Hello my darlings, and welcome to another #TutuTuesday! I hope you're all well and ready to be whisked back to the grand old days. As you know, here on Pink-Tutu.com we revel in all things frilly and fabulous - and there's no more iconic and beautiful garment than the ballet tutu. So let's journey together to discover the stories hidden beneath these layers of tulle and satin!
Today, I find myself, much to my delight, in 1850. Just picture it: the scent of lavender in the air, the gleam of gaslight illuminating the elegant streets of Paris. This is the heart of ballet's world - and tutus are making their big entrance, my loves!
But hold on a moment... Back in 1850, tutus weren't the billowing, pouffy clouds of tulle they are today. They were much, much more modest. Just a few layers of thin, crisp fabric gathered around the hips, often with a little decorative frill at the bottom. A true ballerina could turn in those, believe me - think about how much lighter it must have been, easier to execute all those delicate leaps and twirls!
However, they were still a major shift! It was during this time, thanks to the likes of the glorious Marie Taglioni, who defied tradition with her daring choreography and dazzling displays of technique. Ballet was changing! Think flowing silk, dainty movements, graceful arms. We had entered the age of romantic ballet, my dears.
In this era of the "Romantic", it seems it's not just the dancing that gets dreamy, but the costumes too. Imagine delicate shades of pastel, soft floral patterns - think beautiful lavender and dreamy blue, and the first whispers of a colour that would soon be my own, a rosy pink.
I must admit, however, I do crave some of that fluffy, frothy, modern tutu magic! We can only dream of what beautiful bouquets of tulle those later ballerinas would wear in their magnificent productions - think Swan Lake and Giselle, iconic masterpieces created with the magic of these beautiful, delicate dance costumes.
Today marks the beginning of something incredible: a shift in ballet performance that still echoes across centuries. Ballet began to become the artform it is today. The elegance of movement, the expression of emotion through graceful gestures - ballet was changing, and with it, so were the costumes.
And I, Emma, shall continue my mission to spread the love for this incredible garment. Let's face it - who can resist a touch of tulle?
So, before you head off, be sure to stop by my shop - I'm just back from the Parisian couture houses, and I have some glorious additions to my pink tutu collection - with hints of that 1850s romantic flair!
I hope you enjoyed our trip back to this time, dear readers. Next week, we travel even further - to the vibrant era of the Russian Imperial Ballet! It's a journey we won't want to miss! Do join me then, and always remember - keep dancing, my loves, and keep the spirit of the tutu alive!
Your forever fashionable ballerina,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
