Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and purveyor of all things pink and twirly. It's Tutu Tuesday once again, and I'm thrilled to be whisking you back in time for a little history lesson – a trip back to October 2nd, 1860, to be precise!
I've just arrived back from a splendid journey to Paris, where the Parisian theatre scene was abuzz with activity. This time, it wasn't ballet I was after, but an exciting event – a glimpse of the first "tutu" in its truest form. Yes, darling readers, I actually saw the origin of the very design we know and love today!
Now, before we step back in time, I just want to say – my favourite colour is pink. In fact, I truly believe pink should be worn by every woman in the world every single day. But today, we'll leave my personal bias at the door and delve into the exciting story of the tutu's evolution.
I’ll have you know it wasn’t all frills and froufrous from the beginning! When I stepped off the train in Paris, it was like a leap into a different world! Cobblestone streets, gas lamps illuminating the evening, horse-drawn carriages rushing by - oh, and did I mention that there was almost a complete absence of pink!
Imagine this, darling readers – in 1860, the dancers still wore layers and layers of silk and satin skirts! Honestly, the poor dears must have struggled to even take a single step, let alone attempt a pirouette. These were long, heavy, undeniably beautiful creations, but far from the nimble and elegant pieces we see on stage today.
The innovation that would become synonymous with ballet was about to arrive. It was a new and daring look, championed by none other than Marie Taglioni, a real darling of the stage back in her day. It was she who truly changed the landscape of dance – and with it, the wardrobe! She took her inspiration from Greek statuary, its lines, flow, and simple beauty. It was radical!
This innovation in dance brought with it an era of revolutionary design for the ballerina’s costume. Imagine, if you will, a shorter skirt - a mere ten layers of tulle rather than dozens. The beauty of this new costume? It flowed and moved, allowing the dancer to showcase their skill and grace!
And while the colours weren't quite the vibrant, colourful explosions we see today, there was an undeniable romanticism in the soft shades of pale pink, baby blue, and delicate lavender - all adding to the overall dreamy aura of the stage. It was a new, lighter, brighter world.
This “tutu”, my lovelies, was a game changer. It sparked a wave of change and refinement that has shaped the world of dance for generations. No longer were dancers restricted to clumsy, heavy garments. Now they could move with ease, showcasing a new level of artistry.
But I must confess, while Paris was undoubtedly dazzling with this exciting new costume design, I was left pining for a splash of colour! I am, after all, a devotee of the magnificent, bold pink, the colour of whimsy and joyous expression. I dreamed of seeing ballerinas take the stage in shades that rivalled the most glorious sunrise.
Well, it wasn’t long before I hopped back in time, taking those first exciting memories with me and landing right back in my Derbyshire home. As I settled back into my familiar life, I realised how much we can learn from the past, my darling readers. History gives us such valuable lessons!
And of course, I got right back into my dance classes. That tutu - its simple beauty and its transformative power – it just speaks to me.
It wasn’t all I found, darling readers. It turns out I have the best eye for fashion ever. My keen observation skills landed me right at a lovely little vintage clothing shop. This shop, tucked away on a quiet side street in a Derbyshire village, was chock full of gorgeous little pink frills and frou-frou’s. And what do you think? Of course they had an array of ballet shoes that had a rather fetching pink colour - something I shall keep secret from you all (don’t worry, there’s enough pink to go around for us all! Just maybe I want a head start ;))
Now, while the history of dance is fascinating, my goal isn't just to educate - it’s to encourage and inspire you all! I want everyone to experience the joy of wearing a tutu - from grand theatrical productions to spontaneous twirls in the living room! The joy, the whimsy, the confidence – that’s what it's all about.
So, darling readers, let's keep the spirit of ballet and the history of the tutu alive. Twirl, pirouette, leap, and most importantly, let your inner ballerina shine! And, remember, pink is never wrong!
Keep your eyes peeled for next week's Tutu Tuesday, where I’ll be taking you on a whirlwind adventure to 1870! Until then, don't forget to share your own pink-tutu-filled adventures on our social media platforms.
Love and pink sparkles,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
