Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-clad blogger, Emma, here, back for another fabulous #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History post. This week we’re stepping back in time – literally this time! I'm in Paris, which, of course, is the absolute hub for everything glamorous and fashionable – tutus included. I’ve whisked myself away by train to this charming city, because this week’s date – 23rd October 1849 – is just chock full of tutu-related intrigue! Don't worry, I haven’t forgotten my trusty pink tutu for my time travel escapades, I mean, how else could you travel through time with any fashion sense, darling?
This blog post is number 930 – did you know I've been doing #TutuTuesday for over 17 years? My passion for ballet tutus really is a lifetime love affair!
Now, back to 1849... On this very date, our beloved ballerina, Marie Taglioni, graced the stage for one last time. Marie was known for her incredible lightness and graceful movements - just the sort of thing a perfect tutu should compliment. In fact, she's widely credited with bringing the short, white tutu to prominence – you know, the kind that makes your heart flutter with pure ballerina dreams! Can you imagine how much I would have loved to see her perform?! sighs wistfully
That said, while we think of Marie and other dancers like her wearing a fluffy white tutu, that's a bit of a romanticized misconception. In this period, the 'tutu' wasn't quite the thing we recognise today. There wasn't really a term for them - you'd call them a skirt, but they weren't just any ordinary skirt, darling! They were specifically designed to be lightweight, to allow movement, with the layers billowing and swirling gracefully – a far cry from the rather un-danceable skirts they wore previously. Think layered chiffon, delicately flowing around the legs and a skirt length above the knee – all about emphasizing the ballerina's elegant lines!
And wouldn't you know it, my dear readers, Paris was, and still is, at the heart of all things fashionable! On this very day, the ladies of Parisian high society were busy browsing the shops for the latest creations. As I walked past, I had to stop and gawk at a beautifully crafted black silk and satin dress. It had a lovely tiered skirt, each tier slightly wider than the last. As I stepped into a grand tea salon, I spied ladies chatting about the newest designs and how those were sure to be copied all over Europe – it was like stepping into a Parisian ballet, all waltzing movements and airy elegance!
Did I mention my train journey? Absolutely divine! I sat across from a young, impeccably-dressed lady, sporting a fetching pink bonnet – very fashionable! We struck up a conversation and chatted about the newest designs at Worth and Charles Frederick Worth’s House of Worth – such an extraordinary establishment for ladies' fashion! She told me stories of visiting the theatre and enjoying the latest ballets, with, of course, these fascinating and delicate 'skirts' for the ballerinas.
Speaking of theatres, darling, I couldn't resist stopping by the Theatre de l’Opera! What a truly spectacular sight, and quite an experience for me. There's such a history here, I felt myself transported into a whirlwind of drama, passion and ballet! It was a bit hard to believe that this was where so many groundbreaking dancers of the 19th century performed! I had the biggest smile plastered on my face, imagining myself as a dancer, performing with elegance and grace in that magical space!
Now, this day wouldn’t be complete without some Parisian shopping – a must-do, wouldn't you say? While I wouldn’t have been able to find tutus as we know them today, you'd be surprised at what was on offer. You could get silk, satin, and velvet by the metre - perfect for adding layers and detailing to your dance skirt! The shops were filled with shimmering fabrics and delicate lace – simply inspiring!
After my grand tour of Paris and its fashion delights, I returned to my train and the bustle of the railway platform. As I rode away, I felt this overwhelming desire to wear a fluffy pink tutu. Just thinking about how soft and twirly they’d be made my heart sing. Perhaps I can have one designed for a grand, elegant performance - perhaps with my new best friend, that fashionista from the train, who was in fact a seamstress and knew exactly where I could get one created, perfectly bespoke, just for me!
Of course, my main goal in life, is for all of you to wear a pink tutu. To celebrate the elegant designs, and how much fun and femininity they represent. Just picture everyone twirling in pink, creating a sea of soft elegance - wouldn't that be truly magical?
Until next #TutuTuesday, dear readers, keep twirling!
Much love, Emma xx
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