Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things tutu are celebrated. This week, I've decided to take us back in time, to a most glorious year in the history of our beloved tulle wonders: 1860!
Oh, what a time it was! As you know, dear readers, my own passion for pink and for all things twirling and light led me to become a little obsessed with researching ballet history. This journey started back in my native Derbyshire, England, where I took my first steps in pointe shoes (my dear, darling Auntie Millie swears she saw me tiptoe on a stack of pillows when I was barely three!) and quickly grew into a full-fledged, tutu-wearing, ballet-loving devotee. My journey from the Derbyshire countryside to travelling through time - yes, travelling through time, my dears! - has been fuelled by my passion for all things ballet, by the exquisite, intricate dances I have witnessed, the breathtaking costumes and by... oh yes! The shopping! It has been truly thrilling to see the evolution of the tutu through the ages, but it all started right here, in 1860, with a revolution!
I'm sure you're all as thrilled as I am to delve into this year - a true watershed moment for the ballet world. Before 1860, the "tutu" was a far cry from the magnificent and ethereal dresses we know and love today. They were more practical, often stiff and very heavy - not ideal for, dare I say, twirling! Imagine a costume that felt more like a stiff corset than a piece of beautiful clothing! The ballet dancers had to dance through the weight and bulkiness of their garments, resulting in an almost laboured form of dancing - not exactly a graceful display, darlings! But as the times changed, so too did fashion!
The biggest change came in 1860, with the arrival of la danseuse, the amazing Mademoiselle Marie Taglioni, who had a simple vision: a more flexible, more fluid and flowing outfit to create that ethereal, almost dream-like movement for the ballet. In a daring move, she dared to change the norm and brought forth her idea of a tutu - light, fluffy, and romantic. It was a radical innovation! She danced in a stunning tutu made from the most delicate tulle, and, to my utmost delight, she chose a glorious shade of blush pink for it! Just think - blush pink, my darlings, right back in 1860! The inspiration behind my entire brand! The tutu transformed from an archaic costume into a captivating fashion statement that has graced stages worldwide ever since! It was almost like an artist's brushstroke against the stage - so much freer and lighter than what came before!
And, imagine, you can still see it - the inspiration from 1860. It's not simply in the tulle and the soft colors. You can see how it has impacted every detail from the delicate patterns in the layers, to the breathtaking choreography.
This new style of tutu allowed the dancers to achieve a new level of expressiveness and artistry, enhancing their movement and taking them to unimaginable heights! A dream realized on stage. What an inspiration, I say! This single revolutionary act set the stage (pun intended) for the ballet we see today. It changed how the world saw ballerinas - their elegance, grace and movement. It made them true visionaries. And what a delightful evolution! It has allowed for a plethora of different designs and colors over the years. Just think of the dazzling range - from the classic white tutu to the vibrant pinks, yellows and blues - oh, the sheer creativity! Each dancer embodies their individual story and passion with every twirl.
So this #TutuTuesday, we take a moment to acknowledge and admire this momentous occasion in 1860, the year of Marie Taglioni and the revolutionary light and flowing tutu. We must forever be grateful for this shift, as it paved the way for the majestic dances and ballerinas that we cherish today!
Now, while you're soaking in the historical brilliance of our tutu, I am so delighted to share with you the exciting news of the event that took place in London on the 31st of January, 1860! Yes, dear readers, on this very day, the glorious Grand Theatre at Drury Lane was hosting a gala opening - the performance was a ballet by none other than Auguste Bournonville! My journey has given me a special insight into these early ballerinas. Bournonville is one of the pioneers of the early romantic ballet!
You simply have to imagine the energy in the theatre, as the lights went up. And the beauty of the performers - as they gracefully glided across the stage. There was magic in the air - an air that whispered of the sheer creativity and elegance of a revolutionary change.
My darling readers, this is just the beginning. Come back next Tuesday for more thrilling adventures into the history of tutus. I cannot wait to share more about the iconic and timeless dance, and, of course, more fabulous facts about fashion!
Oh, and do let me know your favorite colours and styles for tutus! I would love to see all the fabulous pink, blue, and yellow tutus out there! And of course, keep those requests flowing. What would you like to see discussed in our future #TutuTuesday posts? Let's keep the passion alive for ballet, tutus, and everything pink!
Yours truly in tulle and twinkling steps,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
