August 23rd, 1859: The Tutu Takes a Dramatic Turn
Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you back to a period of delightful fashion and, of course, tutus! As you know, this is the day we celebrate the lovely history of the ballet tutu. So, buckle up your slippers, darlings, and grab a glass of bubbly – it's time for a trip back in time!
Today, we're zipping over to Paris, the beating heart of all things fashionable and, I daresay, fabulous. Imagine, if you will, the year 1859 – horse-drawn carriages cluttering the streets, bustling markets filled with colourful fabrics, and the elegant silhouettes of Parisian ladies swirling by. It was during this time that the tutu took a bold leap forward!
You see, dear readers, before the 1850s, tutus were more of a loose, flowy garment. But the dancers of this era, particularly at the Paris Opera, decided they needed something a bit more dramatic to showcase their amazing leaps and graceful moves. And so, the iconic "Romantic tutu," as it came to be known, was born!
This innovative creation, as the name suggests, brought a sense of light and romance to the stage. Instead of being long and cumbersome, this new tutu was much shorter – think thigh-grazing length. Imagine a flurry of fabric billowing and twirling around a ballerina as she dances! It was utterly breathtaking!
Speaking of dramatic, can you believe, dear readers, that this year, 1859, saw the premiere of the ballet "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow? Can you imagine? Just thinking about those twirling ballerinas in their perfectly romantic tutus gives me goosebumps! I must visit Moscow on my next time travel adventure, I simply must!
But let’s get back to our Parisian fashion history. The "Romantic tutu" wasn't just about the length, darling, oh no. It was also all about the fabric – think delicate layers of tulle or gauze. This delicate fabric allowed for airy movement and captivating, floating movements that practically danced themselves! Imagine all the stunning colours – I adore the deep crimson of burgundy tulle! Absolutely divine, darlings.
So, as we travel through history, don't you agree, dear readers, that the "Romantic tutu" is a turning point in the ballet world? This stunning style marked a shift towards more expressive movement and a newfound emphasis on the grace and artistry of the dancers. And wouldn't you know it, it’s an era that’s right up my street, darling. I’d even be tempted to make my way to the Paris Opera and have a go myself… maybe after I pick up a stunning new hat and a pair of pretty new boots from one of my favourite vintage stores in Paris. The sheer number of antique boutiques there is almost enough to drive one bonkers!
Remember, darling readers, that our fashion story isn’t just about the clothes – it's about the people, the stories, the art that each design represents. From the grace of the Romantic era to the thrilling innovations of later periods, let's keep celebrating the tutu's role in shaping ballet's visual language. Remember to pop by www.pink-tutu.com and have a browse for some exciting designs. Perhaps I’ll write about what it was like in 1889!
Oh, and before I go, darlings – don't forget to tag your own tutu photos with #TutuTuesday! After all, it's all about celebrating this magnificent garment and spreading a touch of tutu-rific fashion!
Catch you next Tuesday for another delightful ballet adventure!
Your time-travelling friend,
Emma x
P.S. Did you know August 23rd, 1859, also happened to be the day Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Alice, was born? How exciting! She’s a lovely person, though she did become a rather devout royal, but one can’t have it all. It seems to me we could be making history here! My mission is to convince her to ditch those sombre, floor-length gowns and put on a tutu. We shall see, darlings!
