#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1885-05-26

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where tutus reign supreme! It’s #TutuTuesday, which means it’s time for another dip into the glorious history of the tutu! As always, I’m your very own pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, ready to whisk you away on another fascinating journey. Today, we're stepping back in time to 26th May, 1885, and if you haven't guessed it by the date, today we're off to Paris!

The Parisian ballet scene is quite simply divine and what better place to celebrate a fabulous garment like the tutu? The streets of Paris buzz with the sound of carriages and the chatter of elegant ladies in their finest finery, and just like us, everyone here is a little bit obsessed with fashion!

Speaking of fashion, dear readers, I simply must confess that the colour pink has always been my favourite. There's just something about its playful charm and delightful sweetness that warms my heart! Why, the tutu on me right now is a delicate shade of blush pink, perfect for the charming spring weather.

And speaking of tutus, can you believe this week is the anniversary of an absolutely groundbreaking ballet performance? This date in history marks the very first performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" by the esteemed Marius Petipa. Can you imagine?! Can you picture the beautiful costumes and the stunning choreography that must have brought such a captivating fairy tale to life?

I’m just giddy thinking about the costumes! While the tutu hadn't quite reached its full-blown Romantic Era glory by this date, the skirts worn by the ballerinas are already starting to achieve a sense of airy lightness and movement. I’d wager the costumes in "The Sleeping Beauty" were incredibly intricate and delicate - a vision of beauty in their own right! Can’t you just picture the dainty frills, the layers of tulle, the soft shimmer of fabric as the dancers pirouette? Goodness me, I just have to see a performance! Perhaps a little trip to the theatre is in order...

But of course, fashion and ballet are just two of my favourite things! My other great passion? Train travel! The romance of steaming through the countryside, the plush red velvet seats, and the feeling of anticipation before reaching a new, exciting destination... Oh, it truly is a dream!

Since my trips are paid for by the generous donations I receive after dazzling audiences at my performances (I must confess I’m rather a good dancer!) , I travel in style on grand trains with sumptuous dining cars and meticulously appointed compartments. You should see my compartment! All decked out in pink, with embroidered cushions and a collection of fashion magazines (yes, they exist! Even back in the 1800s!). Of course, my beloved tutu travels with me, beautifully wrapped in a padded case, awaiting its grand entrance on whichever stage awaits me.

To the people in Derbyshire, you won’t believe how much we’re missing here! There’s a charming atmosphere to Paris that you can only experience once you’ve truly lived here. I love getting a little lost amongst the charming Parisian boutiques, my eye searching for the perfect little trinket to commemorate this magical trip! Imagine, finding an antique music box in the shape of a dancer! A lovely little brooch featuring an image of a ballet shoe! Perhaps a miniature replica of the very theatre where The Sleeping Beauty premiered! I could hardly dream of anything more delightful!

Oh, but I do adore sharing my adventures with you, my dear readers! So, let’s talk a bit more about this glorious creation, the tutu! The 19th Century, in general, was a glorious time for the tutu. In 1880, just five years before "The Sleeping Beauty," the Russian ballet dancer Olga Preobrajenskaya danced a solo wearing a ground-breaking tutu. Its design? She was essentially a “ballet in tulle”, dancing with such ease and freedom that everyone simply marvelled at the innovation and fluidity!

And it wasn’t just Olga that made waves! Throughout the late 1800s, there were numerous pioneers who helped push the tutu design in all sorts of creative directions! In some of the new tutus, they experimented with daringly short lengths and frilly ruffles, while others used fabrics that swirled around the ballerinas with a sense of sheer elegance and freedom. Can you just imagine how utterly gorgeous those ballerinas must have looked on stage? I practically feel the energy radiating through the airwaves to this day! I daresay I shall just have to recreate some of these magnificent outfits. After all, how can any true lover of dance not want to embody such incredible grace and beauty?

As you know, my darling readers, there's more to the history of the tutu than meets the eye! We might only be at the cusp of a real tutusensation, but even now we can see the sheer influence this remarkable garment has already had on the world of dance. I have a sneaky feeling, my dear friends, that this incredible piece of dance-wear is only just beginning to spread its wings!

Remember, this isn't just about clothes! It's about freedom, artistry, expression... It’s about spreading joy and beauty in every single twist and turn. That's why, with every trip I take and every new adventure I embark on, I will continue to wear my pink tutu with pride.

Oh, and one final bit of exciting news before I go: Just like the very first performance of “The Sleeping Beauty,” I am currently preparing a dazzling, pink-tutu-clad, time-travelling performance for all of you dear readers! I shall tell you all about it next week! But for now, it’s time to take another hop back to my very own time, but before I disappear in a puff of tulle and glittery sparkle, let’s say a resounding “Viva la Tutu!” and celebrate everything that this extraordinary creation embodies!

Until next week, darling readers! Keep shining and always remember… there’s a pink tutu out there waiting for every one of you!

With love, hugs, and many sparkly sequins

Emma,

Your time-travelling, tutu-loving blogger!