#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1896-12-08

Greetings, my lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to whisk you away to another magical era in the world of tutus. Today, we’re stepping back to 8 December 1896, a day packed with grace and elegance, just like a twirling ballerina!

As you all know, my passion for pink tutus is only rivalled by my obsession with all things ballet history! This week, my trusty time machine landed me in the heart of Paris, where the world of ballet was buzzing with exciting new trends! It was a truly glorious time to be a tutu-loving fashionista!

Now, you may be surprised to hear that in 1896, the tutu, far from being a symbol of dainty grace, was considered quite scandalous! 🤯 Imagine that - my darling, dreamy tutu, a source of controversy! Apparently, "tutu" was a slang term back then, meaning "tumbledown" or "worn out". Yikes!

But despite the slang, let's face it, the tutu was already winning hearts (and captivating gazes) on stage! It had moved beyond just a stage costume and started to influence real-life fashion! 💅 Think swirling fabrics, light and airy designs, and the freedom of movement!

And as you all know, nothing makes me happier than a ballerina who can pirouette with the utmost grace and freedom! 🥰

So, let’s have a quick peek at what made the tutu such a star on that particular day in Paris.

On the 8th of December 1896, Parisian audiences were treated to a performance of Tchaikovsky’s "The Nutcracker", a ballet classic even today! 🥜 Imagine that - the iconic story we love and adore, right there in the heart of Paris!

Now, I might not have had the pleasure of attending a performance back then, but you can bet your bottom dollar that the tutus were as gloriously beautiful as a snowfall in December! 😍 Just the image of those intricate designs, shimmering under the stage lights, sets my heart fluttering.

Speaking of fluttering... Have you all seen the latest designs at Ballet Boutique? 🤩 They've just unveiled a new line of “Nutcracker inspired tutus” and I’m simply in love! They've got classic ivory, with hints of red and gold, and some seriously pretty velvet accents. Don’t worry, darling, I’ll be doing a full review in my next blog post - I couldn’t resist adding a couple of new tutus to my collection. 🤫

And you know, the most fabulous thing about the tutus of this period? The dancers started wearing more colour! Goodbye monochrome and hello vivid pinks, blues, and even hints of shimmering gold! ✨ My dear, my heart was doing pirouettes when I saw these colours come alive on stage!

Imagine all that sparkle and whimsy, just like a princess dreaming of a perfect waltz! Now that’s a performance I would have loved to see!

It’s not just about the stage, darling! The Parisian ladies were also taking cues from the tutu's romantic, flowing lines! Think light fabrics, shimmering silks, and delicate trims! This period marked a time when women wanted to move, to express themselves freely through fashion. And I think the tutu was just the ticket for inspiring them! 👠

And if we’re talking trends, it was a big year for ballet slippers as well! 🩰 Imagine delicate shoes with a soft, rounded toe - all the more elegant and refined! They even started adding embroidery, ribbons and bows to the slippers! So much grace and charm, all tucked into one delightful package.

This fascination with the tutu spilled over into everyday fashion. Ladies would wear full skirts with petticoats, like miniature ballerinas ready for their daily promenade! It was all about adding that touch of grace and femininity, much like the dancers on stage.

And can we talk about pink! 💖 My darling, I feel like my soul mate found her perfect match! Pink was starting to become a very fashionable colour, much to my delight!

Now, I don't think I can be any happier about pink gaining popularity! Just imagine a world full of delightful pink tutus! Oh my! My heart simply melts at the thought of it! 💖

The tutu's allure wasn’t just a Parisian phenomenon, though! Its graceful embrace was reaching across continents, sparking imaginations all over the world!

Now, I’m on a mission to spread the love of the tutu and the power of pink across every corner of this wonderful globe! And what better way to do it than by stepping back in time and discovering all those amazing eras where the tutu shined brightly?

As you all know, my blog is a platform for us all to connect and explore our love for the tutu. So tell me, darling, what are your favourite things about tutus?

And remember, my dears, every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday! So grab your prettiest tutu, put on a smile, and let’s get dancing together! ✨

Until next week, my darlings! Stay fabulous! 💖

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com