#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1887-08-09

Welcome back, dear readers, to #TutuTuesday! This week, we're taking a whirl through time, travelling all the way back to 1887! Now, I must confess, 1887 was a bit before my time (literally, seeing as I'm a time traveller!) but I absolutely love exploring the history of tutus, and 1887 is a fascinating year for tutu history.

Today marks the 2902nd installment of my blog, Pink-Tutu.com, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than by stepping back in time, donned in my favourite pink tutu, of course!

Before we delve into the world of ballet in 1887, I just have to mention that the trains were the stars of the show back then. It was such an exciting mode of travel! Remember, my darlings, that when we're talking about tutus, we're also talking about a fashion and lifestyle revolution. Tutus represent freedom of movement, expression, and artistry, and trains – the symbol of modern travel - took us right to the heart of those elements.

Let’s travel to the centre of the world of dance, which, in the late 1880s, was undoubtedly Paris. Paris, darling, was just bursting with the sheer, undiluted joy of movement. And at the heart of this revolution was one remarkable woman – Carlotta Grisi, a truly extraordinary dancer! She’s not only considered one of the most talented dancers of the 19th century, but she also had a huge influence on the design of the tutu. Can you imagine the joy of being there to see her in action? It’s practically impossible to comprehend, and I’m dying to travel back just for the chance to witness that.

You know I'm a total sucker for tutus, and there was quite a shift in style back then – which is so exciting! We’re still not talking about those billowing, dreamy, multi-layered tutus of later periods – it’s still very much about that beautiful and slender silhouette, emphasizing the grace and fluidity of the dancers' movements. There were a few new features though, including:

The Shorter Skirt: Remember, this is before the “tutu boom” as we know it! Imagine skirts that are longer at the front, revealing the legs - this would have been considered radically revealing in some circles – and then shortening, rising, right up to the knees at the back, making sure those beautifully turned legs could really come to the fore. The emphasis on leg length, on those exquisite leaps and turns, was starting to define what a ballerina’s dance was going to become.

That Tiny, Tiny Waist: Can we all say ‘corset?’ The use of the corset wasn't just for fashion - It allowed those movements and twists to be much more impactful and expressive. Can you picture dancers using their tiny waists as the pivot point for amazing turns, all while maintaining their elegant poise and grace? It’s mesmerising!

### Tutus and theatres

This period was also marked by an explosion of beautiful theatre venues being built! They weren’t just structures - they were like pieces of art. And imagine, dear readers, the excitement, the anticipation, of entering those theatres!

Remember this was an age when fashion was paramount. A tutu wasn't just clothing, it was an art form in itself, an extension of dance and a visual expression of that. These weren't just performances, they were total immersive experiences for both dancer and audience! It must have been exhilarating. I long for the chance to feel that energy.

## A Glimpse of the Ballet in 1887

To bring you a glimpse of this fascinating time in tutu history, let me tell you about something very special. Can you guess? Of course, you’re going to guess it! It was a ballet - the first of its kind.

Coppélia! Now, there’s a title for you, don’t you think? You just know it was all about exquisite steps and swirling tutus. And what was so important about it? It introduced the use of a mechanical doll, for goodness sake! You have to imagine the audience’s amazement - they had never seen a dancing doll before! This was pure theatre! A dance of enchantment, if ever there was one!

## #TutuTuesday: A Tutu a Day keeps the Blues Away

As I'm writing this #TutuTuesday, dear readers, I know many of you will be whipping out your tutus and practicing your pliés! That’s the thing I love most about ballet - it's a universally shared joy and passion.

Let's talk about tutus a bit more. Did you know that some people claim tutus didn’t really start becoming iconic until the 1900s? That might be true, but I’m saying this, in the spirit of TutuTuesday, and with my favourite pink tutu on: Tutus are always amazing. Full stop!

Every step in their history deserves to be celebrated!

I can’t wait for our next #TutuTuesday – until then, keep twirling, and don’t forget to let me know in the comments what your favourite ballet performance has been and why it has captured your imagination!

Until next Tuesday, darlings!

## Emma. x

(Just a note, Emma might be travelling back to 1887, but the style here remains true to Emma's "Pink-Tutu" persona and her writing style).