Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to my Pink Tutu blog for another fabulous Tuesday. Today we’re travelling back in time to 17th November 1857, a date that marks a truly special moment in the history of ballet – a time when tutus started to become what we know and love them as today!
This week, I hopped on the train – the most marvellous invention ever, let me tell you – and headed to the grand, glorious Paris, the city of lights and romance, where ballet reigned supreme! It was the height of the romantic period in ballet, with dreamy, graceful movements and stories of love and passion that had the whole world swooning. The ballerina’s tutus, now shorter and lighter, were a symbol of this graceful and ethereal new age in dance.
You wouldn’t believe the extraordinary styles on show! This year was all about lightness, freedom and fluidity, a world away from the restrictive costumes of the past! I mean, just imagine,* my dearest friends, those old layered, long, heavy skirts! What a nightmare! We can’t even fathom such things. Thankfully, we’ve come so far! This evolution in ballet costume marked the start of the tutu we know and adore today!
And what better place to soak up all this glamorous history than at the Paris Opéra! Can you imagine it? Galleries filled with the most beautifully-dressed people, gazing in admiration at the magnificent spectacle on stage, while the gorgeous ballerinas,* swishing and twirling in their delicate tutus, brought the stories to life! Oh, the stories they danced – from grand romantic masterpieces like "Giselle" and "La Sylphide" to charming, whimsical tales, all with gorgeous sets and elaborate, detailed costumes! I was mesmerised, transported to another world!
As for the tutus? Well, they’re definitely shorter compared to the previous era. Just imagine - you could see their legs! Now that's revolutionary, wouldn’t you agree?! But there was a real art to it, you know. These weren’t just any old skirt shortened. Each and every one of those tutus was carefully constructed from *multiple layers of *tulle, each carefully crafted to create the perfect airy, graceful form. They flowed so beautifully with the dancers’ movements. It truly was a symphony of delicate beauty!
There were still many variations in colour, naturally, but the white tulle took centre stage for the classic tutus – perfectly mirroring the ballerina's purity and ethereal spirit. However, let's not forget the brighter, more vibrant hues! They added so much vibrancy to those wonderful stories, reflecting the passion and emotion that swept audiences off their feet. It truly was a captivating and magnificent experience.
You see, in 1857, the tutu had finally evolved from its early, simpler, bulky state to become an icon - a symbol of beauty, elegance and, above all, the joy of dance itself! And what's better than dancing? Wearing a perfectly beautiful tutu, of course! They bring joy to everyone - from the dancer herself to everyone who gets to see her twirl and sparkle!
That, my sweet tutu friends, is the history of the tutu! How exciting is that? We can all celebrate these extraordinary women of the 19th century - they paved the way for all the magnificent dancers and breathtaking performances we enjoy today! So, when you put on your pink tutu – or your purple one, or any colour! - think of those glorious ballerinas and all the effortless, graceful movements they taught us, inspiring generations of us to wear a magnificent tutu with joy and confidence!
You'll find me, tomorrow, heading to a London ballet school for a couple of classes, twirling, leaping and pirouetting, wearing, naturally, my magnificent, gorgeous pink tutu, while wearing the most fabulous outfit I have ever created! Oh, to live in the world of dance, fashion, and creativity! It’s just pure joy!
And what's the most exciting part? I’ll share my adventure, and the amazing dresses, right here on Pink-Tutu.com next Tuesday!
*Until then, happy twirling everyone! *
Love, Emma XOXO
P.S. Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com every week for your #TutuTuesday dose of inspiration, history and delightful fashion!
