#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1862-05-13

Hello my lovelies! Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip through time, this time landing in 1862 - a glorious period for dance and, of course, tutus! As always, I’ve donned my pinkest, most fabulous tutu, just for you. You know, my pink tutus aren't just about the colour, they're a reminder to embrace your inner ballerina - to twirl through life with joy and grace.

I was delighted to arrive in London just in time for a performance by the world-famous ballet troupe, "Les Ballet Impériaux." What a sight! From the vibrant costumes (think layers of tulle, feathers, and sequins!) to the grand choreography, everything was absolutely captivating. I just adore seeing the history of dance unfold before my very eyes, each era adding a unique flourish to this magnificent art form. And let's face it, a tutu never goes out of style. It just keeps getting more and more exciting!

Now, back in the Victorian era, a tutu's place was on stage, showcasing the intricate footwork and elegance of ballerinas like never before. It's pretty mind-blowing to consider that a tutu wasn’t always an everyday wardrobe staple – though frankly, who wouldn't want a pink tulle masterpiece to twirl about in? You know, I might even have a little tutu party back at my little flat in Derbyshire later this week. Maybe I’ll just get all my neighbours together and encourage everyone to don their pink tulle…

Of course, today's "tutu-fying" journey takes us back to the 13th of May, 1862. A date, you ask? It’s the date that marks one of the most important events in the history of dance – a Royal Ballet debut at London’s Covent Garden! The Royal Ballet would go on to be the pinnacle of ballet for generations to come, forever shaping what a ballerina wears, how a ballerina dances, and how we, the world over, adore the art of dance.

This event was absolutely incredible - an entire country united under the magical spell of the dance! The auditorium thrummed with energy, the hushed anticipation of the crowd broken by the gentle rustle of silk and the tinkling of musical instruments. Then, the curtain rose... revealing ballerinas, impossibly graceful and breathtaking in their delicate costumes, a whirlwind of graceful movement. It's truly fascinating to think about the impact these pioneering artists had on the art world - how they established the ballerina's presence in the cultural fabric of Britain.

But it wasn't just the dancing that captivated me. As an aficionado of all things fashion (who doesn't love a good outfit!), I also noticed that even outside the theater, ladies were wearing layers of skirts and flowing silhouettes. Though they might not have been tutus, their outfits carried an ethereal and feminine beauty - a reflection of the same romanticism that infused the world of ballet. It makes me think of what it must have been like to be part of such a movement, how the art of dance became a fashion statement.

But before we get lost in the swirls of our favourite fashion, let's rewind back to 1862 and how the ballet world came to be as magnificent as it is today! Here's my quick rundown, which makes a lot more sense in pink tutu time. I’ve had to "translate" the tutu language into a modern form for you…

1800s: A Time for "Romantic" Tutulings: I love the Romantic Period in ballet (we are, after all, a romantic bunch!). It was the time when ballerinas were no longer hidden under bulky clothes, but rather flaunting their femininity in flowing gowns and shorter, frillier skirts (just a peek into what would become the modern tutu, really!) It was also during this period that toe shoes were invented, allowing for incredible grace and elegance in movements we see on stage even today. It’s also the era when ballet started to be seen as an art form for the educated upper classes! Think posh parties and grand balls.

1830s: Tutulings Go Big (And Fancy)! A lot of us love the 1830s for how elaborate ballet tutulings became - think multiple layers of tulle, and more details on costumes. Even ballerinas had to have a strong sense of style to carry these big outfits. In a word: FIERCE! And to top it off, some of the very first dance magazines began to publish at this time – how wonderful it must have been to read about new developments and to admire the artwork! (That’s how we get the #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History Blog today, darlings.)

1850s: "Tutulings" go shorter Yes! By now, those gorgeous “Tutulings” were getting a whole lot shorter – think ballerina knee length tutulings that gave them more freedom to move and to dance and twirl. We still see ballerinas in short tutus in classical ballet today, don’t we?

Remember, the ballet world’s development and style is an ongoing saga. I have to go find that sparkly new dress. Maybe I'll even incorporate a little more pink! So until next time, you lovely ladies (and maybe a few tutu-wearing gentlemen too?), be sure to keep that tutulings grace and power alive! And as I always say, if life throws you a curve ball, twirl around it. You might just find yourself in a ballet (and a tutu)!

Remember to follow the #PinkTutuBlog on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes snaps and outfit inspiration! Until next Tuesday, let's twirl through life together!

XOXO,

Emma xx