#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1887-12-13

Bonjour mes chères danseuses!

Welcome to another glorious #TutuTuesday, where we're stepping back in time to explore the enchanting history of the ballet tutu! This week, we're whisking ourselves to December 13th, 1887, a truly exciting date for our tutu journey! As always, I'm your faithful companion on this time-hopping escapade, Emma, a tutu enthusiast from Derbyshire with a penchant for pink and a passion for the captivating world of ballet.

As I flitted through time in my shimmering pink tutu, arriving in the heart of the Parisian ballet scene, I couldn’t help but feel a little like Cinderella arriving at the ball. Everything is so charming, so elegant, and even the air seems to shimmer with excitement. I practically twirled all the way to the Opera House, ready to soak in all the dazzling ballet history and the sartorial splendour of the day!

For those who haven't seen it in the past, 1887 was an absolutely breathtaking time for ballet. The world was captivated by the grace of ballerinas dancing in those glorious, swirling tutus – think Marie Taglioni and the legendary Carlotta Grisi, both of whom were legends of the stage, inspiring generations of dancers. The world had gone tutu-crazy!

It was at this time that we started to see a bit of a change in tutu style - we saw the emergence of a more delicate, feminine, and refined tutu design. It wasn't all about the towering layers anymore; we started to see ballerinas floating on stage in much lighter, more ethereal-looking creations. Just imagine the delicate flutter of the fabric, the graceful swaying of the layers, the intricate detailing and that shimmering blush of pink, all caught in the spotlight, so perfect for catching those swooning sighs of adoration from the audience!

These changes, I discovered, were mainly driven by the increasing emphasis on female beauty and the desire for the ballerina to be both graceful and strong. Think of ballerinas like La Sylphide – those iconic graceful leaps, pirouettes, and fluttery, yet powerful moves are so effortlessly achieved in these elegant, lightweight tutus, highlighting their grace and technical prowess.

### A Date With Destiny: A Memorable Performance

Now, to make this 13th of December, 1887, even more exciting, I managed to squeeze myself into a wonderful performance! My eyes lit up with excitement – imagine, you could see the legendary Marius Petipa at the Paris Opera, creating ballets like "La Bayadere" and "The Sleeping Beauty" - and it was in that year, 1887, that this ballet debuted! This was truly a memorable moment – a pivotal date for ballet, an event worthy of #TutuTuesday! I sat in the plush seats and let the magic of ballet wash over me, with the ballerinas dancing gracefully on stage, each pirouette a spectacle of elegance.

To be perfectly honest, seeing "The Sleeping Beauty" on this date was like entering a whimsical fairy tale – every ballerina’s graceful moves, every detail in the costumes, every exquisite gesture – it was simply captivating! Even the way the music built and the lighting changed during each scene was breathtaking, but that moment where the Lilac Fairy descended onto the stage, a cloud of light and elegance... that’s when you truly understand the power of ballet and why I find this world so bewitching.

No visit to Paris, especially in the year 1887, would be complete without a trip down the elegant Parisian boulevards for a spot of shopping, wouldn’t you say? And what’s a Parisian boutique shopping spree without a visit to one of the beautiful dressmakers? My feet were barely on the pavement before I was whisked into a boutique, overflowing with layers of chiffon, silk, and satin. The place practically glowed with the excitement of creating something utterly beautiful!

Just imagine – rows and rows of delicate, ruffled tulle in every colour of the rainbow, the whisper of silk fabric as I touched it with my fingertips, the delicate, swirling layers of beautiful embroidery! As a tutu enthusiast, it’s just pure delight! I even picked up a little something for myself! You can’t resist those charming, handmade silk and lace trims. It's almost a sin to leave without something lovely for your tutu!

Speaking of my own little tutu-ed masterpiece - my travelling tutu was absolutely perfect for Paris in 1887! A sweet, classic shade of baby pink with swirls of pale green and the cutest little frills I could imagine, the very essence of "elegant with a hint of playful sparkle." You know what they say, "always accessorise your tutu!" It certainly added to the overall "Cinderella" aesthetic for the night!

After the ballet performance, and having picked up some truly spectacular treasures in those shops, the time had come to leave! I don’t mind telling you I was utterly heartbroken to leave the City of Lights! I would have danced until dawn, but a traveller never shies away from an adventure! And for a good ol’ fashioned ballet blogger, what could be more adventurous than hopping on a train?

As I hopped aboard the luxurious train, its wood panelling shining like polished jewels and its brass gleaming with golden allure, I savoured the view of the passing landscapes. I was surrounded by the aroma of hot chocolate and the genteel murmur of conversations in various languages – an enchanting blend of aromas and sights that transported me even further back in time. Every mile was an adventure!

Every journey through time and the dazzling world of ballet makes me love tutus even more, I truly believe tutus are the most joyful, the most expressive piece of attire imaginable, just perfect for showcasing the freedom and power of movement. And wouldn't it be magical if we could share this passion, embrace the beauty of movement and express it in this joyous dance form? That’s the beauty of #TutuTuesday, every week we celebrate this joyful garment – from those iconic layered creations to those playful and whimsical street style numbers, they're simply irresistible!

Why don't you share your own #TutuTuesday photos, videos or stories, my lovely ladies, and tell us what inspires you to love the tutu?

I've been told this pink tutu world isn't only for ballet, you can express your love of movement, dance, music, or art with your own personal #pinktutustyle. Let me see your unique way to express yourself and the joyous “pink tutu spirit.”

Now go and make those dreams a reality, and keep those twirling tutus going!

With all my love,

Emma