Hello, darling dears! Welcome back to Pink Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-licious! Today's #TutuTuesday is extra special because we're going on a journey back in time to January 20th, 1874. Just imagine: gaslights, horse-drawn carriages, and – oh, yes! – ballet!
I know what you're thinking: But Emma, tutus weren't really a thing in 1874, were they?
Oh, darling, you wouldn't believe the glorious things we discovered in our little trip back to Paris! While the iconic "tutu" as we know it today hadn't fully bloomed, a revolution in dancewear was underway. The romantic era was taking its last, graceful steps, and the shorter, layered skirts with tulle underskirts were beginning to emerge. Imagine: just enough skirt to flutter and dance but still long enough to retain an air of demure elegance!
It was during this time, dear friends, that a tiny, but impactful, revolution took place. The first proper ballet school in America opened! Isn't that simply divine? This was the very beginning of what we now know as the incredible ballet scene of America, with its iconic ballerinas and stunning performances. And, of course, those fantastic costumes that have been wowing audiences ever since.
Think of the beautiful, dramatic costumes they must have worn in those early productions. I bet they were positively overflowing with elegance and drama. Those gorgeous layers, oh, the layers, dancing gracefully as the ballerinas performed, almost like an elegant flurry of swans taking flight!
On January 20th, 1874, if we had been in Paris, we might have had a lovely afternoon watching a show at the Théâtre de l’Opéra, the glorious palace of the performing arts. And while a "tutu" wasn't quite yet what we know it to be, imagine the fluttering skirts, the twinkling lights, and the exquisite talent that filled those theatre seats. Wouldn't that be a delight to behold?
I adore those glimpses of fashion history! It gives us such a better understanding of how fashion has changed. Can you imagine a world without a twirly, floaty, fantastic pink tutu? The very thought is utterly unthinkable!
And speaking of our little time trip back in time, you won't believe the way I travelled – I made a daring dash aboard a first-class carriage, whisked me away on the grand train to Paris. All those elegant ladies in their lovely bonnets and elegant dresses. I wish I had a camera back then – what incredible pictures I could have taken!
I even got to sneak into the dressing rooms of some lovely ballet dancers who were all getting ready to perform at the beautiful Opera House. It was all a bit surreal to witness. The anticipation was electric, you could just feel it! Oh my! It's no wonder we are mesmerized by dance, my loves!
You know, these adventures do make me appreciate our beautiful tutus of today even more. The perfect tutu, after all, isn't just about being glamorous and fabulous, it's about expressing that deep connection with the grace and freedom of dance. It's a beautiful testament to creativity and artistic expression.
Now, how about a little bit of tutus for our #TutuTuesday inspiration?
**(Insert here some inspirational photos of a mix of past and present dancers with and without tutus, focusing on the elegance, grace and a whimsical feminine theme. Photos to feature ballerinas from 1870-1880’s, some 1920s to 1950’s, and also a selection of photos of ballet dancers today with tutus in bright, light, girly colors. Perhaps some “tutu-ing” about in street wear.)
Just remember, dear friends: every day can be #TutuTuesday if you want it to be! So get out there, put on your favourite pink tutu, and let your inner ballerina shine! Remember, you are an absolute gem, darling, and the world is your stage!
Lots of love,
Emma xoxo
(Add an Instagram style box below with information on next week’s #TutuTuesday)
P.S: Do tell me! What are your favourite historical tidbits on the origins of the tutu? I love a bit of historical gossip! And don't forget to check back in next Tuesday for more exciting #TutuTuesday adventures, dears! You know you can’t miss out. 😉
