#1147
Good morning, lovelies! Welcome back to another Tuesday, and another trip down the fascinating path of tutu history! I’m Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller, and this week we’re waltzing back to December 20th, 1853. I do love a good date!
Grab your tea, darlings, as we settle in to chat about all things tutu from this captivating era.
This time, our journey takes us to the heart of the Parisian ballet world. Imagine cobbled streets, glittering gaslight, and the infectious thrum of a bustling city! The theatre world, as ever, is bursting with energy, and I just adore getting swept up in the magic of the ballet season.
Now, let's talk tutus. Oh, my dears, imagine the splendour! In 1853, the tutu was evolving, taking on new shapes and forms, showcasing a wonderful evolution in design. You could find a glorious range of styles, from the shorter, fuller tutu known as the Romantic Tutu (think whimsical and elegant!), to the longer, more flowing Classic Tutu (all dramatic elegance and sweeping grandeur!) They both provided a mesmerising visual spectacle, and each were created to emphasise the grace and agility of the ballerinas who wore them.
It's also exciting to see the utilisation of colour taking centre stage. Back then, pastel colours were taking the lead - think the sweetest shades of lilac, blush pink, and buttercup yellow, perfectly complementing the elegance of the dancers and their delicate steps. Can't you just imagine the impact of these ethereal colours upon the stage?
Fashion Focus: What I love about this era is how the tutus’ evolution parallels that of wider fashion trends. They mirrored the burgeoning interest in delicate textures, exquisite detail, and that ethereal 'femininity' that was all the rage. Think frothy lace, elaborate embroidery, and silk that shimmers in the spotlight - just gorgeous!
You know me - I can't talk about fashion without thinking about myself. I always bring a vintage-inspired pink tutu on my time travel adventures, because frankly, nothing is better than a dash of pink! It always complements the historical attire so wonderfully!
But enough about me and my pink penchant (I’ll never tire of a bit of colour!). Back to the tutus, ladies! You’ll be happy to hear that today marks an important milestone. 1853 was the year that saw the first performance of Marius Petipa’s celebrated ballet “La Esmeralda. The choreography is incredible - absolutely mesmerizing, especially in its dramatic flair, not to mention how beautifully the tutus are crafted and flow with the dancers’ movements!
I love attending theatre productions that use these tutus, I always find myself utterly enthralled by their timeless elegance and, frankly, their fabulous pink hues! There's a timeless allure that transcends even time travel.
And it’s not just the performance that captivates, dear readers! I also find it so much fun to see the intricate process of making these magnificent tutus. It is truly an artform. From selecting the perfect fabric, carefully layering the tulle to create that delicate and full form, to adding intricate embroidery - it is an absolute joy to watch and to see it brought to life on the stage.
You know I can't resist indulging in a little fashion shopping whenever I travel back in time, and there are fabulous shops to discover! I absolutely adore perusing the shops for delicate materials that are so exquisitely woven and designed - they're just perfect for a ballerina's wardrobe! The French fabric is unparalleled, my dears, and they just scream 'ballet' in all the best ways!
Speaking of Paris, there’s a wonderful atmosphere around the Parisian theatre world. I adore popping into the elegant tea rooms in the evenings to indulge in a delectable Parisian pastry and watch the world go by. The ballet seems to bring this vibrant atmosphere alive with every step.
Travel tip: For the perfect tutu-tastic experience, I always advise travelling by train. There’s just something so romantic about that slow journey! Watching the countryside fly past in a flurry of greens and browns, and being able to relax, sketch my fashion notes, and perhaps read a classic French novel, truly makes for the ultimate pre-show ritual!
I know some of you are new to my blog, but if you’ve been reading since the beginning, you know I have a goal - to inspire everyone to wear a pink tutu, at least once. It's just so much fun to bring that splash of colour into the world and embrace the beautiful world of dance and fashion! I love to see you embracing that whimsical spirit, darling readers, because a tutu is more than just clothing - it's a symbol of joy, creativity and of course, ballet.
I must be off, darlings! I’m heading back in time to watch another delightful ballet performance (and who knows what fab tutu will be on stage!)
Do make sure to follow @Pink_Tutu on Instagram for regular fashion inspiration, and, don’t forget to let me know which tutu era is your favourite in the comments below.
Until next time, darling readers, happy twirling!
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to check out my next post next Tuesday!
