Hello, my fellow tutu lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where every Tuesday we travel through time, exploring the delightful evolution of the tutu. It's my absolute pleasure to be here today, perched atop my favourite bubblegum-pink tulle, sipping on my tea (always with a little splash of pink, of course), ready to share another dazzling glimpse into the wonderful world of tutus!
Today's adventure takes us back to 10th December 1850, right in the heart of the era when the tutu was truly making its debut on the world stage! Think Paris, my dears! Think grand theaters filled with gaslight, shimmering chandeliers andā¦wait for itā¦tutus! Itās simply heavenly! I have to tell you, these early tutus, oh my! They were shorter, much shorter than the magnificent fluffy affairs we adore today. Picture a wispy, ethereal cloud of fabric, swirling and twirling just below the knees! The epitome of elegance, grace andā¦well, a whole lot of leg!
But what was happening on that specific date, you ask? Well, dear readers, on the 10th of December 1850, a momentous occasion took place in the world of ballet! Mademoiselle Fanny Cerrito, a celebrated ballerina, captivated audiences with her performance of "La Fille du Danube," a ballet where the female dancers sported these very short, light and breezy tutus. Oh, it was glorious!
You see, around this time, tutus were breaking away from the traditional long, heavy skirts, opting for something lighter, airier, more conducive to those incredible leaps and pirouettes that we all love! These were the days when the dance form itself was blossoming, taking on new life and evolving into the beautiful ballet we know and love today.
Now, you know how much I love a bit of a trip on the train (whatās better than watching the scenery blur by whilst dreaming of all the wonderful tutu finds Iāll uncover!) - so my trip to 1850 started with a jolly journey from Derbyshire. The train carriage was filled with excited theatregoers - men in their top hats and coats, ladies in elegant bonnets and voluminous gowns - and me, twirling and flitting through the aisles, much to the amusement of fellow passengers! (Did I mention I was wearing a glorious pink tutu with lace trim?)
And my adventures didn't stop there! After my journey through time, I found myself in a bustling, vibrant Paris, filled with the sounds of horses, bustling carts and the melodies of the city! Paris was simply abuzz with culture! As soon as I landed in this haven for the sartorially savvy, I headed straight for the most exclusive dressmakers! The intricate embroideries and delicate ribbons, oh, the details were heavenly! And, of course, I found myself in a fitting room trying on various styles of tutus (my heart fluttered every time, honestly!) from the wispy creations popular then to more opulent styles.
I also spent a delightful afternoon in a tea salon - surrounded by gossiping ladies and delicate sandwiches. Naturally, the conversation turned to the latest fashions! You canāt go to a Parisian tea salon without a bit of chatter about the newest dresses, gowns and, of course, the latest ballet creations. A most fashionable way to spend an afternoon.
The most extraordinary event though? Attending the Paris Opera Ballet! Imagine, dear readers, the golden glow of gaslight on the stage, a symphony of colors, swirling tutusā¦It was the epitome of romanticism! There were a couple of things I found absolutely fascinating. First, the ballet showcased several captivating ādemi-pointeā dancers. These ladies seemed to effortlessly dance on the tips of their toes! Truly mesmerising, their agility and grace made the entire experience absolutely electric. Itās moments like this that reinforce how influential and mesmerizing ballet is - and how the magic of it continues to transport and enchant generations.
Iāll never forget how the delicate wisps of tulle swirled around the ballerinas' legs like a dance of dreams. Their delicate tutus were the perfect accessory to their movements. Honestly, it was such a divine treat to experience a historical performance and witness these incredible stories unfold through dance!
So there you have it, my fellow tutu lovers! The 10th of December, 1850 was truly a time of innovation in the world of ballet! If you are ever fortunate to catch a performance, be sure to note the delicate tutus worn, you will find they represent the start of a fantastic chapter in the history of the tutu!
My dears, youāll know this if you have followed my Pink Tutu blog from the beginning. My mission, you see, is to make pink tutus accessible to everyone. I believe in spreading the tutu love and reminding the world just how captivating a pink tutu can be, whether you are a ballet aficionado or just looking to add a touch of whimsy to your life.
Keep an eye out on the Pink Tutu website for next weekās installment as we delve back in time again. Who knows what tutu treasures we might find? And remember, you can always join me on Instagram at @PinkTutuBlogger.
Until then, wear your pink tutu proudly and embrace the beauty of dance!
With love,
Emma
