#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1850-05-28

Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another fabulous trip through time. You know me – can't resist a good dance, a pretty dress, and a chance to share my love for all things tutu! This week we're venturing back to 1850 – a truly enchanting era for dance. Now, before we jump into the world of swirling tutus, I just had to squeeze in a quick hello from London. It's all a-flutter with anticipation for the Grand Opera House opening, and, oh my! The newest ballerina just arrived. Madame Augusta. Heard whispers about her being the most breathtaking creature to grace the stage. Fingers crossed for some divine performances. But now, onto our history…

1850. Picture this – Parisian salons abuzz with the latest in fashion, gaslights illuminating the cobblestone streets, and ladies decked in stunning crinolines. It was during this era that a certain form of clothing rose to the peak of fashion… you guessed it! The Tutu. Now, this was not the bouncy, bright pink creation that we adore today. Back then, it was refined, elevated, and a whisper of tulle, just hinting at the dancer beneath.

I had to pop on over to the Palais Garnier - the opera house, for any lover of ballet - and it was sheer magic! I saw dancers from the legendary Paris Opera Ballet, those masters of graceful movement, in tutus that barely dusted their ankles! They were truly breathtaking. Think layers and layers of delicate tulle, barely brushing the floor, with accents of lace and silk ribbons. It gave an ethereal quality, an almost mystical vision of the ballerina gliding across the stage.

Now, let me tell you, this gentle and refined silhouette was a game-changer! This era brought ballet away from the rigid corseted forms of the 1700s, allowing for movement and, dare I say it, sexy fluidity. You'd be surprised how sensational even a delicate flutter of a tutu could look in the right light. A real evolution!

While I'm all for a fun and flippy pink tutu myself, it's always amazing to appreciate the journey of our beloved dance wear! These tutus inspired so much of what we love today – the freedom, the beauty, the graceful sweep across the stage. I wouldn’t be surprised if they started this obsession with ballet as a dance and a fashion form. After all, isn’t that what a pink tutu is all about? Bringing a bit of sparkle to every single moment.

Speaking of sparkle… you just have to come with me to the Cartier Boutique for a bit of window shopping! They have some breathtaking diamond tiaras on display! It makes me wonder, do you think ballerinas wore jewellery in 1850? Imagine, all those delicate tiaras nestled in beautiful hair! It would just elevate the entire aesthetic! I’m dying to learn more, maybe I’ll write a future post on ballerinas and their jewellery.

Alright, my dear friends! I must bid you adieu – back to Derbyshire for me! Catch me next Tuesday for another adventure through ballet history! Keep your eyes on the blog – and don’t forget your pink tutus! Remember – there’s a bit of a ballerina in every one of us!

And finally, to commemorate this lovely day (28th May 1850) let's appreciate the wonderful "Don Juan" ballet premier by the Paris Opera Ballet! The entire performance was exquisite. A must-see, for any true ballerina at heart, from the elegance of the set designs, to the delicate costumes of the dancers, even the music - divine! It felt almost impossible to separate the costumes and the dancers themselves. A flawless spectacle that has solidified 1850 in my memories!

Catch you next week, darlings! Until then, twirl on!

Emma xoxo

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