Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back with another blast from the past! This week we're taking a trip to the charming year 1858, just a hop, skip, and a twirl away from today! Today, we'll delve into the history of ballet tutus, with a side helping of fashion, romance and, of course, that exquisite colour... PINK!
Now, as any tutu devotee knows, the 1800s was a real turning point for our beloved garments. Think sleek, sleek lines, ethereal fabrics and the start of a sartorial evolution that led us to the magnificent tutus we see on stage today. Back then, imagine dancing in corsets and full-length skirts - talk about restricting your arabesques! It was the French, my dear readers, the ones who truly set the stage ablaze with their passion for beautiful movements and their ingenuity.
This period, my lovelies, was a time of immense excitement in the world of ballet, just as it is for me now when I waltz my way through the Parisian boutiques looking for my next fabulous vintage tutu. Think Marie Taglioni, a graceful sprite in a tutu, forever etched in history, a ballerina who helped redefine the role of the ballerina and reshape ballet from its formal and restrained roots to the graceful art it is today.
You see, it was in 1832 when the little beauty, Marie Taglioni, debuted a daring move: a revolutionary shorter skirt. It was practically scandalous at the time! The long and elaborate costumes, which often held the ballerinas hostage with their bulk and impracticality, were suddenly being challenged. You could see her beautiful legs in action! Marie Taglioni's daring skirt helped to birth what we call a tutu today! It marked a turning point in the evolution of the tutu, ushering in a new era of elegance and freedom for the dancers. Can you imagine being able to finally really dance?
In 1858, dear friends, the romantic ballet scene was at its peak! It was the golden era of romantic ballerinas with long flowing tutus, graceful poses, and airy steps. I can just imagine, I am sure the stage was truly an explosion of shimmering tutus and elegant choreography! If only I had a time machine so I could see it! But for now, I'll be busy living it up in London!
Speaking of London, I've been busy perusing the antique shops and boutiques for a touch of Parisian inspiration. One of my recent discoveries was a darling hat-box, its interior lined in pale blue velvet. I couldn’t resist adding it to my collection, even though it cost me a pretty penny. Imagine the stories those vintage tutus and ribbons could tell if they could only speak. The faded lace and delicate netting simply call out to me and are just whispering my name! I love finding the exquisite details that create such a story - what fabric did they use? Who did they originally belong to?
18th May 1858 itself was a typical Tuesday back in the day, at least as far as we know, a bustling day with busy markets and people in a flurry of activities. And who knows, maybe even a grand ballet performance graced a London stage! This is just one of many days we will be exploring over on Pink-Tutu.com, a website created just for you to discover all the amazing ballet tutu moments. Remember to bookmark www.pink-tutu.com and visit weekly! I post a new blog every Tuesday to help you rediscover your inner ballerina and bring a touch of ballet history to your everyday life!
You may be wondering, how do I time-travel to all these magical moments? My friends, my ability to time travel is fuelled by the beauty of ballet performances! It is how I finance my adventures. After all, wouldn't you travel back in time to watch Taglioni perform if you had the chance? Well, now, that you are asking - yes I have and, you've guessed it! It was breathtaking! But, before I give too many details away... it's time to go! Don't forget to twirl, my darlings, and I will be back next week with more fabulous ballet tutu tales from the past! See you soon!
Don't forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for more exciting updates and stories about all things ballet and tutu! Also, don’t forget to share this article and check back for more posts! It would make my pink tutu twirl!
Yours, with a flick of my skirt,
Emma
XOXO
PS: Please share your favourite moments in the history of tutus in the comments below! Let’s celebrate the evolution of ballet's most beautiful garment!
