#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History: A Whirl Through the 1850s!
Hello, darling dears! It’s Emma here, your resident Tutu Time Traveller, and I’m so excited to be back with you on this lovely #TutuTuesday! As always, I’m delving into the captivating history of the ballet tutu – the ultimate symbol of grace and elegance – and this week, we’re twirling back to 27th July 1858!
This week I’ve just had the most wonderful time in Paris, darling. The City of Lights is simply teeming with fabulous fashion and dazzling displays of dance. My suitcase is bursting with delightful finds from the shops on the Rue de Rivoli!
But back to the tutu – oh, how my heart beats for these glorious garments!
Imagine this – it's 1858, and the world of ballet is undergoing a serious transformation! Gone are the heavy, floor-length skirts of the past. Instead, ballerinas are soaring through the air in shorter, more revealing tutus. You see, the iconic "Romantic Tutu" – you know, the one we adore – is on the rise! Think billowing, delicate layers of tulle, practically skimming the ground, like a whispered cloud of loveliness. This design was revolutionising how ballet dancers moved and how they were viewed.
Imagine the freedom these graceful layers offered to dancers! Gone were the constraints of stiff, bulky fabrics, replaced by airy lightness that allowed for exquisite movement and expression. And talk about stunning! Those delicate, tiered layers swirling around their limbs were a breath-taking sight.
Just yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend a spectacular performance at the Paris Opera House – and my goodness, were they ethereal! Every ballerina on that stage had me gasping with delight! They moved like whispers in the wind, their tutus forming shimmering, almost translucent halos. Honestly, it was magic!
Of course, the Romantic Tutu was also causing quite a stir – both on and off the stage. Imagine – the tutu was not just for ballerinas! The design’s charm had taken over fashion itself. The feminine, ethereal appeal of those layers of tulle became the new, must-have accessory, captivating fashion enthusiasts everywhere! From drawing room gatherings to leisurely promenades in the Bois de Boulogne, Parisian ladies were adopting the tutu look with a passion. You’ll see elegant gowns with the signature tutu shape adorning the bust or as a fluffy ruffle adorning the shoulders, all giving a delightfully whimsical twist to fashionable ensembles.
Honestly, who wouldn't want a touch of that exquisite ballet magic in their lives? The Romantic Tutu was like a symbol of an era – an era of romanticism, elegance and artistry that touched the very heart of fashion.
This brings us to another delightful surprise! As I was wandering through a quaint antique shop yesterday, guess what I stumbled upon – a beautiful, hand-painted photograph of a young, incredibly talented ballerina. Now, I’ve got to say – my love for the history of dance and these fabulous costumes is just burning!
But you can be sure I will be sharing that treasure with you in my next post!
Meanwhile, remember, my lovelies – tutus are a celebration of everything joyous, graceful and beautiful. Wear them with pride! Whether you're taking your first pirouette or simply running errands, a pink tutu will always add a touch of magic to your day.
See you next week, lovelies, and don’t forget to keep your tutus twirling!
Emma x
Blog Post Number: 1387
Website: www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday