Hello my darlings, welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink and twirly! I'm your fabulous host, Emma, ready to whisk you through another week in the fascinating history of the ballet tutu. Today we're zipping back to 22nd March, 1870, and let me tell you, the fashion scene is bursting with excitement!
This week's journey has brought me to Paris, the beating heart of all things chic. Even if you’re not a dance enthusiast, you’ll recognise this date: the city is a hive of activity, prepping for a dazzling event – the Paris Opera’s brand new production of "La Source"! Can you believe? This ballet is set in the romantic, sun-drenched scenery of Greece. Oh, the costume possibilities!
You know me – I just can’t resist a trip to the fabric shops! Lace, tulle, and swathes of the most glorious silks… oh, it’s enough to make a girl go weak at the knees! While the fashion is absolutely to-die-for, my darling, it’s also a chance to explore the exciting evolution of the ballet tutu.
You see, during the 1870s, ballet costumes were entering a glorious, fluid period, inspired by Roman history and mythology. Think flowing, sheer, dramatic tunics. Imagine, dear readers, tutus that floated like clouds of tulle – absolutely mesmerizing! The length of these beauties varied from just below the knees to, get this, floor-length. And for a truly Grecian look, they incorporated flowing fabric drapes in pastel shades. The effect, my lovelies, is positively breathtaking.
But let's not forget the vital importance of shape! For this period, designers favored corsets, creating those iconic hour-glass figures. The waist, of course, remained the centre of attention, cinched in for an elegant silhouette, before flaring out into a cascade of graceful movement. These dramatic and feminine lines truly highlighted the athleticism of the ballerinas, showcasing the power and grace of the form.
The star of the show for the era? The "tutu à la grecque!" Oh my, this is an absolute showstopper! Imagine a shorter version of the "Romantic" tutu, with the famous bell-shaped skirt flowing and twirling as they gracefully danced. A symphony of delicately woven fabric, it creates an aura of enchanting lightness and movement, an absolute must-have for any self-respecting ballerina in 1870s Paris.
Let me tell you, after witnessing this dance spectacular, my pink tutu is already in a whirlwind of ideas for my next dress designs! I just have to find some tulle that catches the light like the fountains at Versailles – it would be an absolute sensation!
My darling readers, remember, this period is just the tip of the tutu iceberg! I’m still uncovering amazing bits of fashion history in my adventures through time – and you can too, by joining me here each week. I love sharing the excitement of this journey with all of you!
Now, I’m off to catch a show on my way to London – you can’t be a true fashionista without a quick jaunt through London, am I right? But fear not, my sweet readers, you can catch me back here next week on #TutuTuesday! Until then, keep those pink tutus twirling and I'll see you all next time!
