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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1855-01-02

Tutu Tuesday #1201: A Peek at the Past: Parisian Fashion 1855

Bonjour mes chères ballerinas! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, reporting live from a rather charming Parisian café, complete with its own tiny stage (oh, how I long to twirl upon it!). Today marks another fabulous #TutuTuesday and, wouldn't you know it, I've had a grand time travelling adventure to January 2nd, 1855 - the very day when I found a fantastic reason to fall even more in love with this oh-so-fabulous era.

Now, I've always adored the late 1800s; those billowing sleeves, the dramatic hoopskirts... sheer fashion magic, my darlings! And believe it or not, my journey began right here in Paris, a city that never fails to dazzle with its elegance.

Today is not just any ordinary day. Today marks the opening of the Exposition Universelle, a monumental international exhibition. Imagine, hundreds of pavilions from all over the globe, each showcasing the most incredible feats of human ingenuity! The French took immense pride in this grand display, especially in highlighting their prowess in engineering, fashion, and, of course, the performing arts.

Naturally, as a true ballerina at heart, my eyes were instantly drawn to the Théâtre de l’Opéra de Paris - oh, how they were showcasing some of the finest ballet dancers in the world! Talk about dreams coming true!

Now, I know you might be wondering why I've gone on about this particular date, my lovelies. It's because the evolution of the tutu we know and adore was truly starting to take shape in this era. We were no longer talking about the cumbersome and restrictive corseted undergarments of the previous centuries! The Romantic period of ballet brought with it a need for more graceful and fluid movements. And thus, the tutu as we know it - lightweight, layered and so incredibly stylish - started to emerge!

The Tutus of 1855: I spotted some amazing dancers that evening at the theatre, and oh, those tutus! Gone were the days of long and heavily-layered skirts. The ballerinas swirled with the grace of butterflies, adorned with elegant knee-length tutus with several tiers of delicate, frilled tulle. They floated effortlessly across the stage, their movement flowing like water.

And can I just say? The colour palette of the time is something that absolutely screams for a pink-loving ballerina like myself. Think soft pastel shades, flowing into bold hues like cerulean blue and vibrant coral. It was like the sunset over the Thames, reflected in a dazzling crystal lake. My darlings, this colour combo was sheer magic!

Now, let's talk about the fabrics of this time - simply divine! Silk and tulle were the fabrics of choice, offering a sense of fluidity and lightness. But wait, there's more! Lace, ribbons, and delicate embroidery were woven into each costume to enhance the sense of romanticism. A ballet tutu in 1855 was less about constricting and more about embracing the beautiful form of a ballerina's physique - simply sublime, my darlings!

And that wasn’t the only sartorial wonder at the Exposition Universelle! Paris in 1855 was brimming with trends and I saw the most exquisite clothing, jewellery and even hats - think delicate feathered boas, shimmering fabrics in soft pastels and exquisite gloves, and bejeweled accessories! This was a city where every day felt like a performance!

My darling girls, this era wasn't just a turning point for ballet, it was a turning point for the entire fashion scene. This era was one of romanticism and grace. It truly embodied the effortless beauty of movement that is ballet. I truly believe it was an era where the tutu was elevated to the height of its elegance.

Now, let me leave you with this thought, my lovely readers. As you prepare for another exciting week, remember that life itself can be a stage and that there are a multitude of ways to channel the essence of this era. A vibrant new accessory, a sprinkle of elegance, a dash of grace - that's all it takes! After all, who doesn’t love the timeless beauty of a well-chosen tutu?

Until next #TutuTuesday, be sure to twirl on, my dear dancers! And remember, the world is a stage just waiting for you to take your place, whether in your favourite pink tutu or the stylish attire of your choice! Don’t forget to visit us at www.pink-tutu.com and share your sartorial adventures!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1855-01-02