#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1866-12-25

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and today's #TutuTuesday is taking us back in time to a date that's certainly dear to my heart – Christmas Day! This week we're venturing to the 25th December 1866. Grab your favourite tipple and settle in for a historical ballet adventure, all whilst sporting, of course, a gorgeous pink tutu. I mean, what else would you wear on a Tuesday dedicated to the history of the ultimate dance wear, eh?

This festive date was a special one, and it just so happens to have a little bit of history we can tie to our dear tutu! Today, let's talk Paris - the epitome of style and fashion, don't you think? While the Christmas Day air would have been crisp with a winter's chill, inside the warm, brightly lit Opera Garnier would have been an absolute whirlwind of excitement and spectacle! And, just like at the Royal Opera House in London, the iconic "tutued" ballerinas would have taken to the stage with their intricate steps, and graceful elegance.

For this era, it's fascinating to think about the cultural connection between ballet, fashion and Christmas. The opulent dresses of the time – imagine those gorgeous ball gowns, shimmering satin, flowing velvet, with delicate lace detailing and breathtakingly elegant silhouettes - were akin to the extravagant designs of tutus, a symbol of beauty and grace on stage.

Speaking of tutus, think about it - a tutu is basically an explosion of pure pink delight! Okay, okay, not always pink (though in my world, it totally is). But just picture that image – a flurry of delicate layers, with feathers and embellishments, in those gorgeous pastels like the softest shades of peach, lavender and, of course, pink! These outfits would be perfect for the opulent stage performances at the opera.

But back to the timeline - a performance would have been the most splendid treat for everyone enjoying the festive season. This wouldn't have just been your run-of-the-mill ballet, no, no, no! These were major events, like those legendary productions of "Giselle," or the enchanting story of "Sleeping Beauty." Imagine the intricate story, the beautiful music, and then the visual feast of tutus, that glorious vision of graceful elegance… how incredible!

And the most incredible thing, darling? As you are enjoying this beautiful performance in Paris, 1866, your imagination is brought to life by an incredibly unique spectacle, and there’s nobody dressed like you - no-one in a beautiful, swirling, vibrant, joyful, magical pink tutu like mine! That’s because… drumroll, darling…

Let’s time travel together for a little history! Did you know, in 1866, the tutu wasn’t just a garment for ballet dancers. Yes, the world had already caught on to this delightful garment's beauty and grace, so we are seeing the tutu pop up as a statement piece in fashion at this time. And the amazing thing is – people have loved pink tutus from the very start! Think about it - it's the most darling color. If the fashion trend of the era leaned towards the feminine and the elegant, a pink tutu truly was the ultimate choice.

Now imagine: strolling down the streets of London, you would have seen women dressed to impress, and, here’s the big reveal, wearing variations of a tutu in their daywear. They might have worn them as a petticoat underneath a gorgeous ball gown for extra volume and movement. Imagine a little pouf of pink peeking out under layers of rich velvet, such delightful glimpses of an era where extravagance was appreciated.

But of course, with tutus - there’s more to this story. What’s fascinating is that some women even wore short variations as skirts - a testament to the way that tutu captured hearts and took hold of the imagination. They had this delightful impact. Who wouldn't want to twirl in something that could add a touch of magic to every step?

Now, darling, it’s 2023, and it's all about embracing this gorgeous look. So if you're going for that whimsical and elegant look for your own special occasion, or for just a bit of fun in your daily life - why not embrace the history of the tutu? This is a garment with history and panache that we all should feel comfortable with wearing. Just take my lead, channel that elegant grace from 1866 and embrace that gorgeous twirl-worthy piece - embrace the pink tutu. I promise it’ll turn heads!

And let’s talk about this incredible travel opportunity to 1866, yes darling! Every week, I set off to experience more ballet history. How, do you ask? Well, I finance my travel via ballet performances - how else would I stay ahead of this glamorous tutu obsession, right?!

But let's not forget about the journey! Because let's face it - travelling by train is an essential part of the glamorous and luxurious ballet lifestyle, darling! Just like those magnificent carriages, a good old fashioned train is how I reach my next glamorous ballet location, all whilst in a wonderful, elegant, pink tutu! It’s just so magical! The journey adds to the adventure, especially in those beautiful Victorian compartments with plush red leather and all that rich wooden trim. You can feel a sense of excitement for the wonder to be unveiled.

You wouldn’t catch me in anything less than a perfectly fabulous pink tutu for such a journey, darling! Just a splash of glamour for the train journey as I make my way to my next incredible show!

I can’t help but think about how I’d be staring at other passengers as they look at my stunning pink tutu! Just imagine that moment when I waltz onto that Victorian railway carriage, feeling every inch a stylish Victorian ballerina, my tutu swirling. It’s almost like that glorious vision on stage at the Opera Garnier in Paris – how utterly magical!

But darling, speaking of magic - it’s time to twirl off for another week and gather more tutu history! As I finish up my trip to the Christmas of 1866, just remember that embracing your inner ballerina isn’t about a tutu as much as it’s about bringing grace and elegance into every step you take!

That's all for now, darling! Stay tuned next Tuesday for a brand new adventure with #TutuTuesday! Be sure to stay in touch at Pink-Tutu.com for more posts, and share your stories with me! What’s your favourite time to have experienced ballet?

See you soon, darling! Don’t forget to twirl!

xx Emma