Hello darlings! Emma here, your tutu-loving time-travelling correspondent, bringing you another peek into the fabulous world of ballet history. It’s Tuesday, which means it's #TutuTuesday, so let's get twirling!
This week I’m hopping aboard my trusty train carriage (always in a pretty pink, of course!) and hurtling back to 7th June 1870. My, how exciting! This era marks a fascinating moment for our beloved ballet tutus, my loves.
You see, in 1870, the ballet world was abuzz with new ideas! Remember how we talked about how tutus used to be long, full skirts, sort of like the grand ball gowns we all dream of wearing? Well, around this time, designers started to get playful! Imagine, a flurry of new shapes and designs swirling around, and it was the beginning of the era of the short, full tutu we adore today! Think those bouncy, beautiful, wispy, tiered layers, perfect for pirouettes and grand jetés, all crafted in beautiful soft fabrics, just begging for you to twirl in them! It was quite the change from the longer, more restrained skirts. It’s a true testament to the power of imagination and the need to push boundaries to create beauty, my darlings!
And just as today, ballet dancers are pushing boundaries and pushing the expectations of how a tutu is designed. Back then, as we venture further into the 1870s, new technologies made silk and gauze even more beautiful to wear! Imagine – delicate, airy fabric that flows and floats in the most magnificent way as the dancers leap across the stage. And don't forget the colour! From the crispness of white to the most dazzling shades of pastels, these early tutus were a true delight! A touch of pink here, a dash of blue there - the palette for the ballerina's performance became richer and more elaborate. It truly brought a touch of magic to the stage!
I'm going to share with you a little something extra special for this post! As a time-travelling tutu connoisseur, I have a personal motto: ”if you can't dance, twirl, if you can't twirl, sparkle!" This means the most glamorous detail of all... the embellishments! From shimmering sequins and feathers to intricate beadwork, designers began using all sorts of glamorous things to make tutus sparkle even brighter. It's no wonder these little fashion masterpieces quickly became symbols of elegance and beauty, stealing the spotlight in the most captivating ways.
And, to celebrate the 7th of June 1870, we can’t ignore the iconic tutu of a certain Parisian opera production! This, my darlings, was the creation of none other than the brilliant, innovative dancer, Louise Chalon. A super star in the world of ballet back then! This enchanting lady was known for her absolutely gorgeous performances in “The White Slave" where she wore a dramatic all-white tutu! This was a tutu that redefined ballet style! Talk about a statement piece, eh? Think about it – a simple yet daring silhouette against a backdrop of the most ethereal stage lights, the perfect balance of power and beauty, ready to take center stage.
I just know the spectacle of a stunning ballerina like Louise Chalon would have captured everyone’s attention! This, my loves, is what the world of ballet needed - a revolution! Louise wasn’t just a dancer. She was a trailblazer, breaking through barriers to reimagine the essence of the tutu.
This is why the 7th June, 1870 marks such an exciting point in ballet history for all of us tutu enthusiasts! As you know, my goal is to have everyone wearing a pink tutu. But let’s get one thing clear: wearing a tutu isn’t just about the look, it’s about expressing yourself. It's about owning your personal style, embracing your creativity, and spreading the joy of dance and fashion. It's a little bit of magic we can all share, in pink or any color we love.
Today’s journey in time took us to a pivotal point, to a stage where ballet began a dramatic transformation, opening doors for creative designs and inspiring ballet dancers for generations. The future of tutus was so very bright, and, like a ballerina taking centre stage, I believe ours is, too.
Keep swirling! And don't forget to let me know your favourite part of this little trip to the past in the comments below. Until next week, remember, you never know who's watching, and it’s time to get out there, twirl, and make the world your stage. And remember, we're always stronger and brighter together, my lovelies!
Lots of love and tutus, Emma, x x
* www.pink-tutu.com*
