Post Number 1356
Hello lovelies!
It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday journey through the history of our beloved ballet tutus! This week, I'm whisking you away to the year 1857. Buckle up, darlings, it's a whirlwind of fashion, artistry, and – you guessed it – more tulle than you can shake a feather boa at!
As you all know, my trusty pink tutu (it's the Rose Petal if you're wondering) takes me to all sorts of exciting destinations. This time, I'm perched in a carriage in the heart of Paris, where ballet was and is, quite frankly, everything. The Parisians absolutely adore their ballerinas, their beaux arts, their theatre – it's a city that truly celebrates the spirit of beauty and art, a sentiment I hold very close to my heart, and one I try to bring to each of you through this blog.
Now, picture this: Parisian cobbled streets, bustling with charming horse-drawn carriages. The smell of freshly baked bread hangs in the air, mixed with the alluring scent of freshly-bloomed violets. On my left is the imposing edifice of the Opéra Garnier, the jewel of the French ballet world. It's on the cusp of opening and a magnificent spectacle it will be, that's for sure!
Why am I here, you ask? It's December 22nd, 1857, the anniversary of Marie Taglioni's debut. Remember the divine Marie Taglioni? She was known for her lightweight, ethereal tutus that brought lightness, and even the sense of flight, to the stage. I mean, we owe her a massive debt of gratitude – she really revolutionized what the tutu represented, making it so much more than just a simple skirt! She was truly an iconic figure!
And honestly, let’s be honest – 1857 was all about tutus! The ballet scene was captivated by these incredible garments, each more billowing and voluminous than the last. Just imagine how much silk and tulle it must have taken to create these beauties! And I must tell you, the Parisian ballet dancers were making these gowns truly iconic! The dancing seemed almost like flight itself, an absolute dream to watch, which I confess, I’ve done quite a few times!
Speaking of dreaming, imagine walking through Paris, enjoying the sheer magic of the city, then suddenly turning a corner and bumping into Marie Taglioni! We can dream, can't we?
But let's get back to the fashions, shall we?
1857 was a golden age of tutu exploration! Think delicate pale pink tutus adorned with tiny bouffant layers that danced and swayed with each pirouette, or vibrant sky-blue tutus with fluffy ringlets of white tulle cascading down the sides. The creativity was endless, my darlings! It truly felt like a symphony of colour and movement on stage, and I've definitely tried to recreate a few of these looks, albeit on a more contemporary scale!
My absolute favourite aspect of these early tutus was the emphasis on fluidity. Imagine layers of ethereal tulle, dancing with the air, as the ballerinas glided and soared across the stage – it was absolutely mesmerizing!
In fact, my Pink-Tutu.com shop is practically bursting with these romantic and feminine tutus, perfect for channeling your inner 1857 ballerina! I've just received a stunning shipment of powder pink tulle – perfect for achieving that whimsical, Taglioni-inspired look.
Onwards to the Modern Ballet Stage:
But our story doesn't end in 1857! The legacy of these beautiful tutus lives on, even in modern ballet performances. While we've seen some changes – think tighter styles, bolder colours – that ethereal lightness, that delicate dance of fabric and air, is still present. It's a testament to the enduring impact of those first groundbreaking tutus.
You can still catch this magic in performances at the Royal Opera House in London. Even after all these years, I always feel a thrill of excitement stepping into that stunning auditorium, feeling that historic atmosphere as the stage lights up, and those fabulous tulle skirts billow and twirl in front of you. There is nothing like it.
Of course, my personal favourite way to immerse myself in ballet culture is by heading down to Derbyshire for a ballet class or performance. We're quite blessed, you know! We've got several wonderful studios and dance schools offering top-notch tuition, so there's always a chance to get your inner ballerina dancing! I actually love the tutus they make now, and it is amazing how fashion has come full circle with a touch of nostalgia. But even for all my modern love for tutu fashion, a vintage shop like "Delicates" in Bakewell is my kind of treasure trove - all that hand-sewn finery – it's irresistible, simply divine. And you can get an incredible sense of history there - what those tutus used to look like and how much they’ve evolved.
So, there you have it – a little trip back to 1857 and the wonders of the early ballet tutu! And don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com to discover our range of stunning tutus, perfect for channeling your own ballerina magic, whether you're on stage or just dancing around your home.
And please, do leave a comment below and let me know: what are your favourite types of tutus? Did any of this week’s fashion discoveries inspire you? I’d love to hear from you!
And don’t forget to tag me on your adventures with your pink tutus on social media with #TutuTuesday - because in my eyes, every day is a little bit tutu-licious!
Until next Tuesday, darling readers!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
