Hello darlings, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! This week, weāre hopping in our time-traveling tutu and venturing back to the 17th of December, 1878, just a smidge over a century and a half ago. Can you imagine a world without sequins or tulle? š± Well, I certainly canāt! So, let's take a twirl through the history of the tutu in the heart of its heyday, shall we?
This date holds special significance, my lovelies, because the iconic ballerina, Fanny Elssler was the first to revolutionize the dance world with her revolutionary āleg-revealingā style and performance attire! The 19th century, the era of āThe Golden Age of Balletā, witnessed the evolution of the tutu we know and love today, and trust me, there are plenty of stories to tell!
Now, picture it: 19th century Paris, with its grandeur and beauty, was where the tutuās tale unfolded. It wasnāt all feathers and flounces, though, there was a good deal of innovation and revolution too! Before the āGolden Ageā, ballet was still quite restrained in style, with ladies being kept in layers of fabric that often hampered their movement. But Fanny, a fiery dancer of Viennese origins, was different. She burst onto the stage, wearing something radically shorter and less restricting than what was standard. This sparked quite the debate among dance lovers, with some celebrating the new sense of freedom and artistry, while others clung to the old ways.
Remember that picture I was just painting? This was a time of swirling skirts and elaborate ball gowns. But Fannyās innovative look wasnāt just about shocking the audience ā it revolutionized how women could move on stage, allowing for an entirely new, expressive range. Imagine all those dramatic leaps and pirouettes ā they simply wouldn't have been possible with the older, heavier styles. Fanny paved the way for the tutus we know today, and with the rise of Russian ballet later in the 19th century, we see the classic āRomanticā style emerge. These graceful and flowing skirts were all about delicacy and ethereal beauty, echoing the whimsical nature of the Romanticism movement.
So, my dearest readers, you might be wondering what the future held for this glorious garment. I, Emma, know a few things because Iāve travelled through time! Iāve seen those daring and modern, neo-classical designs that later changed everything! Iāve been lucky enough to see tutus in a range of different materials, some of them not so graceful (hello, scratchy silk!), and others so exquisite you would think they were made of clouds. Iāve seen designs by fashion pioneers like Coco Chanel (who just loved her little black dress and even more so the pink tutu! It wasn't too farfetched from her classic silhouette, just a lot more glittery and fun!) I've seen Mary Quant redefine what "fashionable" meant, a designer who loved to push boundaries, bringing a youthful energy to fashion and ballet. Imagine, a tutu made of cotton or nylon, light and flowing in an exciting and bold palette, such as yellow and bright blue.
Today, we stand on the precipice of exciting times for tutus! You have tutus for every taste - romantic, bold, whimsical, contemporary - just name it, it's there, on the stage, or perhaps waiting for you in your favourite vintage shop.
You may be thinking, how can I get into the whole tutu thing, Emma? The good news is, it's easy! You can find plenty of tutorials online! The perfect ballet hairstyle and some glitter always helps, too, of course. You donāt have to be a seasoned ballerina to feel the magic of a tutu, and thatās the beauty of it. From casual, everyday wears for tea parties and special occasions, to stage performance styles for everything from opera and musicals to dance, itās all about celebrating femininity, fun, and creativity, through the power of dance. It doesnāt even need to be a perfect ballet, just find something you love, put it on and feel like a fairytale princess. And why not add a pink bow on top to complete the look? My favorite shade, of course!
I canāt wait to see what adventures and designs are waiting for the tutu next. Until next time, darlings, and keep those tutus twirling! Donāt forget to check out my new Instagram account @pinktutublog. Happy Tutu Tuesday, lovelies! š
Outfit of the Week:
For my 1878 time-travel adventure, I opted for a soft blush pink tutu, flowing and romantic, paired with a delicate white lace blouse. A touch of sparkling diamonds around my neck adds just a dash of elegance, as I'm sure any ballerina worth her salt would appreciate! My trusty pink top hat and parasol add an extra touch of whimsy! Of course, no outfit is complete without some elegant ballet shoes, for my dancing of course. (Don't worry, I left the silk pointe shoes back in the 19th Century.) And I must tell you, I spotted a stunning, intricate vintage-inspired, antique silver and pearl necklace! I picked it up in Paris, and believe me, you won't find a better place to find vintage fashion and trinkets. Iāve been going through vintage dress archives, researching fashion in ballet and you would not believe how much fun it is! The design, style and details are incredible and inspiring. You know, just in case the dress archives decide to bring back the 1870s style for the ballet again! (Here's hoping not!)
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A Quick Note for My Derbyshire Readers:
You know I love Derbyshire and especially the Derby Theatre! The next show on the stage is āThe Wizard of Ozā starring a ballet of very talented, dazzling local dancers. Oh, and get your pink tutus ready! Remember I can't mention places or specific products to stop my time-traveling journey from coming to an end.
Well, there we have it. Hope you have enjoyed this Tutu Tuesday history lesson, my dearest lovelies. Remember to stay positive, spread the pink tutu love and never stop dreaming!
Emma xx
