Hello lovelies! Welcome back to another glorious Tuesday and another journey through the enchanting history of the tutu. Today, we're hopping on the Orient Express (it’s so romantic!) and travelling back to 1st December, 1868! Buckle your ballet slippers and get ready to twirl with me as we discover the exciting world of ballet fashion in this magnificent year.
Remember, my darlings, this blog is all about celebrating the magic of tutus, the power of a pink one in particular (I just can't help myself!), and the fabulous history behind these dancing delights! 💖
Ah, Paris! City of love, fashion, and, of course, ballet. As I stepped off the train in this stunning city, I was practically whisked away by the charming atmosphere. Everyone looked so chic, from the fashionable Parisians striding down the boulevards to the elegant dancers in their chic, perfectly-fitted costumes. The air hummed with excitement – tonight was a night for the ballet!
Now, I’m not talking just any ballet, mind you. This was a performance of "Giselle" at the Paris Opera. Can you imagine the thrill of seeing that legendary performance? The sheer power of the music, the dramatic story, the graceful, powerful movements of the dancers… the exquisite costumes were simply mesmerising.
Speaking of costumes, 1868 was a fantastic time to be a ballerina. They wore costumes, I'm so thrilled to say, that looked almost exactly like modern tutus!
You know, you have to remember that even then, tutus have been undergoing quite the journey! From their roots in 1839 when the dancer Marie Taglioni took to the stage in an amazing white tulle gown, to these incredibly elegant creations we're seeing in 1868, tutus have always been evolving, adapting, and getting more stunning.
The tutus in this era were simply breathtaking. Longer than the modern tutus we're used to, sweeping all the way down to their feet in a flowing cascade of soft tulle. **Think flowing, beautiful fabric that seems to melt into the air around them. They still, thankfully, embraced a wonderfully short, puffed bodice, that emphasized their lovely femininity. These delicate beauties are certainly something to behold!
Did I tell you that 1st December 1868 was particularly special for ballerinas? Why? Well, my darling readers, it was the day the legendary ballerina Fanny Cerrito premiered a new ballet called "La Esmeralda"! Imagine! This is the first performance of a ballet that would go on to become one of the classics. Just incredible! It must have been magical, I just know it!
What was really interesting is the focus of Fanny’s costume was less on revealing legs as it was on the elegance of her body. Now that’s my style! Imagine delicate lace trimmings, graceful floral designs and elegant silhouettes, all culminating in the perfect showcase for a ballet star’s every move. I have a strong hunch that a touch of pink would’ve made her outfit truly breathtaking – perhaps I should have whipped out my little pink pocket mirror and given her a little fashion advice! 😂
That reminds me, I just adore how 19th century ballet dancers dressed. I don't mean just their costumes (although those were exquisite!), but also what they wore when they weren't on stage. You have to love how they carried themselves – a dash of Parisian chic mixed with the grace of ballet movements and just a hint of romantic flair. So romantic, isn't it? They dressed for adventure, and this is truly something I connect with.
This leads me to what I’ll be wearing when I head off to my next ballet show - I’ll be bringing some real flair and fashion with this super elegant dress in pink silk satin with intricate embroidered detail. Of course, my darling readers, I wouldn’t leave without a pink tulle petticoat, flowing gracefully with each elegant movement as I watch the show. Why don’t you dress up, too? I adore seeing ladies embrace the romantic allure of tulle, and, dare I say it? a dash of pink… 😉
Don’t forget, you can share your favourite looks from the blog in the comments and use the hashtags #PinkTutu and #TutuTuesday! And of course, remember to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more of my ballet and fashion adventures.
Happy twirling, dear lovelies! I'll see you next week with more adventures from the ballet's extraordinary past. 💕
