#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1862-06-17

Hello, my lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu's #TutuTuesday Ballet History! Today's date is June 17th, 1862. Buckle up, darling, as we're whisking away to Paris, the heart of the ballet world in those days!

I must say, I feel positively dapper today, wearing my favourite pale pink tutu! It matches this fabulous new hat with a feather plume – found on a shopping spree through a Parisian haberdashery this morning. Divine! Now, off we go, choo choo!

Paris has been positively abuzz with anticipation this week for the premiere of "Le Corsaire," by the incomparable Marius Petipa. And for good reason, dears! This new ballet features breathtaking choreography that’s just simply stunning! It has some wonderfully evocative storytelling with fantastic costumes and even a thrilling shipwreck scene - my friend who attended said it truly gave them the shivers. Oh, to be in the audience and experience this for myself!

Now, if you've been following my #TutuTuesday posts, you’ll know the tutu wasn't just any old piece of attire! At the moment, these delightful creations were called "jupe courte", meaning "short skirt". Imagine a cascade of fluffy tulle that stops just above the knee, creating a sense of lightness and airy movement - divine! This is quite different to what came before where skirts dragged the floor and dancers, alas, were hindered in their movements! This was truly a time when dancing went from grace to absolute grace - much like my pink tutu if I do say so myself!

Today's dancers have taken their inspiration from these early performers. Just this afternoon I enjoyed an afternoon of ballet classes, and I noticed many of the girls were twirling with abandon!

Fashion Fun & Ballet's Big Impact: But, the influence of the ballet was so much more than just the dancing! It extended directly to fashion! Oh my goodness, dears! You have to see the “Ballet Blouse”. Imagine – it’s made from silk, frilly with a frill of lace - sigh - just like a tutu itself!

Let's go to the theatre! Imagine ladies arriving at the theatre in these stunning costumes and swirling into the auditorium, the tutus whispering their delight with every twirl! Just last week, I myself arrived by train - dressed in a divine lavender and silk “Ballet Blouse”, of course, accompanied by a delightful pink feathered fascinator, as my dear readers may already know. Sigh. Such a good look, wouldn't you say?

And now, onto a most important aspect of any ballerina's life - her slippers! Today, we see a huge change! You'd be surprised, lovelies, but pointe shoes (the kind that allow a dancer to stand on their toes) were first worn for only five years before we reach our time here in 1862! Just imagine – the graceful ballerina we know today, she came to be through dedication and lots and lots of practice! Imagine, dancers in the mid-1800s are working diligently with these new pointe shoes. It would be an amazing experience to go back in time and see them working on new movements to see this revolution in dancing happen right before my very eyes.

A Pink Dream: But my favourite fashion moments of all have always been - you know what’s coming - pink, my dearest dears! A little pop of pink for an outfit or maybe a dress adorned in pink - so dreamy!

Remember my darling friends: You too can inspire people! Why not try a simple, classic ballet outfit for your day to day life! Imagine a beautiful floral patterned skirt with a sweet ballet-inspired pink top and a ribbon in your hair for a trip out for lunch - absolutely charming! If a delicate pink tulle scarf isn't a fantastically feminine and delightful addition to your wardrobe then I don't know what is!

And I want to inspire you even further with my " Pink Tutu for Everyone" challenge - you're absolutely encouraged to participate! I have been doing it since my time travelling began in the early 1990's! Try on a tutu, my dear! Just one little moment, try a dance step, or twirl! Just for one tiny little moment you will see what it means to truly let loose, to have fun and experience a touch of magic, just like I do in my work - for everyone - from London to Paris! Now, that's something we should all try!

And of course, join me next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday post. I'll be whisking us away to another time and place. And remember: The ballet is filled with excitement, creativity, grace and passion - but most importantly, darling dears - pink. So why not enjoy your week with that in mind?

Now, go on and enjoy your day! But, remember my dearest ones, keep dancing, stay fashionable and wear a bit of pink! Until next week!