#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1859-04-12

Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another fabulous foray into the captivating history of ballet! This week, I've popped my time-traveling tutu on and journeyed back to the 12th of April, 1859. It’s a day I'm going to call "tutu-rific" for so many reasons!

Now, before we dive into the historical details, let’s talk about my outfit! As you know, my love affair with pink tutus knows no bounds. And today, I'm absolutely channeling my inner romantic Victorian ballerina in a fluffy tulle confection of pale pink. The layers of soft netting tickle my toes, and I can’t resist twirling – it feels just like being whisked away by the wind!

I’ve arrived in Paris, the absolute heart of ballet at this time. Think dazzling theatres, whispers of romance, and elegant ladies with stunning gowns and exquisite hats. I’ve taken the Orient Express from London, of course! A train journey in itself is a real fashion spectacle! I adore those velvet seats and the anticipation of a new adventure.

Paris, though, feels electric today! The excitement is palpable. What’s got the entire city abuzz? You guessed it!

Today, a new ballet premiered!

And what's the best way to celebrate? With a trip to the Palais Garnier, the iconic Parisian opera house! It's quite a stunning building, darlings – a grand blend of Italian and French styles that takes your breath away! I’ve seen a couple of operas here, but I hear the ballet shows are even more magical.

Speaking of magic, imagine my delight when I heard that Giselle is what everyone's talking about. A tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy, set to music that would melt even the stoniest of hearts!

The Giselle story centres around a young, innocent peasant girl who falls for a mysterious nobleman in disguise. Now, there’s a reason I say ‘mysterious'! He's not actually a nobleman at all! The story is rife with deceit and love that is both passionate and fleeting. I hear there are amazing performances from the corps de ballet as well! Oh, the delicate tutus, the elegant movements, the passion! Just heavenly!

Did You Know?

This very same ballet was performed by the very talented, madame Carlotta Grisi back in 1841! Just think of her in her gorgeous white tutu, sweeping through the dance with such incredible artistry. It’s said to be a landmark production for its powerful emotional story.

But there’s even more news! This new version of Giselle features an even more extravagant costume for the heroine! Now, that's exciting! The dress designers have really outdone themselves!

Let's just say that I’m off to visit the most extravagant boutique in all of Paris to find myself a new tutu fit for this momentous occasion! A tulle tutu in a delightful shade of pink, of course! And perhaps, I can inspire the French to consider embracing the wonderfulness of pink as well!

Okay, now we have to talk tutus! Today, we see tutus taking the stage and captivating hearts everywhere. And they have become far more than just simple garments! Think of a tutu, dear friends, as a symbol of lightness, grace, and captivating beauty – all intertwined into one whimsical ensemble.

1859, it’s the era of 'Romantic Ballet’ – where everything is about ethereal dreamscapes and tales of passionate love! You can see it all around you, from the lush settings and magical fairies on stage to the delicate flower patterns in ladies’ dresses and even the feather boas that adorn them!

The iconic tutu itself evolved from the more restrictive, shorter versions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was the Parisian ballet star, madame Marie Taglioni who dared to shorten the skirt and move away from the bulky, heavy skirts of earlier styles. A game-changer indeed!

This was the era of ‘floating’ steps, a breathtaking blend of delicate footwork and long, flowing movements – all designed to create a vision of true feminine grace! You have to admit, tutus played a pivotal role in achieving that magical effect.

Fast forward a few decades and tutus became even shorter, almost to the point where they only appeared as tiny, frilly adornments on the upper thigh! But even in these modern iterations, the elegance and romance associated with ballet tutus remains, don’t you think?

Well, darlings, my Parisian escapade is coming to an end, but the tutu is always there, a symbol of creativity and freedom of movement.

I'll be back next week for another #TutuTuesday! Until then, don’t forget to spread the love of ballet and make the world a more tutu-fied place!

Yours always in the swirls of pink, Emma

P.S. Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for new blog posts! And share your own tutu adventures with me using #TutuTuesday on social media!