Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu, fashion, and a healthy dose of whimsy. It's #TutuTuesday, and today we're embarking on a delightful journey back in time! This week, we're twirling into the year 1853, a period of petticoats, puff sleeves, and – wait for it – the VERY beginnings of the ballet tutu as we know it!
Now, don't picture a dazzling, pink tulle dream just yet. This early version was a little less dramatic, a bit more practical. Imagine, if you will, a ballet dancer gracefully flitting across the stage, not in a cloud of shimmering pink, but in a slightly less full, calf-length skirt – still billowing, still lovely, but a little less... tutu-licious.
And just imagine! You, me, and the entire world in 1853 all dressed up in beautiful long skirts, all with puffed sleeves. (I've already found some truly adorable versions online - I just might have to travel back in time and give some fashion advice!)
Now, before we embark on this fabulous historical fashion journey, let me just say – travel time for this Tutu Tuesday is ALWAYS paid for by a dazzling ballet performance! You see, darling, I do love me a show, and who can resist the allure of a perfectly-timed grand jeté?
So, with my dance card fully booked and my luggage overflowing with vintage Parisian couture (well, a good-quality modern imitation – we want to keep things practical and affordable, darling!) I boarded the train to a Parisian theatre that simply takes my breath away. Imagine velvet seating, chandeliers like shimmering jewels, and whispers of anticipation from the audience!
This, my dears, is where the magic happens! On this very day, September 6th, 1853, the iconic “La Fille mal gardée” (The Unruly Daughter) ballet had its Parisian première! Yes, I know you might think it sounds a bit boring, but oh darling, the "Fille mal gardée" was truly revolutionary for its time! I must tell you more!
See, darling, before “La Fille mal gardée," ballerinas in their long, beautiful dresses and petticoats had to be carefully manoeuvred by the choreographers. This all changed with “La Fille mal gardée." The dancing required much more movement – they needed a bit more leg, darling! Now, the graceful ballerinas could show off their talents. Of course, no full tutus yet, but the shorter skirt – imagine, calf-length! – allowed for the dancers to pirouette with grace and twirl with joy!
And now we are slowly getting closer to what we recognise today as the modern, wonderful ballet tutu! And guess what? Just a few short decades after the “La Fille mal gardée," tutus became longer and fuller with tulle! I can't wait to get to the "La Sylphide" days, a real, true pink tulle-filled dance party!
So, imagine, darling, with our fancy dresses and a whole room filled with ballet dancers gracefully whirling around – could anything be more exquisite? But oh my, the fashion was truly wonderful as well. (And do you know, darling, that I have found a perfect Parisian-inspired frock to share with you soon – it’s a pink, with a tiny little bit of frill around the collar - oh! And do keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram for my "Parisian Chic Look" posts!)
But enough about fashion, let’s focus on this fabulous, delightful “La Fille mal gardée" - a truly ground-breaking show with a history all its own! Imagine, the theatre was buzzing, and every last inch of the space was just teeming with anticipation for the performance!
Darling, if you want to truly experience the thrill of ballet, you simply MUST see "La Fille mal gardée" in all its glory! Imagine - you are stepping into a whimsical tale, a funny story with plenty of delightful romance, dancing with captivating energy! If you can travel, do make your way to a nearby ballet studio and see this timeless piece!
Oh, darling, the dancing is wonderful - fast footwork, stunning jumps and some incredible pirouettes! And even in 1853, when the dancers’ feet weren't fully freed by the shorter skirts, these wonderful performers managed to turn, kick and twirl, all while radiating such beautiful expression - I felt myself utterly mesmerized!
After the ballet, darling, it was time to explore Parisian boutiques! (Can you guess why my trip back in time included some lovely pink dresses and shoes? – why, I wanted to join the elegant fashion crowd, of course! The ballet inspired my wardrobe choices. We must remember our history – there’s a lot we can learn from it!)
Back at my hotel, I took a few minutes to contemplate our shared dance journey through the centuries, with its own little “La Fille mal gardée” magic! This was a very special #TutuTuesday indeed. It's a reminder that the stories of fashion, ballet, and art are forever intertwined, forming a magnificent tapestry of beautiful moments through the years.
And so, my dearest friends, we must embrace each and every #TutuTuesday! It's a day to wear your most magnificent pink tutu, to dance and twirl through life with boundless energy, to marvel at the extraordinary evolution of fashion and to feel the magic that comes with experiencing these wonders in a magnificent theatre!
Now, go out and spin, my dear ones! And don't forget to check out my next post, next #TutuTuesday, where we'll travel back to 1860, the dawn of "La Sylphide." You won’t want to miss this!
And always remember - we’re here to create the ultimate #TutuWorld - one dazzlingly pink tutu at a time!
Until next Tuesday,
XOXO
Emma, the pink-tutu-wearing ballet enthusiast
