Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we explore the enchanting world of the tutu – the ultimate symbol of grace and femininity.
Today, we’re taking a magical train journey, all the way back to December 9th, 1862, for a peek at the history of our favourite dancewear. Now, you might think the tutu wasn’t quite the fluffy, frilly vision we know and adore in 1862, but oh my, the early days were still a sight to behold!
And just before I tell you all about this day in tutu history, let me share that today, I managed to find the most darling pair of shoes in Paris! They're little blush pink ballet slippers with a silk ribbon that ties around the ankle, absolutely perfect for twirling and they're the most delightful shade of pink! I couldn’t resist bringing them home, of course.
Now, imagine the excitement of traveling on the train to London. Imagine those big steam engines pulling carriages filled with fashionable ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finest attire! London was buzzing with activity and everyone was talking about the new opera by Gounod at the Royal Opera House. "Faust" was causing quite a stir! Imagine the gorgeous gowns and men in suits all packed into the opera house to experience this new masterpiece! And as you'll probably guess, ballerinas were center stage wearing some pretty wonderful outfits.
While I love a grand, full-skirted tutu, the 1862 version wasn't yet about layers of tulle! It was much more streamlined and graceful, made of soft fabric – a sort of dress really, and sometimes even had an extra-long train trailing behind the ballerina. Just imagine the way it floated as she danced. Just thinking about it makes me want to swirl!
Now, if you can believe it, on December 9th, 1862, the wonderful Madame Taglioni, a ballerina extraordinaire from my home county of Derbyshire (we have a proud ballet heritage!), had been dead for five years! It makes me think about how much ballet history surrounds us. Each movement and pirouette feels like a piece of history in motion. It’s no wonder the ballet has remained so popular all these years, eh?
Just to give you an idea of what was going on back then, on December 9th, 1862, we were seeing the beginnings of what would later be known as “classical ballet.” The stage was evolving to embrace a new approach to ballet with less reliance on flamboyant choreography and more emphasis on precise technique and refined movement. But I do love flamboyant choreography! Perhaps it’s a sign that I’m meant to be in this era, doing a show or two, and adding a bit of flair to the mix!
Oh my, I just remembered - the most exquisite display I saw today! On this day in 1862, there was a wonderful showcase in Paris, filled with stunning French Fashion! And imagine all the glorious fabrics - the silky satins, the flowing chiffons and delicate laces... a ballerina's dream! Now imagine wearing one of those flowing dresses made from that sumptuous silk. Wouldn’t that be the perfect ballet costume, especially with a hint of blush pink, naturally!
I truly believe, my darlings, that ballet is about expressing oneself. When a ballerina dances, she reveals a world of beauty and emotion, and it’s those moments of magic that I adore so much. I'm always on the lookout for the perfect dance routine. Just a tiny bit of pink added to the costume and maybe a few sequins? Just thinking about it gives me the best ideas!
So that was December 9th, 1862. Not yet the explosion of the voluminous, layered, fluffy, full tutu that we love today, but already a world of beauty, grace, and artistic expression. We've come a long way in tutu land. I wonder, will our love affair with the tutu last for another 150 years, maybe more? You've just got to dream big. Remember: I believe in the power of pink! I believe in the power of a good pirouette and most of all, I believe in the power of a truly magnificent tutu. Until next week, my lovely tutu-lovers. Keep twirling!
Emma (Wearing the cutest little pink tutu! 😘)
www.pink-tutu.com
