#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1896-11-17

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back again with another #TutuTuesday dive into the fascinating history of the ballet tutu!

I just returned from a delightful journey to Paris, my second home! Honestly, I could get lost in the city of lights forever. The streets, the sights, the fashion! This week, my travels took me to 1896, a truly exciting time in dance history!

As a dancer at heart, my travel journal always has a special section for all things ballet, especially when I visit the Opéra Garnier, which was as dazzling and magnificent as ever! The grandeur and elegance of the building are truly breathtaking. I just love the incredible architectural detail and the ornate interior - simply divine. Imagine my delight when I saw La Belle Hélène, a delightful comic opera! It felt like stepping straight into a Parisian ballet!

But speaking of ballet… What happened to the tutu in the late 19th century? Oh darling, the story gets more exciting!

We must travel back to the Romantic era in ballet (around the 1830s to the late 1870s). During this time, the “Romantic tutu” took centre stage! It's what we consider the classic "tutu" shape we all adore today! The Romantic era, with its passion for the sublime and the supernatural, inspired new trends in dance. Gone were the long skirts of the previous era. Ballet suddenly felt so airy and light! Imagine fluttering like a bird onstage!

Now, remember this: 1896 sits right on the precipice between the Romantic Era and the arrival of the short "tutu." It's truly an exciting turning point in history! The tutu as we know it is finally evolving, moving from its romantic beginnings to become the grand ballerina's symbol of grace and beauty!

So, what is it about the "Romantic tutu" that I just adore? Well, it's all about movement! Imagine delicate and elegant swirling movement as the dancers soar and pirouette on stage.

The "Romantic tutu" was crafted to accentuate the graceful movement of the leg. Picture the dancer's lovely line from their hips to their feet as the layers of tulle flow beautifully around them!

It’s a ballet fashion statement – so effortlessly chic!

Think: light as air! The skirts, often five or six layers deep, were constructed of tulle or net, making them feather-light and ethereal! Such beautiful craftsmanship! Imagine all those layers flowing with every turn!

Then came the arrival of the “short tutu,” as it’s famously known, which revolutionized the world of ballet! A shorter and tighter version of its predecessor! Think: the tutu shape that we see on our favourite dancers today. A simple design with graceful curves, so pretty!

A special mention to my beloved Marie Taglioni, the Queen of ballet during the Romantic era, who dared to show her ankles on stage! Such courage and pioneering spirit! This was revolutionary for a dancer, paving the way for more exciting movement and leaps!

These "short" tutus continued to inspire a flurry of change and experimentation within the world of ballet. In 1887, the stunning La Bayadère by Marius Petipa wowed the world! Imagine: ethereal ballerinas swirling and twirling on stage, wearing tutus as if they were made of sunshine!

Speaking of fashion… you should see the stunning gowns I wore during my Parisian travels in 1896! It was an incredible time for elegance and grace! Long flowing silhouettes were so en vogue! From corseted bodices to elaborate flounces – and those incredible feathered hats! Darling, the style was simply delightful!

For a stylish, chic look, imagine a fitted gown with delicate lace detailing, combined with a chic straw hat or a feathered toque! What a classic pairing! And we simply cannot forget those exquisite sable and mink fur jackets worn on chilly Parisian evenings! So decadent!

Paris in 1896 was simply magnificent, so bursting with fashion and life! From the grandeur of the Grand Palais to the bustling cafes of Montmartre, my senses were simply overwhelmed!

Palais Garnier, the Opera House, is my favourite spot. I felt like royalty visiting such a magnificent palace, where dance, music, and fashion mingled in glorious harmony. It’s where I purchased the perfect rose-hued cashmere scarf! I couldn’t resist it. So soft!

My wanderings also took me to the world-famous Galeries Lafayette, a department store that left me completely breathless. Such opulence! A magnificent showcase of fashion and beauty trends – simply unforgettable! I love spending hours amongst the Parisian boutiques, taking in the latest trends and the divine Parisian fashion sense!

I must tell you about Les Deux Magots, one of the most famous cafes in all of Paris, frequented by artists, writers, and poets! Oh, darling! This café was so charming. I sipped a delicious latte (such an inventive blend!), surrounded by fascinating characters - true Parisian chic!

Remember my darlings: it's the passion for dance, history, fashion, and travel that fuels my journeys! The magic of history, coupled with the vibrant atmosphere of fashion, and of course, ballet, always sends me swooning. Remember to live life with panache and style!

And darling, always, wear a pink tutu. They will make your dreams come true!

I’ll see you next Tuesday, for a new #TutuTuesday!

**Yours truly,

Emma**

P.S. If you're looking for a pink tutu that matches your unique personality, remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com. You will find an incredible range of pink tutus, in shades of candy floss, blush, and rose - there's a tutu for every dance and every occasion! I can't wait to see your twirls!

This is just a starting point - let me know if you'd like me to develop any of these sections further, add specific ballet historical information, or add specific 1896 historical events!

Let me know what else you would like to add, and we can make this blog post sparkle even more!