Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another dose of ballet history. This week, we’re waltzing back to August 12th, 1856, a date filled with intrigue and the early days of our beloved ballet form!
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Today’s adventures have led me to Paris, the City of Lights, a hotbed of fashion and artistic brilliance, where the very essence of ballet is dancing its way onto the stage!
A Glimpse Back in Time:
Back in 1856, the world of ballet was a world of graceful figures, flowing movements, and captivating narratives. And of course, the tutus, darling! You won’t believe what was in fashion... a dramatic contrast to our elegant modern styles!
These days, our tutus are all about soft layers of tulle, but back then, it was all about structure. Picture a stiff, often layered, skirt with tons of crinoline! They gave the dancers a wider, almost bell-like shape. Imagine dancing with that! I wouldn't have thought it possible but the dancers in those days were true virtuosos!
Imagine a long train trailing behind, shimmering in the stage lights, adding a sense of grandeur and regal drama. The skirt might be knee-length, but the illusion is longer with the use of crinoline, like a Victorian silhouette.
Think about this for a moment - this was before the era of stretchy fabrics! You have to give those dancers extra credit for how hard they worked!
Now, if you think ballet back then was all about structure, then you have another thing coming, my lovelies! For colour was in the air! Imagine shimmering golds, deep crimson, rich emerald, or stunning blues! The costumes would be absolutely vibrant and visually striking, unlike the predominantly white or flesh-toned palettes that would come into play later. It's like stepping into a historical masterpiece, each dancer a living piece of art!
And guess what else was making a big impact - romantic ballet! Ballet themes and narratives began shifting away from stories about mythological beings and focusing on powerful emotions and captivating romances! I must confess, I'm a romantic at heart. It was during this time the iconic piece, Giselle was performed and was captivating the world! Just picture it, my darlings! A love story filled with yearning, heartache, and an ending of true love, brought to life with breathtaking movement and artistic finesse!
Now, my fashionista friends, I have a real treat for you.
I’ve Got Your Next Tutu Outfit - 1856 Edition!
Okay, so the stiff, layered tutus of the 1850s aren't exactly what we wear today. Let’s face it, dancing in a mass of fabric just seems… unrealistic today. But the 1850s inspire me!
We can borrow from that dramatic, colorful period. For a "Tutu Tuesday" outfit, we're looking at a knee-length pink skirt. To recreate that full, dramatic 1850s look, consider adding a full slip (those are making a comeback!), a pettiskirt, and maybe a soft tulle overlay for a gentle, romantic flair.
Finish the look with an opulent top, something like a richly textured velvet or satin bodice with elegant lace or ribbons. You can add embellishments or bows – think jewels, ribbons, or flowers, for a real 19th-century princess vibe!
Oh, and don’t forget to do your hair like they did in the 1850s: think dramatic upswept curls, and if you are bold, even consider adding a pearl headband for that extra flair!
As you've all seen in the Pink Tutu blog, my outfit choices for a night out in a fancy ballet are always pink, but I love a change, so today I'm experimenting with my new favourite look. I'm trying a shade of baby blue, and to complement this shade, I'm wearing pearl and diamond jewellery. A soft tulle cape is a must for that elegant, flowy effect that's the hallmark of the romantic ballet! It all feels truly effortless chic.
I'm off to watch Swan Lake with the iconic Carlotta Grisi, the most renowned ballerina of her time, who was quite famous in 1856. Can you imagine being able to see such a spectacle, and right now, on the day it was first staged?! As my dear friend Mr. T.S. Elliot once said, "The world turns aside to let the man who knows what he wants pass by." Well, my lovely readers, it's the tutu we all want, isn’t it?!
It’s such a treat, isn't it, travelling to different periods for ballet? I don’t just admire the art, I feel like I am part of its history. I don't just watch, I experience these amazing shows!
I love the artistry, the beauty, the talent, and yes, even the costumes of ballet. It truly captures the human spirit, from joy to sorrow, and every fabulous moment between. It reminds us that dreams really can take flight, especially when we are surrounded by lovely pink tutus, of course!
Well, my sweet readers, it’s getting late and this week, I'm going to leave you to admire your very own amazing "Tutu Tuesdays"! Be sure to keep an eye on my posts next week on www.pink-tutu.com, for even more amazing historical dance explorations!
I'm so happy we’re able to connect through ballet and our love of tutus. Don't forget, a pink tutu isn’t just a costume – it’s a celebration! Let's twirl into a more joyful world, one tutu at a time!
Lots of love,
Emma xx
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