#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1868-01-07

Hello my dearest tutu-loving lovelies! It's your favourite pink-obsessed, train-riding, tutu-twirling time traveller, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday delve into the dazzling history of the tutu! This week we're boarding the express train and zipping back to 7th January, 1868 – quite the trip, even for me!

Buckle up, my darlings, because today we're talking about the beginnings of the tutu we know and love, a period of rapid change in fashion and the dance world, all swirling around the beautiful art of ballet.

Now, let's take a moment to consider the sheer joy of 1868. The Victorian Era, ladies and gents, in all its glory! And trust me, ballet in those days was just as gloriously glamorous as the dresses.

Think swirling tulle, delicate fabrics, and impossibly light steps. The 'Romantic Ballet' had just begun to sweep across Europe like a whirlwind of tulle. It's in this era that the iconic Romantic tutu was really born - a far cry from the stiff, floor-length gowns that ballerinas wore previously! It was the era of delicate ballerinas dancing on pointe, soaring across the stage with newfound lightness and freedom.

Now, the Romantic tutu, my dears, is like a breath of fresh air. Think flowing layers of soft tulle, typically reaching to the knees, designed to reveal the ballerina's graceful legs in a way never seen before. The perfect picture of elegance and delicate grace!

As we move deeper into the 19th century, the tutu evolved even further, getting shorter, lighter, and more layered. It wasn't just about aesthetics, my darlings, it was about liberation for the ballerina! This new shorter length, coupled with pointe work, allowed dancers to move with a new fluidity and expression, embracing a style that embraced the lightness and beauty of the human form.

And let's not forget, these ladies were trendsetters. Their ethereal tulle tutus became an inspiration, influencing fashion everywhere, trickling down to influence dress styles from the upper classes to the humble tea party dresses of your average lady.

Imagine yourselves in a grand opera house in Paris or Vienna, the lights dim, the air alive with anticipation. The curtain rises to reveal a majestic stage, with our talented ballerinas grace the stage in their beautiful Romantic tutus, and the magic truly begins!

This year, 1868, saw the premieres of several significant ballets, with stunning costumes designed by masters of the time. We've got "Coppélia," "The Sleeping Beauty," and the unforgettable "Giselle" which brought the world's attention to the enchanting power of ballet. Imagine the impact of a vibrant tutu like a pink swirl against the opulent backgrounds, wouldn't it be breathtaking? It was an era that truly defined ballet as the art form we adore today!

Now, if I could sneak a peek into the future (I might just be tempted!), I think we can expect some phenomenal tutus to emerge in the decades ahead. Think shorter, lighter, more elaborate designs - the sky’s the limit, my lovelies! It’s going to be a thrilling, swirling adventure in tutu history.

And on a personal note, it truly is my aim to get everyone wearing a pink tutu - one day! Maybe we can make it happen, my darlings! So, while we wait for those futuristic tutu creations, let’s channel our inner ballerina, grab a pink tutu and whirl around!

Remember, the tutu isn't just an item of clothing; it’s a symbol of artistry, expression, and pure, joyous beauty.

Until next time, twirl on!

With love and lots of tutu,

Emma x

P.S. Be sure to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for the latest on everything tutu and fashion! We've got exciting tutorials on how to create your own tutu, plus insider insights on the best ballet events in Derbyshire. Let’s create our own little tutu revolution together!

P.P.S. Follow my blog for all the latest updates on my time travels and tutu history discoveries! #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #PinkTutuAdventures