#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1863-04-14

Bonjour mes chères amies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling historian, back again with another delve into the delightful history of our beloved tutu! Today we're taking a little trip back to 14th April 1863. Put on your best pink frock, grab a cup of Earl Grey, and let's step into a world where the tutu was just beginning its glamorous journey to ballet stardom!

As a girl who absolutely loves travelling by train, just imagine how excited I was to arrive in Paris in the 1860s. It was the most incredible adventure - Paris was buzzing with creativity and style. The city was a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours and fashion. The first thing I did upon arriving was a shopping spree, naturally, and what better way to start a new adventure than by getting a stunning pink tutu from one of the many beautiful dress shops I discovered in the city's fashionable district.

Now, back to our #TutuTuesday history lesson! 1863 was a pivotal year for the ballet world and the iconic tutu, even if it might not have felt that way back then! Marie Taglioni, the famous ballerina who helped put the tutu on the map in the 1830s, was already past her dancing prime. The ballet world was still recovering from the “romantic ballet” craze that had put Taglioni on the map. Imagine, tutus were once considered revolutionary! It was all so very daring – so beautiful! – with their short skirts that were a daring challenge to the old fashioned ball gowns of the day.

In 1863, things were slowly changing. New styles were starting to appear, inspired by classical ballet techniques. They were longer than the classic Romantic tutu and less “flowing”. It seems like they weren’t afraid to break out of the traditional shape! Some would say it was a little more “severe” – some even referred to these longer tutus as “Classical tutus" and compared them to classical sculptures, how fascinating! It makes me wonder how those revolutionary dancers must have felt knowing their choice in tutu would influence ballet history forever!

Did you know, ladies, that the ballet I went to see on the 14th April was called “Le Roi s’amuse”? It’s a historical story with some seriously beautiful dancing and costume details, it must have been quite an occasion! It felt a bit more "serious" and even dramatic than those "romantic" ballet shows from a couple of decades earlier that would make a Victorian girl swoon with their elegant, floating shapes! In 1863, the new ballet dancers started doing what is called “terre-à-terre” work, with plenty of elaborate jumps and grand gestures – you could see it had all been planned down to the finest detail, very “artistic”, as we’d say today!

But of course, no trip to Paris is complete without an exploration of fashion. It was, you see, all about the "look”. Imagine! This was a period where crinolines and corseted silhouettes were all the rage, so you can imagine how the dramatic flow of the long “Classical Tutu" really did accentuate the femininity of a ballerina. So, the tutu remained, and although they became more practical and streamlined over time, there is something incredibly effortless and truly magical about this style. And, let’s be honest, we can all agree that, no matter the era, there is always, ALWAYS something delightful about a pink tutu, wouldn't you agree?

Now, of course, it wasn't just ballet that was changing – fashion itself was in constant movement! Just look at all the gorgeous fashions that filled those department stores! I confess, ladies, I do love a spot of shopping (particularly if I get a good discount!), and my trip to the famous Parisian department store Bon Marché left me speechless. The dresses! The gloves! The shoes! Everything sparkled and shimmered! The dresses in particular really reminded me of a ballerina, with their elaborate bows, and puffy sleeves. How truly inspiring, wasn't it!

Back in Derbyshire, however, life was less dramatic, yet full of beauty all the same! Just picture yourself: you're strolling along the beautiful Peak District, the air crisp and clear, a lovely sun peeking through the clouds, maybe a little puff of pink cloud on your pretty pastel hat, a charming, floral-trimmed dress. Perhaps you see a ballet performance or a dramatic opera in Derby itself, the air alive with emotion and drama!

And on that note, mes chères amies, I'm going to wrap things up for today! Remember: a ballet tutu can be a symbol of style, confidence and passion. Even more, a pink one shows how much you adore the most stylish ballet movement of all - “en pointe!” Don't forget to keep checking back here at www.pink-tutu.com every #TutuTuesday to learn more about our history, how amazing! You can share your own experiences and discoveries – I would love to see all those fabulous photos of you in your beautiful tutus.

Until next week, wear your tutus with confidence, dear ones. And keep the spirit of dance and joy alive!

Love,

Emma, Your Pink Tutu Guru!