#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1848-08-29

Hey darlings! Emma here, back for another Tuesday filled with twirls and tulle. Today we're diving into the enchanting history of the ballet tutu - because a little sprinkle of fashion magic never hurts, right? I mean, let’s face it, you can't get more glamorous than a pink tutu! 😉 It's the pinnacle of feminine elegance!

Today's date is August 29th, 1848. Fancy a little time travel? Today I’m at the Paris Opera, where, fun fact, the iconic Garnier Opera House, that grand masterpiece of architecture, is actually under construction! Talk about building for the future - they're crafting a haven for dancers, theatre goers, and fashionistas alike, which I, of course, have to see!

I'm practically bursting with excitement! Today's the day, darlings! My special ticket allows me to witness the most spectacular production: Giselle with the fabulous Carlotta Grisi herself! Can you imagine?! Carlotta, a veritable goddess in ballet. Her name is synonymous with grace and elegance, a perfect embodiment of everything tutus represent. She will be performing wearing one of the original, ultra romantic “romantic tutu” dresses - those long, floating skirts made from layers and layers of tulle!

Just imagine how elegant Carlotta will look as she leaps across the stage, the delicate fabric of her tulle cascading around her like a delicate cloud. It's pure poetry in motion.

Let’s rewind to the roots of this iconic ballet garment: Where did it all start?

Our story begins way back in the early 19th century. Can you believe that just over 50 years ago the tutu barely existed? Ballet dancers, you know, like myself! (Oh, do I look like a ballet dancer? This darling outfit, my darling readers, I’ll let you in on a little secret - It’s one of my own designs.) They wore rather… Well… let’s say "unflattering" long, floor length dresses! Can you even imagine how restricting that must have been? It's no wonder we had to fight for some freedom! Well, "freedom" for our limbs and a little more, well, shall we say exposure to make some magical dance moves happen.

It was none other than Marie Taglioni, another Parisian ballerina of great renown, who led the way! Marie started to experiment with shortening the skirts of their stage costumes - they literally took those long dresses and cut the bottoms off, just below the knees! These first shorter tutus - remember those romantic tutus? Well, it's true. This is what I’m seeing today in Giselle, those long flowing tutus, so full of delicate, almost ethereal movement - were truly an evolution of their original versions. They've come a long way!

So why this sudden shift to the romantic tutu? Well, it wasn't just about practical ease! Think of it as a creative revolution! Fashion designers and ballet choreographers both saw a chance to push boundaries, to highlight the graceful form of the human body, and to express their creativity in entirely new ways! Imagine being so inventive! Imagine a world where ballet wasn’t just about tradition but a stage where creativity flourished! We can thank the creative ingenuity of the likes of Marie Taglioni and the fashion designers of this era for this daring leap of creativity! You could say they ‘set the stage’ (no pun intended!), for a ballet aesthetic that's been inspiring ever since.

But you know, I’ve got a bit of a confession. My secret favorite is the “tutu of the future!”. The shorter, poupier ones, often with multiple layers. It’s about that exciting silhouette! It’s fun, it's vibrant, it's the perfect garment for expressive movements, for captivating, mesmerising audiences - It's what I call a "dance of the times!"

And oh darling, while we are on this beautiful theme, let’s talk pink! I don’t know if you have heard it yet - there's been a real movement happening in the world of ballet. The tutu - it’s going pink! Everywhere! What’s more stylish, more delicate, and more uplifting than a lovely pink tulle tutu!

And my dears, as a woman who lives and breathes pink (I must have about 35 of my own!), this just makes me SO happy! Why pink? It represents femininity, strength, power, a delicate balance of a subtle defiance of the past – just like the tutu.

Pink is more than a colour; It’s a statement! Just imagine the effect: The beautiful pink fabric fluttering around a ballerina's feet. It’s almost mesmerizing - don’t you think?

I always find the best of pink tutu-fashion around the most amazing performance locations. Now, I just happen to be sitting on the balcony in a little shop - quite a wonderful shop too, and I just know it's the perfect spot for a bit of fashion fun...

The first tutu to enter the stage today will be that elegant, billowing romantic tutu! And as we venture into the future of this exciting style of dance, there’s no denying how utterly glamorous, feminine and impactful those little pink poupier numbers will be - for that next big leap. I must go now, there's a delightful little tutu-shaped hat I have to try! 😉

Until next week, I hope you're all busy twirling in your favorite tutu! #PinkTutu

**Emma
www.pink-tutu.com

P.S. I get all my inspiration from the ballet performances that allow me to travel around the world. The only way I’m able to make this little dream of mine – of travelling in time, spreading pink tutus, and enjoying the most glamorous ballet performances – is because I perform too. I find an enchanting balance - it’s a perfect dance, truly! **