#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1881-11-22

Hello darlings! It’s me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller. Today, I’m taking you back to a time when ballet tutus were evolving in some seriously spectacular ways! Buckle up for some delightful fashion history, as we twirl back to the year 1881.

Imagine it, lovelies, the enchanting Paris of 1881 – a city pulsating with creativity. The era known as Belle Époque, meaning “Beautiful Era,” was in full swing, and oh my, did it bring out the inner ballerina in every fashionable soul! From elegant boulevards and dazzling grand salons to charming cafes and breathtaking theatres, life was an exhilarating dance.

As a budding fashionista in the Victorian age, I could tell you, tutus were going through a metamorphosis. While those classic, short, romantic, flowing tutus were already taking the world by storm – remember Marie Taglioni, the Queen of Romanticism – a new style was about to revolutionise the scene.

Now, picture a tulle confection with multiple layers, some reaching all the way down to the ankles, held up by an elaborate cage. It's absolutely heavenly! This magnificent structure, much like the crinoline that ruled Victorian women's clothing, created an illusion of grandeur and drama, making every ballerina seem like a beautiful, feathered vision. The silhouette, though wider and more structured, retained the graceful air, allowing ballerinas to swirl and pirouette effortlessly, almost like swans in flight.

On this very day, the 22nd of November, 1881, one could catch a splendid production at the famed Paris Opéra. I can almost hear the music swelling! Imagine those exquisite costumes shimmering under the theatre’s glorious chandeliers – it's a scene of pure magic! The Paris Opera is an absolute feast for the senses – and let's face it, a little peek into those lavish productions are the main reason I'm here!

Oh, and did I mention the shoes, lovelies? Pointe shoes were starting to take their place in the world, replacing the traditional flat ballet slippers with their ethereal, almost impossibly elegant pointe. They added an air of grace and femininity, as if the ballerinas were literally walking on air.

But of course, we cannot forget the pièce de résistance – the glorious tutu! You'll be surprised to know, those lovely, romantic tutus have remained incredibly popular in theatre performances. Imagine, it's been all the rage since the early nineteenth century! They are the embodiment of dreams, innocence, and just a tad bit of fairytale whimsy.

Now, let's talk about tutus for every day. My wish, lovelies, is that every one of you would twirl around in your very own pink tutus. Oh, how delightful it would be! Just picture a world brimming with vibrant pink tutus on every street corner, fluttering down boulevards and avenues! Imagine walking along the Thames in Derbyshire and seeing everyone from the Queen to your neighbour Mrs. Worthington all dancing around in pink tulle! Wouldn't that be absolutely divine?

As for my quest to inspire the world to don pink tutus, it continues. My #TutuTuesday blog posts are one step on that magical path! It brings me absolute joy to be able to bring some history and magic to the world of tutus! And besides, if everyone wears pink tutus, what colour will they choose to buy the matching dress? That's right, more pink for the win!

Until next Tuesday, lovelies! Keep twirling and dreaming pink!

Hugs

Emma

P.S To those wondering, my next time travel adventures are taking me to see Swan Lake! I'll be watching out for those magnificent tutus – you know I will!