Hello lovelies, it's Emma from pink-tutu.com and welcome to blog post number 1549, another fab Tuesday edition of our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. I hope you're all having a perfectly twirling day!
Today, I'm travelling back in time to the stunning 3rd of September, 1861. Buckle up, darlings, because we're about to waltz through history in my favourite shade of pink, of course. I have the most beautiful pink tutu packed, so you know we're going to be living our best Parisian lives! 🇫🇷💖
This time, we're off to the city of lights itself: Paris, where the ballet is truly a sight to behold. Think towering boulevards, glamorous theaters, and the sheer brilliance of a new wave of choreographers pushing boundaries like no one has seen before. Just wait till I get a look at what's on the bill! 💃
But before we shimmy our way to the theatre, let's talk tutus. Because believe it or not, 1861 wasn't always about those fluffy, billowing skirts that swirl around like a cloud! Back in the day, the dancers were much more practical! Shocking I know. 😮
Instead of all that airy fabric, the ballerinas of yore were strutting their stuff in more modest, but no less chic designs, like longer, flowing skirts. Think layered and structured, rather than airy and feathery! Imagine how much harder it must have been to pirouette in those! Shivers I'm so grateful we moved on from that! 🙏
However, a little later on, around 1870, the first tutu designs actually began to resemble the modern ones we adore today! A lighter, more fitted design - think tulle layers that flowed, revealing legs with each twirl. Isn't that fascinating?
Speaking of the "how," imagine the incredible handmade creations of tulle, netting, and silk being stitched by skilled artisans. Every delicate stitch brought to life the sheer magic of each garment. Now that's what I call dedication!
And here's another delicious fact: these original tutus were beautifully embellished with beadwork, feathers, and lace, oh my! All perfectly designed to catch the stage lights and set the entire theatre alight. Now, that sounds like something truly spectacular!
And for a grand finale, my fellow tutu lovers, a bit about what might have been going on today in Paris. Now, who's up for a delicious dose of ballet drama?!
1861, you see, is the year Théodore de Banville was hard at work on "The Princess of Persia", an enchanting ballet set to grace the stage soon after. Now that's a play I'd love to see, and bet it was gorgeously opulent. Imagine all the twirls, all the vibrant colors, all the breathtaking artistry! 💫
And to make the experience truly decadent, think of all the stunning outfits of the audience! I'm sure you're envisioning elaborate dresses, silks, velvets and jewels. The ultimate "I'm at the theatre!" aesthetic. Now you're thinking like me! 😉
So there you have it! A little slice of tutu history to tickle your fancy. Let me know in the comments what your favourite historical tidbit about ballet and tutus is! 💖
I'm going to make sure I grab a hot chocolate on my next Parisian adventure, imagine drinking it in such elegant surroundings! #PinkTutuLife
Now, time for me to start dreaming up my next ballet escapade! You know where to find me, lovelies, right here on pink-tutu.com! 🩰 Have a brilliant week!
Lots of twirling love,
Emma xoxo
