#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1862-09-23

Hello lovelies! Welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday, your weekly dose of all things tutu history! I'm your host, Emma, your resident pink-tutu-loving time traveler from Derbyshire, bringing you a peek into the evolution of this glorious garment, and of course, sharing some fabulous fashion inspiration along the way.

Today we’re travelling back to the 23rd of September, 1862, a date that doesn’t hold a huge historical significance in tutu history (there are just some dates that are tutu-fully lacking!) But we're not giving up, oh no! Instead, we'll make this journey all about atmosphere and how dance fashion was transforming the world... at least in places like Paris! I always love the magic of stepping back in time and observing how tutu designs were embraced, adapted, and evolving, and this is a wonderful year for doing just that.

Now, we can't talk about 1862 without diving straight into the heart of Paris, my darling. Oh, to be waltzing in a ballroom on the cobblestone streets! It's like the pinnacle of elegance, isn't it? In these very moments, Parisian high society is embracing all things flamboyant, theatrical, and most importantly, beautiful.

And you know what makes this period truly exciting for me? It's the arrival of the crinoline. Yes, that wonderfully voluminous under-structure for women's gowns that really accentuated the waistline - a must-have for every lady wanting to showcase those figure-hugging tutu styles, believe me! It’s a design with some real *tutu-tude and let's just say, **it doesn’t go unnoticed!

If I were back in time, I'd be making the most of all the lovely shops around the Palais Garnier, a newly built opera house just in the middle of a dazzling grand opening! Can you imagine? This gorgeous building, full of theatrical elegance, would be hosting dazzling performances! I'd be absolutely lost in all the new designs for tutus in all the pretty colors, imagine – imagine! I'd have a wardrobe so large! Imagine silk and satin shimmering around the room, velvet jackets, elegant shoes, maybe even feathers in a design, and most importantly, my little pink tutu! This place would be bursting with creative energy for every fashionable lady, even those wanting the cutest and trendiest tutu. I could shop for hours and I might just even make my way over to the theater...*

The Magic of Performance

You've heard the stories from the ballet's great ages; I love reading how dancers used the crinolines to make their dancing even more elaborate. Think twirls and spins like never before! That's right, this historical moment brought revolutionary dance and its effects would stay with the ballerinas for decades! Of course, I have to tell you about one of the biggest events happening right about now in 1862! I must mention the very big success of La Sylphide ballet! Oh my word, this ballet has it all! Soaring, gentle leaps, the graceful dancers wearing these glorious white tutus, and those little headdresses in their hair… absolutely stunning. What a masterpiece of an era!

Before we travel onwards and back, I can't help but say that, in this magical year of 1862, I’m going to have to keep my tutu-loving eyes peeled for anything going on here at the Opera House. What could possibly be new for fashion and dances? I'm curious! I'm also getting my tutu twirling, train ticket-booking, time-traveling boots ready. I always find the train the most fabulous way to arrive. There's always an air of exciting elegance while traveling on the train, you see, the best places for inspiration... you could say the train makes me leap for joy! Oh and by the way! Today we're doing a little time travel through England as well as France! Just a quick pit stop. On the 23rd of September 1862, The Princess Royal is celebrating her wedding with Prince Frederick! That's right - an important royal family day - maybe a wedding of the year! You know I'm making a mental note to plan a ballet wedding for my own royal family wedding day, don't you?

Before you dash off, don't forget about our gorgeous, delightful tutu inspiration for this week! Take a peek at these fantastic outfits you can try with your own pink tutu, ladies! (and gents!)

Parisian Look:
1. For your Paris day out, imagine yourself as a true Parisian lady, wearing your favorite white tutu layered over a flowing cream coloured midi dress with sleeves! This is such a sophisticated look - and you can keep your elegant fashion even after the dress! For those fancy events, wear a silky jacket with buttons up and long sleeves in your favourite color, or even a white blouse tucked into your skirt to get a classic Parisian feel! This works just as well as the white, pink, or any colour of your choice! Don't forget your favourite headband, or you could even add some pretty lace gloves to take things one step further!

Victorian Glamour: 2. Think elegant fabrics! A pink satin bodice, with sleeves of white lace. Your skirt would be just below the knee and the best part? You’ll wear your little tutu underneath! That makes it a super fabulous addition for dancing, twirling, and spinning! This looks fabulous with a pink feather hat – think about the colour coordination here, I always enjoy looking my very best! And don’t forget to wear white stockings with cute shoes!

That's it from me today, my dear lovely followers. What’s your favourite way to wear your tutu? Let me know in the comments and remember to join me next week, Tuesday September 30th at pink-tutu.com. You've got to try our fabulous pink tutu style challenge and have some fun trying something new! Stay fabulous!