Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, back again with another #TutuTuesday for your pink-loving hearts! Today we’re going to travel way back in time – all the way to 1874, imagine! The date, you ask? March 17th, darling, just the right day for a whirlwind historical fashion adventure!
This week’s journey brings us right to the heart of tutus’ beginnings, a time when dance took centre stage and ladies had such a grand time being elegant, fashionable and graceful, especially with tutus. We’re stepping off the train at the opulent, exciting Opéra Garnier in Paris – oh, my darling, just look at the grandeur! The shimmering chandeliers and rich velvet, it all calls for a dramatic tutu swirl, don’t you think?
Now, picture it with me: 1874. You might think this is a bit early for the ultimate tutu, but guess what? You’re totally wrong, my love! Let me give you the scoop. The ballet tutu, as we know it – the iconic, knee-length confection of fluffy tulle – had just begun to take shape, taking a huge step towards becoming the glorious star it is today.
Let's hop into my magical time-traveling wardrobe! Today, I'm sporting a delicate pink tulle tutu – you know how much I adore pink, it just makes every moment extra special, darling. This one's a classic: short, with delicate frills and shimmering lace accents. I paired it with a silky pink bodice that's elegant and flowing, perfect for swirling around like a ballerina, just like I’m about to do here at the Opéra Garnier. I know I look fabulous, you know.
This evolution started earlier, all the way back in the early 1800s with the revolutionary ballerina Marie Taglioni – oh, a true visionary, don’t you agree? Her idea was radical: instead of the long, bulky, restricting skirts dancers had been wearing, she decided to let the dancers’ legs flow freely with a shorter, much lighter skirt that revealed their beautiful form. She was a dancer who revolutionised how ballet looked and felt! It’s all because of her we can enjoy the magical twirls and jumps we do today!
Of course, tutus back in those days were different from our gorgeous, flamboyant tutus now. The fabric they used for tutus in 1874 was much heavier, making it hard for even the most talented dancers to really take flight! Imagine! It must have been so restricting! Luckily, by the late 1800s, things changed: lighter fabrics became easier to find – just imagine, they used actual tulle, instead of bulky muslin!
Just think, darling! Back then, ballet was completely different from today’s art form. They danced stories - mythical stories full of romance and dramatic moments – all with incredible classical beauty! Imagine waltzing under the watchful eyes of a loving god, I mean how wonderfully magical! Ballet dancers weren't just dancers then – they were true artists, conveying intense emotions and storytelling, not just steps.
Today, March 17th, you might be thrilled to learn this date is a very special one for the ballet world: 1874 saw the premiere of "La Source," a famous ballet created by legendary choreographer Marius Petipa, a big name in ballet history. This romantic ballet is a perfect blend of classic dances and dramatic storytelling. This is the sort of beautiful production you must have seen! The music, the scenery and, most of all, those iconic tulle tutus, it must have been amazing! I must admit I’m feeling very inspired to do some twirling myself after that image!
What I love about ballet history is seeing how much fashion evolves, making sure it’s the right design to suit every dancer! The tutus from the time are stunning, like works of art, especially when the stage was lit with flickering candles – a vision of elegance and beauty! Now, imagine, those dancers are all wearing bright pink tutus just like mine! Just a bit more pink in the world and, just imagine, even more beauty and grace in each pirouette!
Back in the real world, and with my time-travel adventures now complete, let’s bring things back to today. We can see how the fashion and the ballet world still inspire and enthrall us! We love that fashion designers look to ballet for style, just like Balmain, with their fabulous tulle skirts, and Christian Dior, with his magical interpretations of classical tutus. It’s amazing how fashion connects to the past!
And just like those ballerinas who were daring enough to break free in those light tutus, let us also dare to dance our own path, twirl our own unique stories and add our own splash of pink to the world! Remember, a tutu isn't just about ballet - it's a symbol of empowerment, joy, and creative expression. And if it can be pink, it’s even better!
So go forth, my fellow pink-tutu lovers, let’s celebrate fashion and let those tutus fly! Have a fantastic week, filled with twirling and happiness! Until next week's #TutuTuesday!
Love,
Emma xx
