Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your very own time-traveling tutu enthusiast, bringing you another slice of #TutuTuesday history from the fabulous website www.pink-tutu.com.
This week, we're twirling back to October 1st, 1889, a date that's got a real whiff of magic and a dash of oh-la-la! about it. Buckle your pointe shoes, darlings, we're going on a fashion journey!
Now, you all know I adore a good tutu. I mean, let's be real, there's nothing more empowering, graceful, and undeniably pink than a fabulous tulle skirt! And as I was hopping on my trusty time-machine (a wonderfully restored Victorian steam train, natch), I couldn't resist taking a peek at what the world of ballet was like back then.
The year is 1889, and we're in Paris. Oh, Paris! It’s a true ballet mecca – the centre of all things twirly and delicate! If you could see the ladies here – it’s all about long, flowing gowns with a little bit of flounce. Not yet those bold, structured tutus we know and love, darling. But you know me, I’m all about those beautiful historical layers. Think romantic, swirling gowns and delicate netting, a far cry from the bold modern styles we know today!
Can you imagine a whole world of tutus yet to be born? I certainly can’t! But we can celebrate what they were doing then, and appreciate how we've built on these early ideas. Imagine, 1889, a whole lifetime ago – yet with its own beautiful, swirling energy.
A Brief Ballet History Lesson (Tutu Time!)While the tutu we know today hasn't quite arrived in full force in our Paris 1889 scene, they’ve been in development for a while. The early versions, *a la * Marie Taglioni and her stunning 1832 performance of “La Sylphide”, were much longer, flowing things. Think soft clouds of tulle, whispering along the floor – absolutely romantic! It was around this time that we saw those beautiful billowing tutus begin to change, as dancers began seeking something a little more free. You can just picture them – light, flitting around the stage – it’s almost impossible not to smile, right?
The big players back in the 1880s are really starting to shape what we see in our modern-day tutu world.
- Anna Pavlova, the Russian ballerina who we all know and love for her sheer grace, she really embraced a softer approach. Think lighter tulle, a gentler silhouette.
- Isadora Duncan! She was one of the earliest trailblazers – an American rebel of her time! A free-spirited dancer who absolutely went against the grain! You'll find me writing about her a little more later on - the most important American figure of ballet who truly moved towards more free-flowing clothes and dance.
- The Ballets Russes came on the scene a little bit later, in 1909. And they were a truly revolutionary force! Think bolder tutus and more vibrant, structured silhouettes - those really came in a little later!
That whole late-1800s, early-1900s scene? Oh darling, it's pure ballet history! These women, the early ballerinas, they were visionaries, pushing the boundaries of what a dancer could wear, what a dancer could express! They've paved the way for every sparkly tulle and fluffy skirt we wear today – and what an incredible legacy it is, eh?
But What Else was Happening on October 1st, 1889?Well, it's a day to remember for two very important reasons, beyond our ballerina ballet! Firstly, we’ve got the inaugural flight of a French airship – la “La France.” Imagine, an airship! Floating gracefully across the sky. That's quite the moment for the history books, darling.
And secondly? We have the dedication of The Eiffel Tower! How thrilling! An engineering masterpiece - a must-visit when I hop back to 1889!
You can just picture it - all that beautiful wrought iron, and I'll just have to make sure my tutu flows perfectly in the breeze as I admire it from below! You know me, darling, it’s all about the perfect outfit, no matter the time period!
Pink-Tutu Thoughts and Tutu TipsWhat are you loving about the evolution of the tutu, darlings? Let’s talk!
It’s inspiring to see how the ballerina style evolved through these centuries – it really is a reflection of change, of women’s empowerment. Let me know what your favorite era for tutu styling is in the comments, lovelies! I’ll be off to buy more tulle! And of course, keep those eyes peeled for more #TutuTuesday history from www.pink-tutu.com every week! Don't forget to wear a pink tutu - because it's never not tutu time!
Until next week, darlings, stay twirling!
Emma x
