Welcome back, my dearest tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, your very own pink tutu-wearing, time-traveling guide to all things tutu. I’m thrilled you’re joining me on another adventure to explore the enchanting world of the ballet tutu – and yes, you guessed it – we’re whisking you back to… 1883!
Today’s journey marks a special milestone: Post Number 2685 of my Pink Tutu History blog – we’ve truly embarked on a phenomenal journey, haven’t we? This week we’re headed for the centre of the tutu-loving world – the jewel in the crown of the dance universe, Paris! Imagine, darlings, the air thick with the scent of bougainvillea and the clatter of carriage wheels against cobblestones – oh, the pure romance!
Now, if you're sipping your morning tea while reading this, let's get back to our tutu history, shall we?
A Waltz Through the Centuries: Finding the Birth of the Tutu
It might surprise you to discover that a perfectly pink tutu – or even any type of tutu, for that matter – hadn't yet made its grand debut in 1883! Yes, darlings, this sounds outrageous, doesn’t it? But let’s put ourselves in the shoes, well, more accurately, the slippers of a ballerina of this period.
Ballet at this time was still evolving from its opulent beginnings. Picture it: graceful ladies, draped in yards and yards of fabric, like the rustling of autumn leaves. The skirt was a focal point, an expression of grandeur and formality, very much like a Victorian tea gown – all those intricate folds, ruffles, and flowing lines – pure drama!
You may think this would be a little restrictive for some delicate leaps and twirls, and you’d be right! Luckily, ballet was becoming lighter and quicker. So, dancers, with their remarkable grace, began adapting the garments to create a more fluid movement. Think layers of gauzy tulle, perhaps with a shorter length, making a more streamlined and elegant dancewear, perfect for all those pirouettes!
It’s crucial to remember that, during the 1800s, the tutu we know and adore hadn’t quite found its identity. Think more of a layered skirt, cascading softly, creating a whimsical and flowing movement, very elegant and graceful. A little like a lovely bouquet, right?
Paris, Paris: Where Dance Dreams Come True!
Here's where our time-travel gets fun: today, June 12th, 1883, we find ourselves in Paris. In a mere few months, the iconic Palais Garnier Opera House will be the setting for the ballet, "Giselle" a performance we all should strive to see! But don't forget that just last year, the sensational dancer Anna Pavlova graced the Paris stage in a truly unforgettable performance of "The Swan" - truly mesmerizing, darlings, just captivating! Imagine, all this magic is happening right before us!
It is truly magical that in this very same Paris, fashion houses, just a hop and a skip away, are brimming with inventive designs. A kaleidoscope of colours, silk fabrics... it's like stepping into a fairytale! Our ballet designers, oh they were inspired by the elegance and charm, making tutus truly spectacular, blending the graceful elegance of their creations into the world of fashion – how marvelous!
Fashionable Tutus!
Now, even without the classic short tutu, dancers would have looked absolutely sensational. Think intricate, exquisite ribbons, velvet trim, and shimmering silks – pure glamour! Each dance became a spectacle, an unforgettable spectacle where even the clothes became a story!
Imagine this, my lovelies: Imagine a ballroom scene from a grand Parisian Opera where the women, not only the dancers but all the attendees, wear delicate shades of rose pink – oh so lovely, my darlings, oh so dreamy!
And, speaking of fashion, you might ask why we haven't been focusing on tutus as much as the larger dance movement? Well, let me assure you, the evolution of the tutu is inseparable from the world of fashion. Remember those Victorian women, their beautiful dresses? They were absolutely exquisite! They wore an abundance of layers of ruffles and frills - and these designs were a definite source of inspiration for ballet wear as well, particularly the costumes we see in performances like "Swan Lake" and "La Sylphide." It’s a captivating symphony of fashion and movement – oh how divine!
Finding Pink in 1883
We must discuss pink, my darlings. A shade that has enchanted me, even from my own time. The blush-like hue has long held a place in my heart – I do think a ballet world full of pink would be sheer magic! It may surprise you that pink wasn’t exactly the prominent shade in the late 19th Century. Fashion favored a slightly more muted palate, and in a period marked by societal constraints, a little more muted palette felt appropriate, a lot of soft, feminine hues were used – you'll see more creamy whites, blush pink, and lavender, which brought out a certain quiet dignity to the dances.
However, in 1883, a little sprinkle of pink in the costume could be quite striking. Perhaps a delicate pink ribbon weaving through a delicate white tulle - pure elegance, wouldn't you say? The soft romantic charm of the colour – a delicate blush – it had an air of romance to it.
Now, darling, you've been absolutely delightful in listening to this historical adventure.
Let’s meet again next #TutuTuesday. Until then, I shall be taking to the streets, perhaps even searching for a shop selling some divine pink ribbons. I'll be sure to share the discoveries with you, my tutu-loving darlings! Until next week, remember - you look divine in a tutu!
Yours always in the swirl of pink tulle,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
