#976
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, back with another delve into the history of our favourite frothy fashion statement! This week, we're travelling back to 10th September, 1850, and oh my, what a grand time it is to be alive!
Right now, I'm sitting in a little Parisian cafe, sipping my afternoon tea and observing the bustle of the city. It's so full of life and vibrant energy, much like a ballerina's pirouette. I love that Paris is considered the centre of fashion, much like how a ballerina is the heart of a performance. We have to thank this fabulous city for creating the incredible tutus we love and wear today. And yes, ladies, I am sporting my favourite shade of pink - because what better colour for our iconic ballerina garment?
The Romantic Ballet's Rise
So, back in 1850, the Romantic Ballet was in full bloom. Think delicate storylines, mystical creatures, and fairies, all gracefully prancing across the stage, and you've got the picture! It's like watching a dreamy fairytale come to life!
Now, imagine a graceful, floating dancer, dressed in a long, flowing white dress. They are enchanting, elegant and perfectly graceful – just like us! This type of ballerina garment was the fashion of the time - and we know, dear readers, we adore those long flowing designs for our street wear - oh how elegant!
The "romantic" vibe was everywhere, and this is where tutus as we know them started to truly emerge! Imagine, these ballet garments, with their layered tulle and delicate designs, allowed the dancers to soar and glide across the stage.
But let's take a peek at the designs back then, because it was truly quite a transformation from those long flowing dresses to those incredible and delicate structures we adore so much. It was all about achieving an ethereal and supernatural aesthetic, perfect for the fantastical stories. And honestly, what could be more mystical than the flowing beauty of a pink tutu?
The Rise of the Tutu, Baby!
Tutus at the time started to incorporate that much-loved shape – shorter than the flowing gown, lighter, more detailed and oh, so frilly, just perfect to show off those graceful movements. And don't forget the colour! Whilst white remained popular, imagine the beauty of pink tulle in these grand ballet performances – the epitome of feminine elegance, wouldn't you agree?
There are, of course, all kinds of tutus - but in 1850, the "Romantic tutu," a lovely, multi-layered confection made of tulle, began to dominate. Picture the stage illuminated with dancers wearing their beautiful garments; imagine the soft layers shimmering under the spotlight – it’s magic!
And let's talk about this Romantic tutu's magic, because it allows for the effortless movement and delicate air that makes ballet so breathtaking! It's the perfect design for the delicate and ethereal beauty we cherish so much. And how fitting it is, that our favourite color, pink, shines through as we go through time - showing how women have taken our colour and our passion for fashion with us through the ages, right here on #TutuTuesday!
Let's Go See A Show!
The beauty of ballet performances from this time were often quite magical – especially as they told the fantastical tales from myth, legend and folklore! So of course I'm off to see a ballet performance at the grand Theatre de l'Opera this evening! I'm so excited! What are we doing today, dearies?
More to Explore:
- Have a browse at your local library to find stories about fairies, pixies, nymphs, sprites and mythical creatures for your ballet inspiration, girls! I can't tell you how many amazing books I found last time I visited my local library!
- Maybe make some fairy wings of your own! Try some tissue paper for some added magic! Just remember, fairies are elegant, so let those wings dance, just like our tutus!
- For a perfect vintage treat, try a picnic lunch with some tea and scones (especially if it’s warm out!) – don't forget to pack some pink tulle ribbons to wear like a tiara while you sip on your afternoon tea!
Well dearies, it's time for me to get dressed! My dress of choice for the evening: a soft blush pink, and of course a full-skirted pink tulle ballerina tutu to make sure my ballet love shows! If it's good enough for the Parisian stages, then it's good enough for your time traveler! See you next Tuesday! And don't forget to post your beautiful pictures on our social media pages! We are all about the pink tutus and how it brings elegance, romance and fun to every ballerina – in any century!
With love,
Emma, The Pink Tutu Queen
