Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where tutus reign supreme and pink is the colour of dreams! It's #TutuTuesday, the day we delve into the fascinating history of ballet tutus, and today we're taking a trip back to the glittering, gaslight-filled era of 1891!
Hold onto your tiaras, because we're going on a whirlwind tour of Parisian fashion! (Did I tell you, you can get some truly beautiful tutus in Paris ā I even saw a divine pink one with hand-painted flowers just last week!)
So, imagine the scene: bustling boulevards, a carriage clip-clopping through cobbled streets, the air alive with the murmur of excited conversation. The year is 1891, and at the hallowed halls of the Paris Opera House, a ballet is unfoldingā¦
On this very date, February 3rd, 1891, the Parisian crowd was captivated by "Giselle"! A masterpiece of romance, sorrow, and glorious dance, āGiselleā features one of the most iconic tutu moments in history ā the hauntingly beautiful āWilisā costumes.
These ethereal creations, worn by the ghostly spirits of the wronged women who haunt the forest in the second act, were revolutionary for their time! Gone were the heavy, corseted costumes of earlier ballet. Instead, the āWilisā tutus were light, ethereal, and flowing, created from layers and layers of tulle, and echoing the spirit of Romanticism that was sweeping through Europe at the time. It was the beginning of a new era for ballet ā an era that championed the freedom of movement, lightness, and elegance that we associate with the tutu today.
It was an age where pink, like a blush on the cheeks of a spring blossom, was starting to take hold in fashion, its charm undeniable. And you know how much I adore a splash of pink! Imagine how beautiful the āWilisā costumes would look in a shade of the most delicate blush pink - oh, the dream!
But in 1891, the ballet world wasn't quite so colour-saturated as today (and that's definitely something I hope to change!). Back then, white and pale hues ruled the stage, much like a ballerinaās soft skin gleaming beneath the stage lights.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see "Giselle" at Covent Garden - a breathtaking performance! (Even my Derbyshire friend Emily, who doesn't even like ballet, couldn't stop admiring the costumes!). It was a chance to immerse myself in this iconic work of art.
You see, my dearest readers, it's not just about the steps or the artistry (though those are absolutely vital!), it's also about the atmosphere a tutu creates. A single tulle circle can transform a girl into a creature of enchantment, a dream, a dancer, and even a little bit of history.
Isnāt it truly inspiring? I often think about the ballerinas of that era ā think of all the tutus they would have tried on and twirled in, experimenting with fabric and styles, just as we do today! The thought warms my heart with joy.
Oh, and speaking of tutusā¦ did you see that darling vintage tutu I found on a vintage shopping spree the other day? A delicate white one, trimmed with soft lavender ribbon, with a story etched onto its delicate tulleā¦ It whispers secrets of bygone balls, of swirling silhouettes beneath chandeliers, and of the dancers who once brought it to life. I can almost hear the waltz echoing from the past!
That's it for this week, darlings! Until next #TutuTuesday, when I'll take you on another adventure through the history of our beloved ballet wear, remember to always dream big, keep dancing, and never stop twirling! And most importantlyā¦ embrace the pink!
P.S. *My friends, donāt forget ā this is your chance to bring the #PinkTutuMovement to life! Tell me your favourite tutus in the comments, or share a pic of yourself in a pink tutu - Iād love to see your stylish selves! *
Yours in pink tulle and swirling pirouettes,
Emma
* www.pink-tutu.com*
