Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your ever-so-slightly-pink-obsessed time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to #TutuTuesday on pink-tutu.com! 🩰 This week, we’re going on a journey through time to December 23rd, 1851. Fancy that! Now, settle in, pour yourselves a cup of something delicious and let’s go on an adventure!
Today, I’m finding myself nestled right in the heart of Paris, the beating pulse of all things fashionable, of course! (There are far worse places to be!) You see, dearest readers, Paris is truly where the ballet tutu as we know it, all poofy, flowing, and delightful, began to blossom into a fashion staple. The year 1851 is a year of change, a year of revolution in fashion, with new silhouettes, bold colour schemes, and dare I say it – the whispered it introduction of the tutu as we know it! Oh yes! This was a time when Parisian streets buzzed with excitement and whispers about the latest fashion, the latest performances, and of course, the latest "Ballet Tutus!" (But they just weren't quite like our tutus yet. Stay with me, loves, it's a thrilling story!).
You may be thinking "But, Emma, isn't the ballet much older than 1851?" You are most absolutely correct, dear readers, and you're already a step ahead of me! But while the world of ballet had already graced the stages for hundreds of years by this time, it’s in this period, the mid-1800s, that the real ballet tutu transformation started! I can imagine, dear reader, just picture it: The ballet dancers were feeling rather stifled and restricted by their long, flowing skirts. The idea of having some free legs and more movement took over! The ballerina within just wanted to take flight, literally! 💃🏻 They wanted more freedom. More movement, more impact, and a chance to really show their grace and elegance in all its glory. So the tutus took over and let the ballerinas soar on stage!
Oh, but there was a real battle for freedom! Now, back then, imagine a world without stretch fabrics! My darlings, it was an actual nightmare for ballerinas. A struggle to twirl, jump and move. And the designers, they needed something, a something to make a ballerina take flight! Well, after decades of evolution, on that momentous day of December 23rd, 1851, there was an innovation, a breakthrough, gasps that introduced our tutu - the romantic tutus! Imagine them, sweet readers, floating tutus – a sensation!! They transformed ballet. I can hear those dainty, delicate little steps dancing across the stage. This revolution allowed for new possibilities. The new tutu became a statement – of movement, of agility, and a breathtaking display of pure and perfect feminine beauty. 🩰
Oh, but where to be on this 23rd of December 1851? Where else could you find a spectacle worthy of our ballet history than in Paris? On December 23rd, 1851, one of the most significant and anticipated premieres, was held at the Opera in Paris! The Parisian fashionistas and ballet enthusiasts were wild with excitement. Ooh la la! It was the first production of the very *famous "Giselle." And Giselle is, you guessed it! a story about a beautiful peasant girl and her captivating performance and tutus in all of their gloriously airy romantic forms. Swoon!
So imagine that: a night in December 1851, nestled in Paris, the excitement is tangible! On one side of the Opera house we see our delicate, dainty ballerinas gracing the stage in their breathtaking romantic tutus (all thanks to this "revolutionary" innovation and a dare from the fashion world). On the other side, you see an audience full of stylish ladies dressed in the very latest fashion trends – a symphony of silk, satin, and the very beginnings of what we now call haute couture The world was in love with the ballet. Oh, and they weren't wearing pink tutus! 🤫 It was actually white! You wouldn't believe how much we have to thank the designers of our era for the tutus we wear now! How I wish I was there, but this girl’s gotta stick to the time-travelling schedule, my dear!
Well, what else to mention for this Tuesday's History post! Now you have to know: My darlings, the 19th century was all about the big, full-bodied skirts, the tight waists, and dramatic silhouettes. This time saw dramatic change* in ballet! The Victorian era was in full swing, a glorious time for fashion and a period of real innovation in both dress and performance. Ballet wasn’t going to miss out, and it did not! It felt bold and progressive, even though it was so very elegant and refined, which, of course, was very Parisian in nature. *It *did spark a movement within fashion. There was this new focus on freedom in ballet: freedom of movement for dancers, freedom of creativity in design and fashion, and it sparkled something for every one. It's fascinating to me just how fashion has this effect, influence, and drive in the arts - we don't realize it. We just love to wear these glamorous and breathtaking creations. 🩰
For a moment I really want to hop on a train from Derbyshire – in my lovely little pink tutu – to Paris. Think of it: A train ride, full of charm and quaint charm and beautiful fashion, heading for Paris. Just like the great ballerinas before me. Then it's a swift trip through the beautiful city streets! There will be ladies wearing the latest trends, beautiful Parisian cafes, with so many people heading to the ballet and operas to watch, see, be dazzled, by it all. They'll be wearing silk scarves, maybe even those new wide-brimmed hats - and look at them all dressed to the nines!
But what are you all wearing, darlings this #TutuTuesday? How are you celebrating this day in fashion? What are your favorite ballet outfits? Leave a message in the comments, my dearest readers, because my mission for today and forever is to bring a little pink tutu magic to every single Tuesday.
Oh, and I forgot to tell you about a wonderful show! A show that must be on the bucket list for all ballet lovers. I had to travel a little further into the future, but believe me, it is worth it. You are simply delighted and astounded to discover a magnificent piece of art. It’s the Royal Ballet performance of Sleeping Beauty. Gasp It will set you dreamily in a state of utter beauty. Just imagine that - graceful swans dancing under a golden sun and magical, captivating creatures dancing throughout this performance - all dressed in lovely, magical tutus.
Until next time, darlings, go out and make sure you get your pink tutu fix today. The only thing more magnificent than the ballet? That gorgeous pink tutu on you! 💖
Love, Emma xx
P.S: Remember you can keep up with all things Pink Tutu and dance related news at www.pink-tutu.com - and for a chance to have your Tutu story featured, use #TutuTuesday on your socials and on all the fabulous websites. Let's spread the tutu love and inspiration!
