#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - September 26th, 1848! (Post #874)
Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday post! This week we're whisking ourselves back to the romantic era, a time when the tutu, as we know it, was still finding its footing! Now, settle in, grab your favourite cuppa and let's embark on a little journey through timeā¦
My oh my, what a delightful trip this was! London in the late 1840s was absolutely buzzing! Fashion was changing at lightning speed ā just look at the crinolines, the bustling skirts, all these delightful layers just begging to be swirled about the dance floor!
Imagine it: It's a chilly September evening, the air crisp with autumn leaves, and the gaslight glints off the puddles in the cobbled streets. Iām arriving at the theatre in a beautiful rose-coloured gown, my skirt swishing and rustling as I enter. As I take my seat, I see ladies in all manner of elegant dresses, hats with feathers and flowers, and ā here comes the exciting bit! - tiny glimpses of tulle under their skirts.
Why yes, darling, you heard me right! Tulle! Our little tulle, already sneaking its way into the spotlight of the grand theatres!
The Beginning of Our Beloved Tutu!
Now, September 26th, 1848 ā that's a bit before the glorious explosion of the tutu! But itās the perfect time to delve into the evolution of what would soon become a true icon.
Weāre still in that glorious era where ballets like āGiselleā were bursting onto the stage, and dancers needed costumes that were free and elegant enough to showcase their moves. The big, heavy dresses of the past were a bit too restrictive. So what do we do? We let out the skirts!
This era saw the birth of the 'romantique' skirt. A bit like our present-day tulle, but not quite so free-flowing. Think a layer of tulle attached to a more fitted base ā like a dreamily gathered cloud. And oh, those colors! Delicate, soft pastels in creams, blues, and pinks - absolute perfection!
But, it was all about achieving that beautiful, feminine silhouette, the perfect swirl of movement. It's in the spirit of this period that the tutu truly blossoms, a story we'll continue next Tuesday.
A Bit About September 26th, 1848
In a world beyond the enchanting stage, on this date, the first organised āInternational Conference of Workingmenā met in Brussels. This was an important step in the growth of the global labour movement - quite a big day for equality! Quite the change from our glamorous evening, don't you think? But every moment matters, even as it gives way to another.
Donāt Forget to Pinkify Your Life!
Remember darlings, every day can be a #TutuTuesday! Whether youāre on stage, dancing at home, or just taking a leisurely stroll, let your inner ballerina shine!
Shopping Adventures!
Iāve been absolutely spoiled this week! London is a wonderland for fashion, and my dear friend Charlotte and I have been on a glorious spree! Found a fantastic selection of new tutus - just a few in beautiful shades of pink, obviously! Think pink polka dots, feather embellishments, even a tutu that transforms into a gorgeous gown. All I need now is a reason to wear them!
Next week, weāll be whisking back in time to witness the full birth of the Tutu ā a spectacle of movement, style, andā¦ gasp!ā¦. feather boas. Until then, be fabulous!
Remember to stay tuned for more exciting #TutuTuesday adventures! Find me on the web at www.pink-tutu.com
Until next time, be stylish!
Emma x