Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darlings! It's #TutuTuesday, which means it's time for a whirlwind tour of the fascinating history of our beloved tutus! As always, I'm your trusty time-travelling guide, Emma, and today we're stepping into the elegant world of ballet back in 1848, just over a year after I was born, in lovely Derbyshire, England.
This week, we're not just travelling through time, but across the English Channel to a land steeped in dance, Paris, darling! Now, I can't say I was there, seeing as I'm barely 18 months old, but just imagine the grandeur! A world of elegant ballrooms, breathtaking performances, and perhaps even a whiff of romance. I mean, imagine, a swirling tulle dress, the air alive with music, and you're swept into the arms of a handsome Parisian gentleman - oh la la!
The "Grand" Gesture: Ballet Goes Big
Now, what would a little pink tutu be doing in 1848? Well, in this era, the tutu wasn't a star performer, though its popularity was slowly budding. I think we all know that the classic "tutu," the frilly, full-skirted kind we see today, is an 18th-century invention, with its early form making an appearance in the "La Fille mal gardée" ballet in the 1820s. This dance, which follows a story of a girl forbidden from loving a peasant, was groundbreaking in showing more dynamic and athletic movements! But imagine this, lovelies, the "tutu" at the time was still quite a sight to behold! Long, flowing skirts that were more in the "crinolined" style, offering the dancer elegance and flowing movement but not the iconic wispy look we adore now. And it was mainly those ballerinas of the Romantic ballet that truly defined this first form.
And who do we have to thank for this, you might ask? Well, one could make the case for Marie Taglioni, considered by many as the "first ballerina." Oh, she was a force to be reckoned with in the dance world, her legendary moves revolutionised ballet - with her "aerial" approach to dance, lightness was her hallmark! You can see the early "tutu" really coming to life in the Romantic era, think "La Sylphide." That ethereal creature flitting across the stage! Ballet's journey to modern times is full of delightful, dramatic shifts like this one!
A Look at Fashion: Balloons and Butterflies
Fast-forward to 1848. In the world of Parisian fashion, everything's a tad different from what you and I are used to, darlings. Think balloon-shaped skirts! Yes, those grand Victorian gowns were popular - picture large crinolines and elaborate details. Fashion was all about volume and exaggerated forms - like butterflies! Those delicate fluttery sleeves? Those wide, open skirts, adorned with lace and beautiful embroidery? Pure Parisian chic!
Life Beyond the Ballet
But back to the 21st of November 1848. While Parisian society may have been preoccupied with their grand fashions, across the Channel in Britain, a momentous occasion took place – a very different event indeed: The Great Reform Act of 1832 was given the Royal Assent. While I find politics, hmm, not as riveting as a good ballet, it did allow more men the right to vote - a massive shake-up in the political scene, much like a "fouetté" in the ballet! It's remarkable how things like ballet and fashion play a role in shaping societal change!
Tutu Tuesday Takeaways
So, darlings, a tutu's story isn't a solo act - it's intertwined with the fashions of its time! That's why #TutuTuesday isn't just about tutus, but about the larger picture, how fashion and culture move, as elegant as a "pirouette." Next week, we'll be dipping into the dance world of 1849! Will you be joining me for another spin in time? Do make sure to visit our beloved www.pink-tutu.com for more #TutuTuesday posts, my lovely darlings! And, if you love pink, don't forget: *Embrace the pink! It's all about joy and freedom, and that's what a good pink tutu can give you! *
Until then, keep twirling! Emma, the pink tutu lover 💖
