Hello darlings! Emma here, your trusty guide to the wondrous world of the tutu, straight from my time machine and landing softly, like a ballerina's pirouette, right here on www.pink-tutu.com. Today is #TutuTuesday and I’m positively thrilled to be whisking us back to a fascinating point in tutu history: 12th March 1872.
Imagine the bustle of London – the clinking of horses' hooves, the swish of silk gowns, the pungent whiff of coal smoke... And amongst it all, the soft elegance of a ballerina gracefully gliding across the stage, dressed in the very first semblance of the tutus we adore today!
Before we jump into our journey, let’s grab a spot of tea and biscuits. ☕🍪 It’s positively essential to have a touch of afternoon comfort while discussing these fashion marvels.
The Dawn of the Modern TutuOur tale starts at the prestigious Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. There, amidst a swirling mix of anticipation and excitement, the world was captivated by the breathtaking talent of dancer Marie Taglioni. She was performing "La Sylphide" and it’s considered one of the landmark moments for ballet. Why? Because of the costume, darling!
The ballet gown of the time was a massive, heavy affair, making it difficult for dancers to move freely and show off their graceful steps. Marie, ever the revolutionary, took a bold leap of faith – and I’m not talking about a jeté here!
She opted for a lighter, airier costume – a flowing, knee-length skirt, with several layers of tulle! 😱 Imagine it, ladies, the billowing tulle, a glimpse of the graceful legs beneath, the sensation of liberation and movement – truly a marvel for the time.
Now, this groundbreaking costume didn’t have a name just yet, so we don’t get the term ‘tutu’ until a bit later, around the end of the 19th century. However, its impact on ballet was undeniable!
Parisian Flair and Parisian Fashions 🇫🇷A few years later, in 1881, a Parisian ballerina by the name of Eugénie Fiocre took centre stage with a captivating dance routine. She was wearing something truly game-changing - a tutu that hugged her curves and reached up to her knees. This daring and romantic look made a significant splash!
This became the “romantically” or “classical” tutu. This style took ballet by storm, quickly becoming the quintessential image of a ballerina, and I simply adore how feminine and elegant it makes the dancers look.
From that day forward, this style dominated ballet and continues to do so today, as I’m sure you know. We’ve come a long way from the heavy gowns of the 18th century. And oh, how thankful we are for these light, breezy, beautifully billowing pieces!
London, My Darling London 🏴London has been my haven, especially the ballet! Now, back to my beloved Derbyshire. It is no secret I was born here in the English Peak District, right under the magnificent limestone peaks of Derbyshire, surrounded by charming towns like Buxton and Matlock. My family are farmers and live life surrounded by cows and sheep. We've been making cheese for as long as I can remember! It has always been my dream to come to London and get swept up in its ballet. Luckily for me I got a part-time job at Covent Garden a few years ago! I would never be able to time travel without being able to buy enough tickets to see as many shows as I possibly could, it really is the highlight of my week! My friends call me crazy for paying so much but there's simply nothing like the feeling of being surrounded by other ballet-lovers and the atmosphere is amazing! Of course I would travel any other way than by train as well, even if it takes longer!
So, here we are in 1872, a year brimming with fashion possibilities! Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com to see all my amazing, fashionable picks.
TutuTuesday BalletTutuHistory London Derbyshire CoventGardenDon’t forget to grab a tutu of your own, whether it's a swirling pink dream, or a bold and bright burst of colour! Until next Tuesday, when we explore another piece of the fascinating history of the tutu! 💕 🩰
xx
Emma
