#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1849-02-13

Bonjour, darlings!

It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip through time, and trust me, it's always a whirl with these time machines! This week, I found myself in 1849, the year that fashion started flirting with the idea of ballet and its dreamy tutus, a very exciting development, indeed.

Now, as a dedicated aficionado of all things pink and twirly, I simply couldn't resist sharing this thrilling moment with you!

It all started, as most good adventures do, with a steaming cuppa in my cozy Derbyshire cottage, nestled amongst the rolling hills. A quiet Tuesday morning, like any other. Until, as luck would have it, I spotted a flyer for a local ballet performance. The costumes! They called to me! And that's when the Time Machine whirred to life.

This time, instead of a mystical portal or a magic cloak, I found myself on a grand, luxurious railway carriage. Just me, my pink tulle, and the most captivating railway journey I've ever experienced!

The world outside flew past: coal smoke belching into the sky, cobbled streets bustling with horsedrawn carriages, the first rumblings of the Industrial Revolution transforming the landscape. All these fascinating sights rushing past as I dreamt of tutus, imagining those elegant figures gliding across stages with graceful swishes and graceful leaps.

My destination was Paris, the capital of fashion and culture. The city, bathed in soft evening light, exuded an undeniable allure. Just as it did in the past, as it does today, it was a haven for artists and dreamers.

I decided to grace the city with my presence at the Paris Opera, a stunning edifice that oozed grandeur and history. And it was within these walls that I finally saw a ballet that incorporated tutus – a revolution!

Now, it's important to understand that tutus in 1849 weren't the full, fluffy, "fairy princess" numbers you see today. These tutus were more... "Romantic Era"! They were sleek, almost clinging to the body, crafted from lightweight silk or muslin. This created a mesmerizing illusion, a dreamy silhouette that made the dancers look like sylphs, graceful, ethereal creatures born from the wind.

It was a sight that took my breath away!

The ballet itself, inspired by romantic notions and medieval legends, brought a powerful beauty and sentiment to the stage.

The costumes were not only enchanting but incredibly innovative. They offered dancers the freedom they craved, allowing them to express their emotions and artistry in fluid movements, like butterflies dancing on the stage.

And let's not forget the fashion! Paris in 1849 was buzzing with the Romantic Era in full bloom. You couldn't walk two paces without bumping into a dashing young gentleman, impeccably dressed in velvet or brocade, a dreamy poet on his way to some Parisian cafe or a bustling ball.

I took in the fashions - the delicately draped gowns with layers upon layers of lace and silk, the frilly ruffles, the pastel hues, the headbands adorning intricately arranged hair - and it suddenly clicked! These women needed a bit of ballet in their lives! They needed the flow, the freedom, the airy, feminine quality of the Romantic Era tutu!

Of course, not quite as "professional" as the ones worn by dancers but perhaps something lighter, shorter... A simple layer of chiffon, flowing with each turn, the whisper of fabric dancing on the wind. Perhaps in pale pink, of course! Wouldn't that add just the perfect dash of ethereal whimsy to those gowns, making the ladies seem as light and free as those ethereal ballerinas?

I rushed to the fashion houses, those hives of creative energy, buzzing with the excitement of creating the latest looks, and spread the word! I talked with designers and tailors, shared my dreams, and dreamt of pink tutus taking the fashion world by storm!

My Parisian excursion had a lasting impact! Back in Derbyshire, my creative wheels started spinning faster than ever before. And wouldn't you know it? I found a local theatre where ballet was on the rise, inspiring local seamstresses and fabric stores with ideas and images.

And I even incorporated some of those Romantic Era touches to my own tutu collection! It just wouldn't be right to not bring back a souvenir, wouldn't it?

It's truly fascinating to see how fashion trends evolved! It's just another reminder to embrace creativity, to let your dreams take flight, to dance your heart out and wear your tutus proudly. After all, isn't that what we all aim for? A bit of sparkle, a touch of grace, a swirl of colour in our everyday lives?

Don't forget to pop back here next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday, darling!

I'll be back with more time travel adventures, and of course, more dazzling tutus!

Emma xo