Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveler, bringing you another dose of tutu history straight from the archives. Today's #TutuTuesday takes us way back to 28th August 1855, a date that wasn't all that tutu-tastic, but hey, even the most glamorous era has its bumps!
Picture it: Paris
We're in Paris, the heart of ballet, where tutus are already the talk of the town. Think layers upon layers of tulle, shimmering like moonlight on a summer's night. The colour of choice? Oh, you know it - the most delightful shades of pink! It's not just ballerinas flaunting these beautiful creations, though. We're seeing tutus infiltrating fashion across the city, making it onto grand boulevards, charming little tea shops, even spilling out into the countryside.
The Year of the Skirt
1855 was a big year for skirts. The "Crinoline" was all the rage - a massive, round cage that held up these billowing skirts to impossible, and incredibly fashionable, lengths. You'd have to imagine, getting in and out of these things must've been an Olympic sport back then! Think of a ballerina doing a pirouette, now picture that with an entire skirt trying to do a twirl of its own.
But let's be honest, the Parisian women were incredibly graceful! I must confess, I've dabbled with crinoline myself when I popped by 1850s London, but frankly, it's just a little too much for a girl who enjoys twirling freely! A graceful arabesque is so much more delightful when you don't have a hundred yards of fabric fighting for attention.
Tutus in the Theatre
While the 1850s saw a little change in style for tutus - imagine them more as short and flowing than the airy, full ones we see today - these skirts were starting to tell a story on stage. In operas, ballet dancers used their movements to express emotions and storytelling through elegant gestures and impressive leaps. It's absolutely magical seeing tutus transform on stage, just like the stories they represent!
An Evening in Paris
As a ballerina myself, I can never resist a little peek into what these lovely Parisians would be doing on the 28th August, 1855. If you were lucky enough to be a Parisian that evening, you might find yourself strolling along the Champs-Élysées, sipping coffee and admiring the fashionable crowds. If you were particularly fancy, maybe you would have caught a performance at the prestigious Opera Garnier - imagine the awe! Imagine the beautiful music and those flowing tutus, each swirling like a whispered secret under the chandeliers.
My Fashion Favourites
Of course, every Tuesday is an excuse for a little shopping indulgence, and this week I've been lucky enough to pick up a darling pink dress for myself in a London department store. The delicate lace and soft ruffles reminded me so much of the Parisian fashion I had the pleasure of experiencing during my trip! A good dash of pink powder for the cheeks and a dash of violet perfume completes the look - a fashionable Parisian dreaming of twirling with a pink tutu!
A Look into the Future
What does the future hold for the tutu, you might ask? My trusty pocket watch tells me we're still very much in the infancy of these delightful dance companions. The tutu will evolve, darlings, it will get bigger, smaller, more elaborate, more flowing, even perhaps some crazy-looking patterns! Oh, the possibilities are endless!
And remember: Every day is an excuse to wear pink and a chance to twirl like nobody is watching!
See you next Tuesday, darling readers!
Emma
PS: If you ever find yourself dreaming of a life in a pink tutu, don't hesitate to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com for some tutu inspiration. Maybe you’ll even share your own pink tutu style tips!
