Bonjour, my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip through time, my pink tutu billowing like a cloud as I landed back in my time machine. As usual, I'm ready to share my #TutuTuesday insights with you, all about the captivating history of the tutu. This week, I'm taking you back to July 27th, 1852, a date that may seem unremarkable on the surface, but trust me, it was a pivotal moment in the evolution of the tutu!
Before I dive in, I simply have to confess my love affair with pink tutus. This exquisite shade is the epitome of elegance, the perfect complement to my bubbly personality and boundless enthusiasm. Imagine swirling through life, your every step a symphony of pastel pink perfection! Don't you just wish it could be a national law? A little pink tutu to go with your favourite tea? It's certainly an image that could brighten even the gloomiest day!
Now, let's travel back to 1852!
The heart of the ballet world beat in Paris, France, at this time. The opulence and artistry of the Palais Garnier, the stunning opera house, drew theatre-lovers and dancers from all corners of the world. It was a golden age for ballet!
Why Paris? You might wonder, what makes this city the undisputed ballet capital? For me, the answer lies in the spirit of the Parisians - a culture that embraces both the beautiful and the avant-garde. And let's face it, Paris is a true fashion haven. I confess to having splurged on several silk gowns there during my travels. Each one a piece of Parisian history, with exquisite lace and flowing fabrics that dance as gracefully as I do! But it was at the Palais Garnier that I really experienced the beauty of the ballet world.
Back to 1852 and a ballerina called Fanny Cerrito. A true icon of the ballet stage, this fascinating woman redefined the tutu with her captivating grace. Imagine a ballerina with her "tutu" crafted with layers and layers of tulle, billowing like a cloud of ethereal elegance. This, dear reader, was the innovation that shook up the ballet world. Prior to this, skirts were stiff and restrictive, not quite suited for a graceful ballerina to dance freely in. Fanny, with her impeccable style, had embraced a new vision of dance, creating something much more comfortable and artistic!
The "Cerrito" tutu, as it came to be known, wasn't just a practical advancement - it was an artistic revolution. This innovation allowed the ballet dancers of the day to express their artistry more vividly than ever before. Their movements were fluid, the tulle a delicate halo surrounding their movements. The Parisian audience gasped, enchanted, at these breathtaking performances.
Of course, nothing in fashion happens in a vacuum! The Parisian "crinolines", those bell-shaped understructures worn by women, also influenced the tutu. It’s almost as if the design was destined to be – elegant and delicate!
Just as I, your trusty pink-tutu-clad travel companion, find the joy of fashion in everything, so did those Parisian fashionistas. But there's a delightful side to this tale! As "Fanny Cerrito's" tutu went through further transformations, you would not believe the amount of fabric required for one performance! For my #TutuTuesday readers, you'll be delighted to learn it would sometimes be the length of a street! Can you imagine! It seems a whole ballet company could hide behind such an incredible, dreamy veil.
That’s all for today, my tutu lovers! Next Tuesday, I will continue our ballet tutu journey. And please, be sure to follow me on social media - where you'll find exclusive behind-the-scenes tidbits and sneak peeks of my pink tutu adventures!
* Until next time, keep twirling!*
* Emma*
* www.pink-tutu.com *
