#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1870-08-23

Hello my dearest tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday adventure, straight from the heart of the 1870s - a time when the ballet world was undergoing a real sartorial transformation. Today's trip brings us to the 23rd of August, 1870 - a Tuesday, of course!

Oh, it's such a thrill to be back in the romantic era, where grand ball gowns and ethereal tulle swirls take centre stage! Today's outfit, you ask? Why, it's a symphony of pink, my loves. Imagine: a cascading layers of shimmering tulle in the softest blush, a bodice adorned with delicate floral lace, and ribbons tied with a sweet little bow. I do believe the colour pink truly captures the delicate, whimsical essence of ballet, don't you?

Speaking of delicate whimsy, let's dive into the heart of today's topic!

1870 was a pivotal year for the tutu. Imagine: gone are the days of the bulky, floor-length, romantic tutus of the early 1800s! We've reached a period of revolutionary change, with shorter tutus becoming increasingly popular. Think flowing, billowing tulle with intricate details, creating an enchanting spectacle of movement and light.

It's Marie Taglioni who takes the crown as the "tutu queen" in 1830s, as the first dancer to grace the stage in a dramatically short, and almost weightless, version of the tutu! You can picture her whirling in this breathtaking garment, leaving the audience breathless. Imagine: every graceful leap and delicate pirouette becoming almost impossible to miss. This revolutionary look ignited a ballet costume revolution. This transition to shorter tutus allowed for freedom of movement - an incredible transformation for dancers, don't you think?

And let's not forget, this period was all about a little embellishment! We are talking feathers, ribbons, sequins, and all things sparkly! Every dancer aspired to outshine the others, each tutu becoming an elaborate, showstopping creation.

For the 23rd of August 1870, let's imagine we are at the Paris Opera House, attending the "Giselle" premier! The excitement in the air is almost tangible, wouldn't you agree? As the curtain rises, you can't help but be mesmerized by the delicate ballerina figures as they move effortlessly, almost as if they are floating, their tutus transforming with every move, almost like a swirling cloud of ethereal pink.

The ballet scene was alight with a sense of movement and energy. Just picture: these tutus flowing and twirling, creating intricate designs of motion with every movement - a vision of pure artistic beauty and grace, as graceful as the waltzing melodies that danced around us.

But our travels don't stop in Paris, darling! As you may know, I am a self-proclaimed train enthusiast! The train journeys between cities - whether to the Italian opera houses or to the grand theaters of London - offer breathtaking scenery and moments to truly unwind, a perfect time for some fashionable brainstorming!

A well-tailored dress (paired, of course, with a charming pink beret) is a perfect complement to train travel. And, of course, let's not forget about the joy of exploring a city with a brand new pair of shoes. 👠 It's quite delightful, my loves, don't you agree?

And while I adore the fashion world, the thrill of the show is simply undeniable! I must say that travelling across the English countryside in a luxurious coach - or, better yet, on the Orient Express - to attend a performance of the Royal Ballet, has to be my very favourite way to experience these exquisite performances.

Oh, how I'm transported to a world of enchanting movement, where every twist, leap, and turn becomes an exquisite narrative! The world seems to dissolve around me, as if wrapped in the delicate swirls of the ballerina's skirt. What a truly magical experience!

And so, dear reader, as we stand here today in the heart of the 1870s, we see a reflection of the future: the era where tutus truly transformed the ballet world. The future is bright for the tutus! What are some tutu ideas for the coming years? Here are a few ideas:

• "Luminous Tutus." Imagine an elegant tutu that incorporates light. This might look like little LED lights sewn into the tutu that will dance with the dancers' movements. The possibilities for beauty and innovation are endless.
• "The Story-Telling Tutu." Think: A tutu woven with stories. By this, I mean perhaps some details in a pattern of tulle that hint at a specific story - it might reflect characters or storylines or other imagery from the performance.

But enough about the future for now. What will the future bring? That, my lovelies, remains to be seen! As always, remember to embrace life, wear your tutu with pride, and never, ever forget to dance to the beat of your own heart.

Stay beautiful, stay tutu-ful!

Until next time,

Your favourite pink tutu blogger,

Emma 💕