Bonjour, my darling dancers! It’s Emma here, your tutu-tastic guide to all things tulle and twirls. As always, I'm popping in from a whirlwind tour of time and fashion, and this week we're swirling back to a special date - February 10th, 1852!
You see, this very date, way back in the 19th century, marks the beginning of something quite spectacular. A ballet by the name of Paquita, set in the beautiful and colourful Spain, took centre stage at the Paris Opera Ballet. But it wasn't just the performance that sent a ripple through the world of dance.
Now, picture this. A group of beautiful ballerinas, each one a vision in soft, delicate, and, of course, pink tulle! Those ladies, the first to dance in Paquita, donned a brand new design. A design that would become, shall we say, a legend. This, my friends, was the first glimpse of what we now know as the romantic ballet tutu.
Yes, those early tutus may have been quite different from the voluminous tutus we love today. Imagine a lighter, more delicate style, closer to a calf-length, ethereal, gauzy cloud. The silhouette emphasized the female form in a more graceful, less restrictive way, compared to the fuller, longer skirts that dancers wore before. This lighter, more streamlined silhouette gave ballerinas newfound freedom to leap, spin, and move with unprecedented grace.
That freedom? Well, that freedom to move changed ballet history, my dears. It wasn’t just about the way the tutus flowed and moved. It was about what they represented. Think of that romantic tutu as a symbol of beauty, liberation, and elegance.
Speaking of elegance, let’s talk about those 1852 ballerinas for a moment. They weren't just beautiful dancers, they were fashion icons in their own right. Those Parisiennes knew how to set trends! In those days, everything was about flowing silhouettes, intricate detail, and the power of lace and embroidery.
For those ladies, pink was all the rage, so needless to say, my heart is dancing a jig right now! Just imagine the scene, the hushed anticipation as the curtain rises, the stage glowing under soft lamplight, and the elegant ballerinas taking their positions, all dressed in their beautiful pink tulle creations! What a vision!
And wouldn't you know it, right there, in the heart of Paris, another fashion revolution was quietly brewing. A revolution fueled by lightness, by beauty, by movement. This, my darlings, was the beginning of the romantic era in ballet and a defining moment in tutu history.
Now, the truth is, those lovely tutus weren't just found on the stage! A touch of tulle was creeping into society’s fashion too. Imagine a Parisian socialite, elegantly dressed in a lilac silk gown with a charming ruffle of tulle at the neckline, or a young lady in a light pink dress with a charming pink tulle overlay for a picnic in the park. Even the elegant hats sported touches of tulle in those days!
The year 1852 truly became a pivotal year. In Paris, and all around the world, people embraced the lightness, the colour, and the feminine charm of tulle. The world, my friends, was starting to fall in love with pink tutus, and a whole new dance was beginning. And let me tell you, it’s been one long, beautiful twirl ever since.
But don't stop your twirling there, darlings!
After my Parisian trip, I hopped on the fastest train I could find and sped across the channel to catch a performance of The Sleeping Beauty, in London. Don’t be surprised to find that some of my fashion inspiration comes from that iconic piece of art. Imagine the iconic white tutu worn by Aurora - it embodies a sense of elegance and wonder that really brings magic to the stage! I mean, who wouldn't want to twirl in a cloud of white tulle like that?
It’s a truly exciting journey to trace how fashion evolves with the flow of time! Just as ballet embraces innovation and new ways to dance, our tutus are constantly evolving with new designs and new inspirations. So much creativity, so much joy!
My dear tutu-lovers, let’s take a moment to revel in the sheer delight of tulle and the beauty of the tutu's evolution. It's an ode to femininity, elegance, and pure, unadulterated dance. Remember to follow your dreams and express your own style, even if that means embracing your inner tutu fairy!
I'll be back next week, same time, same place, for more tutus and travels! Until then, keep those twirls high, darling!
Emma x
P.S. Did you know there is a real Paquita the ballerina? You can find her dancing with the Spanish National Ballet - just imagine how many lovely pink tutus she's worn over the years!
P.P.S Let’s keep the spirit of Paquita alive, shall we? Tag your #TutuTuesday pics with #pinktutu and let’s fill the world with some of that Paris magic! Don't forget to follow @pinktutu.com on all the socials and you can join my lovely pink tutu family.
