Hey darlings! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday post! This week, I'm whisking you back in time to December 22nd, 1874, for a peek at the exciting world of ballet, and, of course, tutus! As always, I'm embracing my inner Victorian fairy (because who wouldn't, with all the tulle and ruffles this era offered?!) to bring you this historical fashion journey. This week, my trip took me on a grand, old fashioned railway carriage to... Paris!
The French Fashion Forward 🇫🇷Now, Paris in 1874 was the very epicentre of fashion! Can-can dances were all the rage, and with the ever-growing popularity of the ballet, Paris was practically buzzing with all things dance. Imagine the buzz! Every theatre in town was ablaze with spectacular performances. It's hard not to picture the Parisian women – très chic – strutting their stuff in their most fashionable, intricate garments. They might even have had a glimpse of a ballet costume! The Paris Opéra Ballet was going strong, and while the tutu might not have been quite the tutu we know today, it was already a symbol of graceful artistry and sheer beauty!
The Ethereal Inspiration: Inspiration for the Tutu 🌸The tutu was still in its infancy, but those graceful tulle skirts were beginning to gain their rightful place on stage. These first tutus were not the delicate, wispy creations we associate with ballerinas today, but instead, were more elaborate and flowing. Think layered, full skirts with a good dose of ribbon and ornamentation, oh la la!
But hold on, dear readers! It was during this era that a revolutionary idea emerged from the very talented dancer, Marie Taglioni. It’s no secret, she’s a true heroine in the ballet world – this darling created the ‘Romantic Tutu’ – think a short, almost knee-length skirt that highlighted the beautiful grace and movement of the female dancers. It was a real turning point, revealing their legs for the first time! This allowed for greater freedom of movement – the very core of true artistry – making for some very dramatic and breathtaking moments on stage. The 'Romantic Tutu' really was a breath of fresh air and became an icon for that whole ‘fée’ or ‘sylph’ persona on stage, making the dancers seem to almost float! Now, that’s a dramatic entrance!
Fashion at its Finest ✨The 1870s were all about layers! So if you're picturing a ballet tutu, picture it paired with voluminous layers of shimmering satin or even velvet (how lovely!) for added flair! The décolletage of the era was generous, adding another element of romantic to the ensemble – quite an elegant and graceful vision. It’s important to note, of course, that the dancers were dressed to impress. They wore elaborate wigs and had makeup that emphasised their natural beauty (so divine!) And that signature ‘ballet bun’, an undeniable classic, was also beginning to take its place. What a truly glamorous and iconic look, my dears!
This Tuesday, 12-22-1874 ✨So, imagine with me, dear readers! Imagine yourself being swept back to Paris, 1874! The air hums with the bustle of theatre life, with everyone talking about the latest show. The Paris Opéra Ballet was a highlight! If you happened to be lucky enough to snag a ticket to one of their exquisite performances, you’d be treated to incredible talent. Just picturing the ballerinas gracefully soaring across the stage, their soft tulle skirts swishing and shimmering ... I am mesmerized. This is where ballet was truly beginning to take off, and I love the idea that this very date was just another small piece in a vast puzzle of elegant moves, innovative ideas, and incredible passion!
Pink, Pinks, and More Pinks! 🎀Speaking of my time travelling, this week I found myself getting rather nostalgic about our home town of Derby! Yes, even in the most magnificent Parisian setting, a Derbyshire girl always remembers her roots. But it's lovely to remember, that Derby played a pivotal role in inspiring my tutu love story. I can almost hear the gentle, steady sounds of the River Derwent... Ah, just the sound of it inspires me to grab my favourite pink tutu and twirl my heart away. Let's just say, this week, even amongst the glitz and glamour of Paris, it was pink I dreamt about.
My dear readers, let me share this small confession. While the history of ballet and the tutu is fascinating, I have a dream, you see. A vision that takes me back to my Derbyshire roots, back to my heart's desire. My heart's desire is to bring a touch of pink (a lot of pink, actually) to everyone! Imagine a world of rosy cheeks, bright smiles, and, yes, pink tutus swirling across streets, balconies, and every other space you can think of! My life mission, my dear readers, is for the pink tutu to become the very symbol of joyous and positive movement! It’s going to take time, but together, one tutu at a time, I believe we can achieve this dream!
Remember to share your #TutuTuesday adventures with me on pink-tutu.com! Let's spread the joy and magic of ballet and fashion, one pink tutu at a time. Don’t forget to stop by next week for my #TutuTuesday journey to another time and place!
Until then, remember, you don't need a theatre, a stage, or a specific date to dance! Put on a tutu, find your inner dancer, and let the world know about the love, freedom, and magic of the pink tutu!
✨ 💖 🩰
Your eternally stylish (and pink obsessed!) friend, Emma
