Hello darlings, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! I'm your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, and today we're heading back to the glamorous, enchanting era of 11 April 1854! Buckle up, ladies, because we're taking a journey to the very heart of the Parisian ballet scene. Oh la la!
Now, I'm sure you're all dying to know: what were ballerinas wearing in this fabulous year? Let's just say, 1854 was all about the tulle! And I do mean, ALL the tulle!
Imagine delicate, billowing skirts, cascading in a flurry of layers, each layer adorned with more tulle than you could shake a silk fan at! Think Marie Taglioni, the legendary ballerina whose iconic La Sylphide performance brought tutul mania to the world. Can you picture her gliding across the stage, a graceful dream draped in swathes of gossamer tulle?
And speaking of La Sylphide, a rather momentous event occurred on this very date in history: the grand opening of the Palais Garnier! This exquisite palace of a theatre in Paris, a masterpiece of architectural splendour, was about to become the hotbed for all things ballet. Ooh la la, a theatrical feast fit for a princess!
Imagine the buzz in the air, the scent of expensive perfume and polished shoes mingling with the anticipation for a night of dazzling performances. And of course, a plethora of fabulous ballgowns, hats, gloves and boas! Now, just imagine me twirling on stage at that magnificent theatre, a tiny vision of loveliness in my pink tutu, sparkling brighter than the stars above!
Now, back to our tutus. In 1854, ballerinas wore tutus that were far more full and dramatic than the sleek and simple tutus we see today. Picture layers and layers of white tulle, reaching nearly to the ground, giving an ethereal and ethereal feeling. They really did move like spirits and no wonder - imagine the weight of that tulle!
Of course, those bustles and corsets are a necessary part of the attire. Let's just say they helped accentuate the waists and hips of those graceful ballerinas. A woman’s gotta have her curves, even when she's defying gravity with her dance moves, am I right?
But of course, it wasn't all about the tutus, although they truly were a sight to behold. Ballet fashion of this period also embraced elegant lace sleeves, beautifully embellished bodices and of course, the essential point shoes! Those perfectly sculpted shoes gave them that stunning 'en pointe' grace and elegance, and you just can’t go wrong with that signature ballet look.
As we flitted back and forth between this time and the present, I just love how the world of ballet continues to inspire with the way these amazing women tell stories with their movements and fashion! There’s something so timeless, so powerful, about that graceful art form. It's a real Cinderella story, where simple tutus morph into magic through the power of a skilled dancer’s heart and soul.
But here’s the thing - we all deserve to feel like ballerinas sometimes. You don’t need a Parisian opera house to wear a fabulous tutu - simply go shopping for one and wear it out with pride! Just as they did back in the 1850s, a little pink (or white!) tutu magic can transport you to a whimsical world, a place where every step feels light, elegant and filled with joy.
So go on, dear readers, embrace the tutu spirit. Put on your most beautiful dress, find a friend or your nearest ballet studio, and step onto a stage that is just for you, even if it's in your living room!
Now, let me know what you think in the comments! I’m also eager to hear what you love about tutus and why you want to wear them. And if you are feeling inspired, share your own #TutuTuesday photos and don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for a new instalment of our Ballet Tutu History.
Until next week, happy dancing!
Yours in tutus,
Emma
