#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1852-04-27

Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveler, back with another installment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! Today's post is extra special because it takes us to the magical year of 1852!

Welcome, dearies, to my little corner of the internet, where pink is the colour of joy and a tutu is the only acceptable garment! Today we're hopping on a time-travelling train (first-class, naturally!) to discover what kind of twirls were gracing the stages back in 1852. Buckle up your ballet shoes, because it's going to be a whirlwind adventure!

Oh, 1852 was a year of exquisite artistry! Just picture the grand theatres, gaslights casting their warm glow on beautifully adorned ladies and gentlemen, all abuzz for a ballet performance. It was a time of elegance and romance.

As we journey to 1852, we are transported to the heart of where ballet reigned supreme - Paris, my dears! The city of love, where ballerinas spun and twirled in captivating stories, making even the most cynical heart beat a little faster. The tutus, well, let's just say they were the perfect complement to this romantic atmosphere!

Speaking of romanticism, I mustn't forget the iconic La Sylphide! This enchanting ballet, with its whimsical fairies and a dash of danger, captured the imaginations of everyone who watched. The graceful, fluttering movements of the ballerina, draped in a soft, flowing white tulle tutu, embodied everything delicate and beautiful. The "white" was so last season (I mean, who wouldn't wear pink? ), but there's no denying the captivating charm of La Sylphide.

Now, for a splash of colour, let's venture further back to the beginning of the century! Before 1852, Marie Taglioni was shaking things up with her breathtaking "ballet shoes." You heard right, no longer were ballet dancers restricted by tight-fitting shoes! In 1832, Marie brought the world the famous "dancing shoes" with a lightweight construction and, drumroll please.... a flat soles! Now, that's what I call an inspiration for graceful, powerful dancing!

It's around this period (1830s-1850s), dear readers, that the classic form of the tutu we see today really took shape! Those delightful layers of tulle, becoming shorter and fuller, just begging to be twirled.

This beautiful, free, and flowing movement was mirrored by a change in the design of ballroom gowns as well! Imagine elegant dresses adorned with lavish layers of tulle, making even the simplest waltz seem grand.

A Twist of Time Travel

And just imagine, darling readers! It wasn't until much later that this ballet-inspired look made its way across the world. My own country, England, was a bit behind the curve! But who can blame us, with the gorgeous royal ballrooms of the era! (Think Jane Austen novels with a ballet twist! )

Here in England, the London Opera House, the hub of entertainment and so many fabulous tutus! Imagine, darling readers, witnessing ballet classics performed to roaring applause!

On this particular day, the 27th of April, in 1852, there were countless grand operas, concerts, and even circus performances. Oh, what a treat it would have been to step back into this period! To experience those enchanting performances and be surrounded by so much beauty, fashion, and grace. It would be the ultimate pink tutu day!

As a Derbyshire girl at heart, my love for tutus can be traced back to my childhood dreams. Watching a ballet at a local theatre was a magic that captured my imagination. (You just have to visit Derby's Theatre Royal, darling, it's such a charmer!). To be transported back to that time period, to the heart of it all! To walk those theatre steps in my pink tutu and maybe, just maybe, witness the elegant waltz of the night or the playful spins of a classic ballet, ahh the memories that make me just die!

So there you have it, my dear readers. Today, I encourage you all to wear a pink tutu for this #TutuTuesday. It's not just about the ballet, it's about spreading the joy and feeling the power of self-expression. Whether it be in a classic ballet, on a stage at a theatre in the middle of the city, or at your own dance class (mine is Tuesdays, and oh my word, do you need to see the tutus in the class?! Such glamour!). Let the magic of the ballet spirit guide you in all you do, my dearies! And most importantly, don't forget to let your own inner ballerina shine through.

Until next week's #TutuTuesday adventure, darlings! Happy Twirling! 💖