#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1891-05-12

Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, back with another instalment of your favourite tutu history blog!

This week I’m skipping back in time to 12th May 1891, a most enchanting day for tutus! Let me take you on a journey by train, filled with excitement and fabulous fashions to the heart of Paris! That's where the magic happens, darlings, the city that breathes and lives ballet!

Paris is buzzing, all those glamorous ladies and gents rushing about with their shopping baskets. There's a buzz in the air. Did I tell you I adore this city? It's bursting with new fashions!

And my dear readers, if you had told someone back in the day to pop out to the shops in a tutu - they’d think you were mad! Thankfully, the tutu remains solely within the realm of ballet. Can you imagine rocking a pink tutu to the market for some fresh asparagus, or to pick up a pint of milk? The grocer would certainly raise an eyebrow, and not in a good way! 😉

The year 1891 marks a significant milestone for ballet and its costumes! Just think, the Romantic era of ballet, with those floaty ethereal tutus, had passed just a little while earlier! A brand new period of style was about to unfold, and guess what?! The focus was shifting from the Romantic Era's emphasis on ethereal beauty and movement, to something altogether more ...well...modern!

We're talking classical ballet now darlings. That's the kind we see all over the world on grand stages, the sort where our talented dancers jump, leap, twirl, and show off all their stunningly controlled and athletic abilities!

For our modern ballets, tutus were going through their own evolution. Out with the long, flowing skirts! They were still being made from tulle (but just the right type for showing off each and every beautiful line and curve) and adorned with an array of colours, sequins, beads and beautiful beading.

Gone were the bouffant, fuller skirts that defined the earlier Romantic tutus. Now they're flatter, closer-fitting - really showing off that ballerina figure! Imagine how this changes the whole look and feel of a performance!

These more modern Classical tutus became a sensation. Why? Because they allowed the dancer's body, its shape, strength and movements, to become the star of the show!

Imagine the impact these new, slimmer, shorter tutus had on the ballet world! I mean, can you picture it? All those talented ballerinas showcasing their skill, strength and artistry! They became more flexible, more graceful, and dare I say...more stunningly attractive than ever! 🤩 The new Classical tutus allowed the graceful dancers to soar through the air in leaps, twirls and intricate moves!

Back on the streets of Paris, Grand Opera House is buzzing, and there’s a reason. My oh my! This is where you find the pinnacle of ballet – a whole night out, a spectacle, a world of costumes and magical dancing! I just adore ballet!

In the beautiful French capital, ballet is the hottest thing going, a popular entertainment and an esteemed art form. There are lots of performances throughout the season, which lasts from October to June, so if you're coming for a visit, you have to take advantage! You never know who you might see perform – it could be the greatest ballerinas of all time, just waltzing onto the stage for you! Imagine that! ✨

Oh my, and have I told you about the costume shops in Paris?! Gorgeous fabrics, elaborate designs – a place to lose yourself in the magic of theatre! It’s just like a real fairytale for me. I find it so hard to contain myself from trying on every tutu in the whole city! The excitement of picking the perfect colour and shade, the thrill of trying on an elaborate feathered boa! I really adore it all, all those fancy trims and the soft tulle fabric – ahhh! It's magical! 🩰

The fashion and flair of the times was positively breathtaking – the high necklines, the exquisite silks, the corsets… it's like you’ve stepped into an historical painting! The world just looks different, doesn't it? So full of elegance!

Well, my loves, this has been such an exciting trip back in time, and my Tutu-Tuesday History adventures continue next week. Until then, do keep following me on #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com.

P.S. Remember - Every day is Tutu Tuesday, right?! Go on, find the **pinkest tutu you can find and step out in style! 😉

Yours in twirls,

Emma ✨