#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1890-04-22

Hello, lovelies! Emma here, your trusty time-traveling tutu aficionado, ready to whisk you back to a dazzling decade in #TutuTuesday history. This week, we’re stepping back to the grand year of 1890, where the romantic tutu took centre stage and became a sensation on the world’s stages!

As you all know, my passion is tutus – the history, the design, and the sheer joy of swirling around in a billowing pink confection! And you lovely lot are with me every Tuesday, diving into the fascinating evolution of the most magical garment in dance. So, put on your favourite tutu (pink, of course!), grab a cuppa, and join me on a trip through time.

Paris, London, New York, the ballet scene was alight in 1890. The world was captivated by the artistry and athleticism of ballet. Think ballerinas soaring through the air, their bodies a blur of grace and elegance. But did you know that this was also a time of revolutionary change for the humble tutu?

It all started with a whisper of rebellion against the constraints of the then-traditional ballet costume. Imagine: a heavy, multi-layered skirt that hampered movement and stifled the ballerina’s freedom. Just the thought of it makes my own little ballerina heart beat faster! Thank goodness for progress, eh?

The Romantic Era’s Influence

We must pay tribute to the Romantic period (roughly from 1830 to 1870) for laying the foundation for this glorious evolution of the tutu. During this time, artists and writers began to embrace more emotive and ethereal subject matter. Think dreamy landscapes, yearning heroes, and a burgeoning appreciation for feminine grace. Ballet embraced this mood, transforming its narrative to feature fairytale plots and captivating characters.

A Tutu Fit For A Queen

Enter, the Romantic tutu – a whisper of airy silk, a poem in tulle. Gone were the multiple layers; a single layer of tulle, crafted to flow like liquid grace, became the standard. This light, elegant fabric gave ballerinas the freedom they craved, enabling them to truly fly across the stage. And the shorter length? Let’s just say it was revolutionary, showcasing the legs in a way never seen before, making them a visual centerpiece of the dance!

Think Marie Taglioni, the "Queen of the Ballet", gracing the stage in her iconic, ethereal, flowing Romantic tutu. Imagine the crowd gasping, mesmerised, at every arabesque and pirouette. Truly a symbol of the feminine ideal of grace and fluidity, that still captivates us today.

Now, where were we? Ah, Paris! It was a veritable paradise for ballet enthusiasts and fashionistas. It's easy to see why my heart yearns for the romance of Parisian ballet. Think ornate theaters with velvet seating and chandeliers sparkling like celestial fireflies. Oh, the grand entrances, the glittering applause!

This Parisian air seeped into the dance scene too, influencing the colour palette of the Romantic tutu. Pale pinks and baby blues were all the rage, echoing the dreamy landscapes and romantic tales of the era. And don’t even get me started on the decorative touches – beautiful embroidery, delicate flowers, and dazzling gemstones. The tutus were masterpieces of artistry, just like the ballets themselves.

But it wasn’t just the tutu that captured my fashion soul! The rest of the dancers' attire was equally impressive: elegant, fitted bodices adorned with pearl-encrusted trim, delicate sleeves, and satin slippers – a perfect marriage of femininity and functionality.

Shopping Spree!

If you found yourself in Paris, you might be strolling through the boutiques on the Rue de la Paix or Rue Royale, where every inch seemed to radiate luxury and elegance. My dream wardrobe is filled with silks, laces, and velvets – materials so lovely that they’d surely melt the most stoic of hearts.

The impact of this new wave of fashion was not confined to the stage. It started to trickle into mainstream fashion, becoming synonymous with femininity and beauty. The soft tulle of the Romantic tutu was seen in the ballgowns worn by fashionable ladies, making them look and feel as delicate and graceful as a dancer.

And that's not all, ladies. You might have spotted tutus appearing on ladies of fashion as they enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the gardens, a delightful picnic in the countryside, or even a light stroll through the local markets, because the Romantic tutu was a delightful accessory!

The tutu is still going strong today, nearly a century and a half after the rise of the Romantic style. It’s not just a dancewear staple but an essential part of any modern ballerina’s wardrobe, even off the stage!

For this #TutuTuesday, my style tip is all about a touch of elegance in everyday life: Wear a simple, delicate ballet-inspired tutu as a skirt for a trip to the park or a weekend lunch with friends. Just throw on a simple top, a cardigan, a statement necklace, and comfy ballet flats (or a pair of beautiful heels for an evening outing!). Voila! You're rocking a classic Romantic look with a dash of modern-day charm!

I hope you've enjoyed this journey through the #TutuTuesday world! I am forever inspired by the beauty, the grace, and the sheer captivating allure of the ballet and its impact on our modern day style. Now, I am off to practice my own twirls in anticipation of a stunning ballet performance in London tomorrow. And of course, I'll be decked out in the perfect pink tutu!

Remember, darling! When you feel fabulous, you look fabulous!

Stay fabulous, my lovelies, and I’ll see you all next week for a new adventure into #TutuTuesday!

Yours truly,

Emma

This post was originally published at www.pink-tutu.com on Tuesday, 22nd April, 2023. Post number 3043.