#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1894-05-22

Bonjour, my darlings! It’s Emma here, back with another edition of your weekly dose of tutu history. This Tuesday I’m waltzing all the way to Paris, the City of Lights, the home of couture and all things beautiful! Oh, and did I mention the delicious pastries?! It’s just the best! I love going to the theatre in Paris – the air just crackles with excitement, with people rushing to see the latest operas and ballets.

Now, you might think it strange, but we’re not actually here to talk about the exquisite ballet productions happening in the grand theatres. Instead, we’re going to travel back in time… way back to 1894 – nearly 130 years ago! On the 22nd of May in this year, something special happened in Paris that I believe we need to talk about… it’s something that makes our hearts dance, that puts the twinkle in our eyes and the pep in our step – the humble tutu!

Oh darling, the world of fashion was abuzz in 1894! In this golden age of elegant ball gowns and perfectly fitted corsets, we were all a little smitten with beautiful clothes, and nowhere more so than in Paris. That’s why a rather fascinating event was taking place right here on 22nd of May – the Paris premiere of Le Corsaire. A ballet, my dears, and the very first one in a very, very long time to feature the “tutu” we all adore! I tell you, you just can’t deny the sheer joy a tutu brings to any ballerina! The audience was going absolutely bonkers for the dancers in their magnificent costumes. Imagine a flurry of silk, a cloud of tulle, and, of course, the oh-so-romantic feel of a tutu… oh, what a sight it must have been!

I swear I could have pictured myself there with all the fashionable folks in the audience! Can you imagine seeing a tutu like that for the first time? Honestly, the excitement must have been just off the scale! Imagine your excitement when you see your very first tutu! Well, darling, I imagine this premiere brought just as much delight!

This ballet, Le Corsaire, wasn’t the first ever ballet, darling. Ballets have been around since the Renaissance, believe it or not, in places like Italy. In fact, this one was even a revival – it was based on a very old poem about a pirate. You know I adore pirates, the adventure! This revival, however, brought with it the most magical touch of all - the tutu as we know it today.

Think of this like an elegant, graceful little fashion revolution! They weren’t just a new addition to a dancer’s wardrobe - they were like a new kind of ballet in themselves! Suddenly, ballerinas were floating on stage, looking like fairy creatures, graceful and elegant, with their tutus making them almost appear as if they were gliding over the stage rather than dancing. It was like magic, darling! No more cumbersome and heavy dresses! They were replaced with a fabric dream: short, airy, and flowing – the perfect way to showcase those fabulous, strong legs! And oh my goodness, have you seen those poses! Those leaps and twirls with their beautiful tutus were, let’s just say, spectacular!

So there you have it! May 22nd, 1894, marks the first time a classic ballet embraced the modern tutu. A little piece of fashion history!

Let’s talk about these little wonders. Oh my dear! There are so many colours to choose from and such incredible varieties. Every dancer, every occasion, every style is meant for a certain tutu. They come in all shapes and sizes! They’re so fabulous! Think fluffy, think delicate, think full, think bouncy! And can you believe how soft the tulle feels?! My personal favourite is the fluffy, pink tutus! Squeals with delight. You see me prancing around the shops, choosing my perfect pink tutu and then twirling around like a giddy child! You just can’t beat the magic of a perfectly crafted, luxurious tutu! I imagine they just shimmered in that warm Parisian lighting in the theatre in 1894. It makes me swoon!

As for my style… I tend to opt for the Romantic tutu, with layers and layers of fluffy, bouncy tulle. You see, I like to be a vision of loveliness - romantic and elegant - my heart sings with each step!

So if you ever have the opportunity, darling, get yourself down to the theatre. But not just any theatre. Go for the grand Parisian opulence, and look for the ballerina in the pink tutu. Remember the Parisian premiere of Le Corsaire in 1894! It marks a special moment, my lovelies. That’s how I make history and make the world more fashionable, one tutu at a time. Remember my darlings, life is an exciting dance, and we can wear the most fabulous tutus on the dance floor! And my favourite? Why pink, of course!

Until next time, darling, I leave you to get those tutus spinning and the magic swirling in your dreams. Keep an eye out for more fabulous history moments next Tuesday!

Emma!

(Pink hearts and tutu emojis galore!)