#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1847-02-02

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Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-obsessed time traveller, and welcome back to my weekly delve into the fascinating history of the tutu!

Today we're twirling back to February 2nd 1847! Can you believe it? That’s nearly 200 years ago! Oh, the adventures I’ve had exploring ballet’s past… I’ve even snuck into Marie Taglioni's dressing room once - but that’s a story for another day.

But back to 1847! It was a pivotal time for ballet, a period where things were really starting to blossom in terms of costumes, especially tutus. We’re talking about a time before the tutus we know and love today – those iconic, full-length, frilly ones – came into existence. In fact, back then, you might be surprised to learn what ballerinas actually wore! They were called “tutus”, yes, but they were a far cry from the modern version.

The Origins of the "Tutu"

Firstly, let’s address the name “tutu”. Did you know that the word didn’t actually come about until the 1840s? How incredible is that? And it wasn’t even a specific term for the costume! “Tutu” referred to any sort of short skirt in fashion – a little like we see today with fashion bloggers and stylists using terms like "skirt-dress" or "jumper dress", even when those garments may have traditionally been classified differently.

That being said, in 1847, "tutu" could be used to describe a specific type of short ballet skirt. However, imagine it this way: you know the kind of frilly skirt we now associate with ballerina costume, right? Picture a version with less volume, more resembling a short and rather stiff, flouncy petticoat. Imagine more practicality and less flamboyant movement. Well, that was the "tutu" of the 1840s.

But here's the really interesting bit: the length! You see, 1847, despite the burgeoning Romantic Era in ballet (with its emphasis on flowing lines and lightness) still saw ballerina costumes much longer than we think of today.

Let’s Get Specific

You see, in the 1840s, the "tutu" would usually come mid-calf length, still clinging close to the body, with only minimal puffiness or fullness. This, believe it or not, allowed ballerinas more ease of movement than the previous “tutus” which had been even longer, reaching below the knee and almost looking like floor-length gowns, even hindering their movements at times!

Now, I’m talking about the type of skirts made of silk, satin, or even, sometimes, tulle, just like you see in some costumes even today. But it was only very small portions of the tulle, almost just an underskirt that was layered under more substantial material. A far cry from the cloud-like creations we're used to today, don't you agree?

This all started to change around the 1850s, however! And if you haven’t guessed already, I am bursting to share all about that next week. The history of the tutu is so fascinating, don't you agree? There's so much beauty, creativity, and just a dash of evolution to each little design!

Why Do I Love The Tutu

I must tell you that 1847 wasn't exactly all about ballet. February 2nd 1847 was a Wednesday, and although I adore ballet and the history, my heart beats to the rhythm of all kinds of fashion, whether on stage or in the streets! That is why I try to give you all a taste of every part of fashion history that's going on. In that particular Wednesday in February 1847, there was news of new fashion trends arriving from Paris – oh, la la! – and ladies across Europe were swooning! And it’s no surprise, those French always manage to come up with something elegant, wouldn’t you say?

In 1847, we were talking about everything from full, beautiful skirts (very fashionable!), long dresses – just slightly less exaggerated than they'd been earlier on – with big frills, and even, imagine this, something called the “walking jacket.” This one is my favourite: it’s a short jacket with a collar, so perfectly chic and elegant. I bet that with some delicate lace and embroidery it could easily become a costume accessory, a beautiful garment.

Time Travel, But Without a TARDIS

Well darlings, that’s all for today! Until next week, remember to live life with as much elegance, style and colour as a perfectly executed pirouette. And don't be shy about your pink tutu - it might just inspire you! I am off for a little jaunt, on a railway to visit some of the fashionable houses of Paris - I do love travelling by train, even if the food isn't always quite the same as what we have at home!

Love,

Emma