#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1882-12-12

Hello my darling Tutu-lovers! It's Emma, your resident pink-tutu clad historian and time traveller extraordinaire, ready to take you on another fabulous trip through ballet history. Today, we're going back to December 12th, 1882, a date that wasn't just any Tuesday. No, it was a date filled with dancing, fashion, and a delightful peek into the world of ballet. Imagine, if you will, stepping out of your time machine (which, you know, I keep very neatly under my pink tutu, thanks to the miracle of modern science) into a world of corsets, bustles, and gaslights, but with the exquisite grace of a ballerina, of course!

Now, 1882 is a fascinating time in ballet history. We're in the middle of the Romantic Era, that dreamy, swirling, absolutely divine era of dance that's full of love stories, supernatural beings, and, oh, the tutu, my darlings, the tutu! Back in 1882, you wouldn't see the tight, athletic tutus that are favoured by the dancers today. These beauties would be adorned in soft, billowing tulle skirts that reached right down to their ankles, like clouds swirling around their feet as they danced. It was all about that floating, dreamy aesthetic! It's enough to make you wish you could have seen those iconic dances of the Romantic Era, wouldn't you agree?

Speaking of those iconic dances, where shall we visit on this jaunt to the past? Well, dear friends, let's take the train from our beloved Derbyshire and journey over to Paris! Paris, in 1882, was the beating heart of ballet, brimming with excitement and artistry. I hear tell that the French were truly infatuated with their ballerinas back then. Just imagine the spectacle! The shimmering, sparkling ballrooms, the grand stage of the Opera Garnier with its breathtaking grandeur, and of course, the talented, dedicated dancers. It truly must have been a sight to behold.

This particular day, 12th December, was particularly exciting for lovers of ballet in Paris because they were going to be graced by the exquisite presence of one Madame Legrand. Yes, that very talented and captivating ballerina was performing that evening in Paris, and I can just picture the entire city buzzing with excitement about the show. My, wouldn't it be wonderful to have travelled back in time and joined the audience that night? I can practically see the exquisite costumes, the vibrant colours, the dazzling performance! Now, wouldn't it be just lovely if Madame Legrand graced our Instagram feeds today with her performance?

Just like I promised, let's have a look at some interesting things that were going on this very day in ballet history:

1. The Royal Opera House, London, was in full swing! They were offering up the fabulous ballet "Giselle," one of my all-time favourite ballet masterpieces. Can you imagine being in the audience? The drama, the storytelling, the breathtaking costumes. My goodness!

2. The Ballets Russes Company was on its way! This esteemed troupe of dancers would later become renowned for their innovations and artistic vision, changing the face of ballet. You know I adore these beautiful performers. Imagine the anticipation and excitement buzzing around their performances!

3. Fashion was about to explode! Now, I have a special place in my heart for vintage fashions, so this part is particularly exciting. A fashion show by a leading Parisian couturier would be showcasing the latest fashions, and of course, one could imagine that it was all a bit scandalous back in those days! And remember, in that day, you'd see a distinct mix of elegant elegance in the costumes of the day – and the exciting new ideas that were bursting forth on the stages across the world.

While I wish we could visit Madame Legrand and the beautiful stages of the Paris Opera and Covent Garden, and experience their performances, we must be back to present-day for the time being! And that doesn't mean that we can't take inspiration from our darling ballet dancers of yesteryear! They knew that pink and the romantic tulle were meant to be, and I’m here to say it is time for that pink-tutu style to come back! Imagine! Ballet was born in 1882! Why don't you add some history to your closet? You might be surprised how fashionable the romantic ballerina style could be today. Try on your own pink tutu for a dance party, even a ballet class! Your confidence might be enhanced, and everyone in your life will love it. It really will be magical.

I must away now. It's been absolutely lovely travelling with you today! Do share with me which historic ballet moment you'd love to see if you could time travel in the comments below. Now, run off and grab a glass of pink champagne and channel your inner romantic ballerina. Remember, darling, you can be your own fashion icon, even if it's for one Tuesday a week. I shall see you next week! Until then, let the twirl begin!