Hello dears! It’s Emma, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, back with another #TutuTuesday history blog post! This week we’re jetting back in time, hopping aboard a steam train, and landing right in the heart of 1887, just a few weeks before that lovely holiday, Christmas. Oh, the joy! I can practically smell the roasting chestnuts, the pine needles, and yes, you guessed it - the anticipation of a new tutu for the New Year!
As you all know, I love exploring the world of ballet, from its elegant beginnings to its modern-day magic. Today, though, we’re focusing on something even more magical – the tutu. This delicate garment, the very symbol of ballet, is full of hidden history, secrets, and of course, fabulous fashion.
Now, 1887 – that’s a very exciting time for the tutu! Ballet was blooming in popularity, with the rise of stars like Carlotta Grisi and Fanny Elssler gracing stages across Europe with their graceful movements and magnificent tutus. Imagine! Imagine the gasp of the audience as these dancers twirled in layers of tulle, the skirts billowing out like a flower in bloom.
But 1887 was a little different from what you might see in the ballets of today. The tutus weren’t quite the fluffy, impossibly voluminous designs we’re used to. This was the era of the Romantic Tutu. Think flowing lines, delicate layers, a graceful skirt reaching just past the knees. There was no intention of hiding the legs – this was a style all about showcasing the elegant curves and fluid movement of the dancers, just like the romantic ballets they were performing.
Picture this: It’s August 30th, 1887. The sun is setting, casting a soft golden glow on Paris. In the elegant Palais Garnier, the scent of perfume and the rustle of silk fill the air. You've arrived just in time for a ballet performance by one of the renowned ballerinas, dressed in a dazzling, perfectly fitting romantic tutu, her every step a story, her every pirouette a magical bloom. It’s truly breathtaking.
But you know, this wasn't just about the on-stage spectacle. The influence of ballet was trickling down, inspiring the everyday fashion. Romantic tutus gave birth to a plethora of elaborate outfits, from evening gowns to street fashion. A little bit of the elegance of ballet could be found in everyday attire, making every lady feel a little bit like a ballerina.
Speaking of fashion, have you ever noticed how the colour pink has always been tied to the world of ballet? Think about the rosy hues of the stage lights, the elegant pink silk slippers, the delicate blush of a ballerina’s cheek. There’s something magical about the colour pink that just symbolizes the graceful beauty of the art form. No wonder I'm so smitten with it! It even inspired my blog!
For a fashionable woman like myself, 1887 would have been heaven! Shopping for tutus in a little Parisian shop, surrounded by lace, tulle, and endless shades of pink... it would have been like being a kid in a sweet shop! I can just imagine browsing for hours, picturing myself twirling in a beautiful romantic tutu, then whisking it back to Derbyshire with a thrill that could rival a grand opera.
Sadly, I had to leave 1887 behind and return to our present, with the promise of many more exciting historical adventures in store. But, I leave you with this thought: the magic of the tutu isn't confined to history, my lovelies! Every Tuesday, right here on www.pink-tutu.com, we’ll explore the wonderful world of tutus, from historical treasures to the fabulous modern-day designs that grace the stage today.
And remember, dear reader, even though my travel budget means I can only jump back to the past for my #TutuTuesday adventures, the essence of this graceful, magical garment is within our grasp. Why don't you take a peek in your closet today, and see if you have a tutu waiting to be rediscovered? And if not, well... perhaps a visit to a local shop is in order. Don't forget: you are your own kind of ballerina. So let’s embrace that magical tutu spirit and spread a bit of ballet bliss into the world! I'm here every Tuesday to encourage you to don your pink tutu and dance your heart out!
Until next week,
Emma
P.S. If you ever want to time travel with me to see the wonderful ballets and tutus of the past, just let me know! Remember, every trip requires a little help from your favourite tutu-loving ballerina, so book your tickets with my help for the best view! (And the best tutus, of course).
See you on www.pink-tutu.com!
