#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1885-11-10

Post #2811 - Hello lovelies!

It’s Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip through time, this week's destination: Paris! Oh, Paris, the city of love, fashion, and of course… Ballet!

I'm here today with a fabulously fun fact for you about the evolution of the beloved ballet tutu. Grab a cuppa and get ready for a little journey into the world of twirls, tights, and time travel.

You know I love to step back in time, especially for #TutuTuesday! Today, I landed in Paris in the 1880s. Walking down the bustling streets, I could practically hear the rhythmic click-clack of ladies’ high-heeled boots on the cobblestone pavement. But more importantly, I could almost feel the whisper of tutus from nearby grand theaters.

On this particular day, November 10th, 1885, there were whispers in the air about a little somethin’ called a “performance.” It seems some of the grandest ballets of the era were staged right here, showcasing all the dazzling skill and finesse of ballerinas twirling in their voluminous tutus! I know just how much they’d enjoy the latest ballet shoes, so stylish, yet strong and light for dancing!

Now, you might already know, darling, but I can never talk about ballet history without mentioning the queen herself - Marie Taglioni!

She’s often referred to as the “Prima Ballerina Assoluta” and for good reason. Marie practically revolutionised ballet when she first debuted in a short tutu – unheard of for her time. Gone were the cumbersome and restrictive layers of the era – think giant hoop skirts with yards of fabric! Marie changed everything, going for elegance and lightness, highlighting every delicate move of her graceful physique.

Isn't that fascinating, dear? Imagine, our love for tutus is connected to a true dance icon who, at the heart of the story, went for bold change.

Back in Paris, 1885, ballet was in full swing, and those tutus? They were simply divine. The 1880s ballet costume took Marie Taglioni's revolution one step further – adding layers upon layers of lace, tulle, and ribbon. The silhouette remained slimmer than previous eras, which was very on trend! (Who knew there was already such a strong link between fashion and the world of ballet, dear?) But it wasn’t just the size and shape. The colours were beautiful - imagine delicate shades of pastel pinks and soft blues, making for an exquisite performance spectacle!

As you all know, my love for tutus knows no bounds, so what could I do? Why, I headed straight to a shop brimming with gorgeous vintage items - the kind that make a girl’s heart skip a beat, darling! Can you picture this? Gorgeous vintage tutus from a past era waiting to be brought back to life. Oh, the dreams, the tulle, and all those embellishments, every one a precious little detail!

As I meandered through the shop, it was impossible not to get swept up in the enchantment of it all! I’m thinking I've found my newest addition for a tutu wardrobe update!

It's not just the tutul and those wonderful dancers in their perfectly pink point shoes. It's the story. It's the grace. It’s the raw emotion, those heartfelt movements that captivate everyone in the theatre. I just love watching all of it, so full of magic, especially on my recent travels by train throughout France.

Well, that was my little glimpse into ballet history for today! Remember to follow my pink-tutu.com site and of course Instagram - I post all sorts of delightful tidbits on those, including some of my latest fashion adventures in vintage finds.

Do remember, every #TutuTuesday is dedicated to tutus – but more importantly to the graceful and captivating world of dance, which we can all learn so much from! So whether you're an aspiring ballerina, a seasoned enthusiast, or just a lover of all things lovely like myself, I urge you to explore this magical world and, why not, rock that pink tutu!

See you next Tuesday, dearies! Don't forget to #TutuTuesday!

Emma XO