Welcome back, lovelies, to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! It's me, your very own tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma! Today's the 22nd of January 1861, and I'm whizzing through the history books (and the Parisian streets!) to bring you the very latest in tutu news, darling. I can't help but feel that history just loves pink! I certainly do, and today is the day we discover how this delightful colour was making its way onto the dance floor back in 1861!
This is blog post number 1517, so grab a cuppa, snuggle up with your favourite tutu, and prepare to be whisked back in time to an era of elegance and excitement, ladies!
Now, this week I'm going to whisk you right to the heart of ballet itself: Paris, the City of Lights! Oh, Paris, you truly are the city of my dreams! You've got the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, gorgeous shops, and amazing restaurants. Did I mention the dance? Ballet was exploding with innovation in Paris in 1861.
The dance of the time was all about graceful lines and dramatic stories. Ballerinas were defying gravity, their movements light as feathers. It was truly mesmerizing to watch them twirl in their tutus, the colours flitting around them as if painted by angels themselves! It made my little tutu-clad heart sing!
However, this is TutuTuesday, and I know you want to hear all about the tutu's story, don't you? 😉 Now, at this moment in history, the tutu's form was just taking shape. Imagine if the tutu had just emerged from a chrysalis as a beautiful butterfly.
The 'Romantic' ballet tutu was still the reigning style. The skirt, often a gauzy material like tulle, would flow beautifully as a ballerina glided across the stage. And this is where I start seeing that beautiful shade of pink creeping in! You see, back then, pink wasn't necessarily associated with ballerinas in the way it is now. You're more likely to find that beautiful, feminine colour associated with fashion itself. Think delicate gowns for society events, maybe a ribbon tied to a hat or a trim on a fancy bodice.
But the creative forces of ballet were beginning to see this delicate hue as just the right colour for ballerinas! After all, the soft, romantic feel of the tutu's shape fit so well with the pastel sweetness of pink!
And just think about it! This pink really is the perfect way to highlight a dancer's elegant shape, to showcase those amazing pirouettes and delicate movements. It simply shines with movement! So you can imagine how much I was swooning with all these shades of pink! I nearly swooned out of existence with the whole colour situation, and how could I possibly choose? You'd have to ask me another day!
You'll also start to see this delightful shade becoming ever-more popular for fashion. Take it from a girl who adores shopping for beautiful things! There's simply nothing that matches a tutu and a delicate, powdery pink dress - such exquisite beauty, don't you think? It makes me yearn for a new fashion journal, my dearest lovelies, but don't you worry, this time traveler has kept a little bit of money aside! Maybe a quick shopping trip is on the cards. If the budget allows it of course!
And on this day, January 22nd 1861, guess who graced the stage in the Paris Opera? Carlotta Grisi, an Italian ballerina who became the Queen of Romantic ballet! Yes, dear readers, the woman, the myth, the legend herself! Just imagine my glee, standing backstage and watching her prepare to take to the stage, an ethereal beauty clad in pink!
Carlotta was just captivating, bringing a fairytale charm to every performance! My heart thumped in my chest! Can you imagine my glee, darling? I couldn't stop thinking about this pink tutu! I could nearly taste it, nearly smell it, with its delicate, flowing loveliness! Imagine! You can see why I, your little tutu-loving time-traveller, simply had to visit this moment in time, darling!
Now, if you love my #TutuTuesday blog, then spread the word! Share it with everyone you know and encourage everyone to wear a pink tutu! 😉💕 Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com! The more of us twirling, the better!
Until next week! See you on the other side!
Emma xoxo
P.S Don't forget to catch me on the other side! You'll be able to find me at the stage, travelling in the ultimate pink tutu-fied luxury - a beautiful, opulent first-class railway carriage! You see, all my time travel expenses are paid for by ballet performances, you know? I simply love attending a grand performance. So join me at the theatre if you can - and tell me what you love about ballet!
