#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1896-03-31

Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, darling dears! This week, we’re whisking ourselves back in time, all the way to March 31st, 1896. Fancy a grand journey on the Orient Express?

Before we embark, I simply must thank you for making this the 3353rd post on my little corner of the internet! And it’s all thanks to your delightful love of all things pink, tutu, and ballet.

Now, imagine Paris – the air buzzing with artists, poets, and yes, even ballerinas! Think flowing gowns, grand opera houses, and whispers of “nouveau riche.” The Belle Epoque, as it’s so beautifully called, was in full swing. It was a time of great artistic expression, of flamboyant colours, and, my absolute favourite, – the evolution of the tutu.

In 1896, we weren’t quite sporting the super-short, multi-layered, fabulousness we know and love today. Back then, it was all about romanticism. Think wispy, billowing layers, reaching just below the knee. They were like tulle clouds floating across the stage.

What was the ballet world obsessed with in those days? Well, think Giselle, the heartbreakingly beautiful story of love, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of grief. The costume? Romantic, ethereal, and oh-so-dreamy. We’re talking gauzy fabric, often in pastel shades, perfect for conveying the sheer emotion of the story.

Speaking of pastels – that was the colour palette du jour! Think dreamy lilac, soft pinks, buttery yellows, and creamy white. They captured that sense of ethereal beauty. Now, as a pink enthusiast myself, I simply adore this period!

Now, let's step onto the Parisian stage and take in the grand ballets happening on this very day, 31st March 1896. The Paris Opéra, at its grandest, would have been showing off its stars, with Marius Petipa’s work a surefire highlight. Petipa, you see, was the choreographer to know. He helped shape the grand, opulent ballets we all love today.

Speaking of ballerinas – oh, darling, don’t even get me started on their talent. With names like Anna Pavlova, and the stunning Olga Preobrajenska, who are dancing and what a spectacle it must have been!

While ballet captivated our hearts, fashion itself was undergoing a transformation! Think the Gibson Girl – that iconic image of the ideal feminine figure. With sleek, fashionable gowns with cascading layers, she embodied that delicate Belle Epoque grace.

Now, I wouldn’t dream of leaving this fabulous time period without bringing back a few key fashion trends for us modern tutus lovers! Here’s a snippet:

• *Think *long gloves, in lace, velvet, or silk. **
• Embrace *silhouettes with beautiful, flowing lines, evoking that sense of femininity. *
• And how can I resist – swoon over an overturned collar, adding a touch of drama to even the simplest dress!

Remember, my dears, this blog comes to you courtesy of time travel! This week, the Orient Express took me right back to 1896. There is no feeling in the world like pulling up to the Gare de Lyon station in Paris, in a full, cascading tutu, with all the fashionable folk giving me looks of delight, or maybe confusion! But that’s a good confusion, darling!

Don’t be afraid to add a dash of pink into your life! If there’s a way to find pink tutus for all, even a vintage twist to match this glorious period, we can celebrate all the pink! This week, darling dears, as you browse vintage stores or perhaps discover your local theatre has a ballet on, embrace a touch of that 1896 style.

Until next week! Let’s keep the pink flowing!

Love,

Emma x

*P.S. Have a Tutu-rific Tuesday! *