Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, darlings! This is Emma, your time-traveling tutu enthusiast, back for another delightful journey into the history of our beloved ballet costumes!
This week's #TutuTuesday takes us back to August 20th, 1889, and as I always say, the best way to travel through time is with a touch of sparkle and a whole lot of pink!
Before we dive into our tutu timeline, I simply have to confess, I just couldn't resist stopping for a bit of retail therapy in the lovely shops of Paris! Now, Parisians certainly know their fashion, and it was impossible not to be utterly charmed by the elegance of it all! Can you imagine? Silk bonnets, charmingly ruffled blouses, and the most glorious array of gloves! I picked myself up the most adorable little parasol with a cherry blossom design, perfect for a summer afternoon stroll. I just adore the whole Parisian scene – the fashion, the cafes, and oh, the exquisite pastry shops!
Speaking of Parisian flair, August 20th, 1889 was quite the day in Paris, wouldn't you agree? The Eiffel Tower was officially opened to the public, an astonishing spectacle of engineering and architectural genius! They tell me the French folks weren’t entirely sure about the tower initially, finding it somewhat “ugly.” Goodness! Such unrefined taste! To me, the tower simply speaks of the ambition and innovation of this incredible city. Oh, but I am getting carried away. I have promised to speak of our tutu history, so let's get back to that!
Now, I know many of you adore the Romantic era for its ethereal and flowing tutus. This is the era we often associate with our romantic ideas of ballerinas twirling like fairies! But 1889, darlings, we are already on the cusp of something utterly fabulous. We're moving towards the Classical era and the elegant simplicity of a dancer’s movement taking centre stage. You know, it's all about those crisp lines, the beautiful control, the exquisite grace.
On August 20th, 1889, we see ballerinas showcasing some of the most spectacular examples of the Romantic era tutus. I mean, the length, the layers of tulle… it’s pure poetry! Think Marie Taglioni, her captivating performance in La Sylphide. These are the tutus that helped to solidify ballet as an art form full of romanticism, of whimsical fairy tales coming to life.
But keep your eye on the changing trends! We are beginning to see tutus shifting to shorter, lighter, and more sculpted designs – those perfectly shaped cones that allow for the incredible feats of dance in this classical era. As the stage evolves, so do our costumes. Remember that beauty is about movement, not just fluff – and the classical tutu allows dancers to express that movement in a truly remarkable way!
As I mentioned earlier, I have travelled to Paris to enjoy some of the incredible ballet performances here! It is impossible to not be completely enthralled by the artistry of the ballerinas! They bring the graceful, flowing movements of this period to life. This era celebrates precise steps and flawless execution, creating a visual poetry on the stage! The choreography during this period - ah! Such incredible movement!
My journey continues tomorrow as I head to Derbyshire, England! Oh, I am looking forward to indulging in a delightful slice of Bakewell Tart. Yes, it will be quite the adventure, especially considering how I funded my trip with another breathtaking performance!
But remember darlings! Don’t forget to check in next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday!
I have a little secret – I've been planning something super exciting. I have been gathering the most fantastic selection of tutu pictures from across history and even some stunning illustrations of the most famous dancers! My very own collection of Ballet Tutu history, and my, it is going to be spectacular!
Until next time, stay pink, stay twirling, and most importantly, stay fashionable!
Love, Emma
PS. If you're in the Derbyshire area and you happen to spot a pink tutu twirling around, why, that just might be me! Do come and say hello, I always love to make new friends! And please remember to post all your beautiful tutus with #PinkTutu! I love seeing them!
