#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1865-12-12

Welcome back, darlings, to Pink-Tutu.com! It's me, Emma, your time-travelling tutu-obsessed friend, back with another blast from the past! This week, we're skipping back to December 12th, 1865, and trust me, the tutu game is seriously different than what you might see today.

It's a crisp December morning and the scent of sugared almonds hangs in the air. Today, my journey has landed me in Vienna, Austria, the beating heart of ballet at this point in time. From the grand Opera House to the cobbled streets, there's an air of sophistication that makes my tutus practically twirl themselves. And while the chignon might be the reigning hairstyle, I have chosen to stand out (as always, of course) in a rosy pink tulle number that sends ripples of colour across the city.

Now, back in 1865, tutus were far from the wispy, airy masterpieces you'd see a ballerina pirouette in today. This period was all about grandeur, drama, and a serious dose of Romanticism.

Imagine, if you will, tutus cascading to the floor in multiple layers, heavy with embellishment. They weren't just meant to show off the dancer's grace - these were dramatic garments, costumes designed to tell a story, evoking passion, sorrow, or perhaps even a mischievous woodland fairy!

A popular dancer at this time, Fanny Elssler, had the world at her feet (well, more like on her dancing shoes!). Her choreography, darling, was all about expressive storytelling and those massive, elaborate tutus were just one of the ways she pulled us in.

Now, I love the stories, the drama, and the spectacle of the classical tutu, and I certainly appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making a really fantastic tutu. But it was in Paris in the mid-1800s that everything changed... and for the better! A new kind of tutu was born, a shorter, wispier Romantic Tutu which offered dancers far more movement. Now that's a tutu a girl can dance in, right?

So, how are the shops in Vienna? A delight for the senses, I tell you! If you're looking for some inspiration to dress your own ballerina dreams, this is the place. Silks, satins, velvets - the fabrics were the most luxurious of the day. For tutu inspiration, I'm eyeing a particular "bouffant" (you'll find many "bouffants" in Parisian fashion now, darling), a marvelously wide, extravagant hoop skirt to create a sweeping and dramatic shape for a ballerina to move through! (Oh, how I long for such fashion to return, with those stunningly sculpted hips and bustle...)

You're probably wondering, darling, why isn't everyone en pointe? After all, in the late 19th century, the pointe shoe became synonymous with ballet. It wasn't until later, however, that pointe work was perfected! This might come as a surprise, but even *famous ballets like Swan Lake, with all its romantic grace, originally wasn't performed en pointe. The pointe shoe was a bit of an accident, darlings! It emerged with an intention to help women move on stage without being too hindered by heavier costumes.

But even if we didn't have pointe work quite perfected, the romance of ballet was flourishing. Ballet companies were at the pinnacle of artistry. A trip to see Giselle, with its stunning costumes and story, or Coppélia, with its sweet, playful energy - truly an unforgettable spectacle! It's not just about the dresses, though I admit to being drawn in by those beautiful fabric patterns and dramatic volumes. There's something powerful, beautiful, and awe-inspiring about seeing the story unfold on the stage . Every single moment has a deeper meaning, a more complex expression of artistry.

So what to wear if I want to impress the locals and soak in the culture of Viennese ballet? First of all, silk and satin! Nothing shouts luxury and elegance more than these fine materials. It would look wonderful in an embellished skirt with a beautiful bodice, and a hat, dear reader, to complement! For those who appreciate a little drama, don't be afraid to add a velvet cape, flowing dramatically, a true Parisian "must have." But darling, let's not forget those stunningly long tulle tutus I was talking about... simply gorgeous!

Oh, and speaking of gorgeous... we've arrived at the most amazing cafe. The air is filled with the scents of freshly baked pastries and Viennese coffee, while waltzing tunes play softly in the background. And there are so many gorgeous hats - ladies in stylish felt creations with velvet ribbons! Simply stunning. But you know me, darling... all of these lovely accents still can't overshadow the fact that the only thing more fabulous than a hat is a tutu... perhaps topped with some gorgeous feathers!

Well, my dear readers, it's time for me to catch the train back to the present! Travelling by train, by the way, is always an absolute dream, and in the 19th century, it's the perfect way to witness a cross-section of fashion from across Europe. You'll find stunning outfits, of course, on these travels, but let's be honest... I'll always be searching for that special ballerina, the one with the magnificent tutu!

If you haven't already, you must make it your mission to see the classic ballets like Giselle and Coppélia. Their gorgeous story and design are an unforgettable experience - that's one must-do for any serious tutu enthusiast.

I'll be back next Tuesday for another fabulous blast from the tutu past! Until then, keep dancing!

Emma xoxo

P.S. Remember to post your favorite tutu pics to my Pink-Tutu Facebook page! We can all inspire one another with our tulle masterpieces! #TutuTuesday #ballet #fashion