfectly romantic and delightful!
As for my travel wardrobe, I’ve pulled out the most stunning coral silk ensemble. You know how much I love my pink shades, so I’ve accessorized it with a pretty blush pink shawl, which I might swap out later for something bolder when we get to London, perhaps something more Parisian in feel? And of course there's my signature tutu, in the most fabulous shades of softest pink. A delicate, dreamy shade which doesn’t distract from the real spectacle - those dancers on stage!
So, let’s go back to that special reason I mentioned. Well, December 22nd, 1846 was the very first performance of the famous Giselle! This absolutely iconic romantic ballet was the big event that week - all everyone in London was talking about, it was the hottest ticket in town.
Why is this ballet so important? Why did it become an instant sensation? Let’s look at a little background… *
Giselle: The Romantic Tale that Enraptured London!Giselle is a story bursting with romanticism - think ethereal beauty, heartache, passion, and, of course, tutus. Imagine a peasant girl, simple yet innocent and so full of life, dancing in her white, delicate skirt, representing purity and nature's beauty - her first act costumes, just like her character, are so charming!
Then, the ballet explores this heartbreak, a shocking revelation about the one she loves, and Giselle’s tragic demise - but there is also the otherworldly redemption as she finds grace in her transformation. It's this juxtaposition between the earthy, human drama, and the more fantastical, otherworldly, almost ghostly transformation, that makes Giselle so mesmerising, enthralling, and unforgettable! *
And then you've got those gorgeous tutus - and, let's not forget, Giselle's performance marked a turning point in ballet! The way she danced…her movements were full of freedom, expressiveness, and natural grace, as if the very essence of womanhood was embodied in every twirl and arabesque.
What were the audience and critics saying about the tutus that were dancing on the stage? You've got to understand, this was a very different world - when even looking at legs was quite shocking. Yet here was this, a display of feminine beauty and unforgettable art!
The Tutu - A Star is Born?The tutu as a dance garment - well, even then, was evolving so quickly. In the beginning, there was the tutu panier which is a little less delicate - it was used before and even during Giselle. You could say, the pannier was a rather heavy dance partner. Then, the more modern and light version, the tutu* with shorter layers of tulle, arrived to create a more fluid, delicate look. It made the dancing even more graceful, and those *leg extensions, *it all just flowed like nothing we had ever seen before.
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That amazing transition, darlings - the shift from heavier dresses to the airy, light as air tutus - it's why Giselle resonated so deeply! You see this is where the ballet story starts truly reflecting the evolution of fashion - the shift towards romanticism, beauty, and more feminine lines. That beautiful evolution continues, darlings, with each new era. But we'll talk about those in a later #TutuTuesday blog, wouldn't you agree?! *
What will you be doing today? Will you be putting on your most favourite tutu, gracing a performance, or simply reminiscing? Whatever you do, be sure to leave a comment below. *Pink you are having a delightful week!
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* I hope this is helpful! It was fun writing! Feel free to request any additional information you need. I’d be happy to further develop this blog post by adding specific historical facts and details, more description about Giselle’s choreography, and perhaps even some fashion tips for today’s ballerinas! Just let me know what you think.
