Post Number: 1080
Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveller, and it's #TutuTuesday! Today we're embarking on a historical escapade, hopping aboard the grand express to 7th September 1852! Buckle your (ballet) shoes, and let's delve into the world of ballerinas, back when tutus were just beginning to pirouette their way onto the stage!
From my little Derbyshire village, travelling by train always feels like an exciting adventure. The click-clack of the wheels against the tracks, the plumes of steam billowing out, the excitement in my heart as the scenery races past the window - it all feels like stepping into a beautiful ballet! But this time, my train journey is extra special because I'm off to Paris!
You know I simply adore Paris! The cobbled streets, the scent of croissants wafting through the air, the exquisite shops showcasing the latest fashions - it's truly a dream come true! And, of course, it's the ballet capital of the world!
Today, however, we're not at the opulent Palais Garnier, though Iām longing to see the famous ballerina Carlotta Grisi there! Today, Iām exploring the heart of fashion in Paris. And darling, I'm so excited to tell you: 1852 was the year of the tutu explosion!
Imagine my joy! A mere thirty years earlier, ballerinas were adorned with heavy gowns and layers of fabric that restricted their movement, and certainly hindered any grand jete's or graceful fouettes! However, imagine my delight: the year is 1852, and the graceful, free-flowing tutu, or 'tulle', as it was then called, was sweeping across the stage like a pink silk dream! It was the birth of the "Romantic Era" in ballet!
While I canāt be certain, I reckon some clever couturier in the Parisian heart of fashion took a hankering for something a little more light, something that truly showcased the dancer's graceful movements. Imagine, my dears, a stage bathed in moonlight, with a ballerina wearing a billowing white, featherlight tutu, floating on the tips of her toes. It's enough to bring tears to your eyes!
However, a word of caution, my fellow pink tutu lovers! While the skirt of this elegant creation became increasingly shorter (hallelujah!), this new length often came with an increased use of frills and layers. It was almost as if, dear, the tutu itself was competing with the ballerinas! Don't worry, darling. By the end of the century, we'll see those frills vanish, and our dear tutu will be all sleek, simple, and streamlined!
Now, for our quick dive into 1852ā¦
Did you know that this year saw the world premiere of āGiselleā at the Palais Royal, Paris, in June 1841? Imagine a love story filled with longing, sacrifice, and lossā¦a ballet, dear readers, that took the world by storm! Oh, and you'll be thrilled to hear this: "Giselle" was one of the ballets that contributed to this glorious tutued explosion! Now wouldnāt that be something to watch! Imagine me spinning on a grand stage, feeling the tulle swirl around meā¦ bliss!
We also must pay tribute to Marie Taglioni, a famous ballerina of the era! Itās rumoured she even commissioned one of her very first tutus, a design she favoured during her performance of "La Sylphide," in 1832. Her iconic creation was shorter and far more modest than the elaborate, decadent costumes worn previously, so we can truly thank her for bringing tutus to the ballet stage in a revolutionary way. Talk about breaking the mould! I must tell you that my dear friend in Paris, who knows all the gossip of the city, tells me this lovely lady designed many of the "tulle" costumes!
What I love most about 1852 is how it truly reflects that passion for artistic expression and dance, especially when it comes to tutus. We're starting to see those first hesitant steps towards the breathtaking ballet gowns of today - just think of the voluminous tutus on "Swan Lake", the classic white tutus from "The Nutcracker" (who doesn't love those!) or the incredible modern masterpieces we get to witness at the Royal Ballet - all a celebration of the ballet and tutu, just as I love to do on this website every Tuesday!
The dance world is awash with change and innovation and, to be quite frank, weāre on the verge of witnessing the "tutu explosion"! Imagine how much there is yet to come! This new look in ballet has created quite the stir, even outside the ballet studios, for, you see, my dear, I spotted several beautiful ladies sporting very elegant ātulleā gowns, looking all fabulous and feminine, like theyād stepped straight out of the ballet itself!
So, if youāre searching for the perfect tutu to unleash your inner ballerina, or just seeking some stylish inspiration, make a note: 1852 is the perfect year for taking a little trip to Paris! Perhaps I should start wearing one of my Parisian inspired tutus this Tuesdayā¦ Hmm! It gives me an idea for a lovely blog post on next weekās #TutuTuesday - maybe I could wear it out with my lovely friends. They love all things pink, and my little pink-tutu wardrobe! They might even join me on the trainā¦
Donāt forget, dear readers, there are so many tutus just waiting to be worn in this grand historical era! Theyāre just asking for the spotlight to be cast on their flowing fabrics and vibrant colors! Itās enough to inspire one to spin around and jump for joyā¦and darling, I do just that whenever I slip on my little pink tutu.
Remember to follow me at @PinkTutu on social media! I love to see your pictures wearing your gorgeous tutus!
Until next Tuesday, darlings, dance your hearts out!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
