#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1849-11-27

Bonjour mes amies! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back again to delve into the fascinating history of the tutu. Buckle up, darling, because we're about to embark on another exciting adventure to a time where tutus were truly taking centre stage...

Today we're stepping back in time to 27th November 1849, a most pivotal moment in tutu history. I mean, just imagine it, my dears! The year is almost over, the days are growing shorter and chillier, but the excitement in the air is palpable – a veritable whirlwind of elegance, grace and... tutus!

Now, where did I last leave my time machine...? Ah, here it is! Whizz, whoosh, there we go...

We find ourselves in Paris, darling! It's the hub of the world for anything glamorous and, my word, tutus were positively flourishing. In fact, 1849 was the year when the Romantic tutu, that marvelously airy, flowing confection, first made its dazzling debut. Imagine a cloud of tulle swirling with such breathtaking abandon! Très chic, don't you think?

Think of ballerinas with their skirts floating around their ankles, a sight truly designed to captivate. No longer bound by those stiff, constricting corsets of earlier decades, the ballerinas were given a chance to showcase their natural grace and freedom of movement. The Romantic tutu brought with it an element of airy whimsy, a complete shift in aesthetics that mirrored the rising popularity of ballet itself.

And how do I know this, you ask? Well, you'll have to trust my time-traveling intuition! Not to mention, a rather excellent copy of "The Complete Ballet Book" I found hidden in a trunk, quite conveniently left in the hotel room I just checked out in, well, a rather fancy London establishment. You see, the history of fashion and the history of ballet are intrinsically intertwined!

My trip to Paris, of course, wouldn't be complete without a spot of shopping! The latest fashion was as enthralling as a captivating ballet performance! And can you believe it, I stumbled upon a glorious fabric store just off the Rue de la Paix! Oh, my darling! They had the most exquisite assortment of fabrics – silks, velvets, satins, and oh, TULLE! The colours! Oh, to have been able to purchase yards of this beautiful tulle! The perfect dress for my next Parisian outing - I'll certainly have to make a mental note for my next trip back, I mustn't be caught dead in any old shop!

However, shopping aside, let's get back to the glorious tutu! This ethereal piece of fashion has, quite frankly, been responsible for countless joyful, joyous moments in time. From the magnificent Parisian theatres to the grand ballrooms of Europe, tutus became the symbol of both elegance and enchantment, radiating an ethereal aura that would leave any audience spellbound.

In the mid 19th century, ballerinas danced in beautiful costumes, not just any clothes. They were garments specifically designed for their graceful movements. We’re not talking restrictive corsets here, darling, oh no. It’s all about beautiful fabrics and shapes. That’s what made tutus so special! And the more extravagant, the better. Now, we wouldn't think anything of a dazzling sequined, or feathered tutu today, would we?

Speaking of feathered tutus, we simply have to discuss La Sylphide, darling. That truly breathtaking ballet that premiered in 1832, became a landmark in tutu evolution. The lead dancer Marie Taglioni was an absolute icon! Remember that beautiful airy tutu? Well, it took on the graceful form of The Romantic Tutu - a delicate masterpiece with layers and layers of tulle cascading from her waist, revealing a breathtaking fluidity that mesmerized audiences. Oh my, if that doesn’t sound absolutely splendid!

The Romantic tutu had become a symbol of the feminine ideal, a dance of elegance and effortless grace! And to think, it all began back here, on this very day! Isn't that magical?

I tell you what, it truly felt like we were stepping back into a world of vibrant colours, swirling melodies and ethereal grace. This time period - this Parisian air was infused with the romance of the Ballet!

You see, darling, the tutu was truly part of an extraordinary chapter in ballet history, It was the moment where ballet moved towards its “Golden Age”! And oh darling, just wait until you hear this - the French revolution was behind the initial success! We may consider this to be one of the great tragedies of the time, but remember – art flourishes in periods of change. The Revolution swept across the land and brought new ideas about elegance, theatre and entertainment. Ballet was a celebration of joy and liberation, and the Romantic tutu became a symbol of all things grand, elegant and light. It brought with it the power to transform any stage, from Paris to the furthest reaches of the Empire. How fabulous is that?!

Oh darling! What is this, I think I’m getting a little caught up! Don’t get me wrong – a pink tutu in this day and age will cause quite a stir, but imagine the effect this would have had, back in 1849! If my fabulous grandmother, and then my mother, would only be able to imagine my incredible adventures, my adventures as an all out pink-tutu clad dancer in the era where it all began! Quelle heure d’or!

Oh darling! How exciting this is. This week I will be whisked back in time again. What wonderful events I will get to witness - maybe even in this very city of Paris. That’s where I’m headed tomorrow - in a flurry of excitement and elegant gowns. There’s an exciting ballet to see tonight. But first, let's set sail for some Parisian delights. Who knows, perhaps a few surprises lie in wait! After all, every new journey through time unveils some magical, or simply fashionable discoveries. Just keep an eye out for me on the pink tutu blog next Tuesday!

Ciao bella!

Be sure to stay tuned for our next exciting #TutuTuesday adventure on www.pink-tutu.com, darlings. We can't wait to embark on a journey with you!

And as always, remember the power of a well-placed pink tutu!