#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1897-05-04

Hello my lovelies! It’s your favourite time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post. Today we're diving deep into the history of the tutu, but this week's trip is extra special. We’re jetting off to 4th May 1897, a time where tutus were really starting to take the stage. And what better way to travel through time than in my darling pink tutu?

Honestly, I'm convinced I should start a campaign to make everyone wear tutus, like a walking, twirling ballet dress code. Can you imagine the sheer joy? Wouldn't the world be a bit brighter and more fun with a bit more fluff and frill?

So grab your fanciest teacups and your favourite scone, my dears, as we embark on our tutu-tastic journey!

Let's be honest, my dear readers, even before ballet was the epitome of grace and elegance we see today, there was an element of fashion-forward thinking in tutus. The shorter and tighter silhouette started evolving back in the 1830s with the introduction of the Romantic tutu – a lightweight and romantic affair perfect for depicting nymphs and ethereal figures.

Today's journey takes us to Paris, that glorious hub of all things stylish! 1897 was a very important year for a little number known as “La Belle Époque," meaning the Beautiful Era. Think Parisian cafes, boulevards lit with electric lights, and an absolute explosion of arts and culture – it was quite the fashionista moment in history.

On the 4th of May, there was a grand premiere, an opening of sorts for a dance academy. Can you guess where, my dears? That's right, we're at the École de Danse de l'Opéra, a Parisian academy with a very fancy address. Just imagine the flurry of tulle and silk in those opulent hallways. I can picture young ballerinas pirouetting and practicing their grand jetés! Oh, the exquisite ballet beauty.

The reason we're marking the date though is less about the school and more about who attended. Madame La Princesse Mathilde made a most auspicious visit to the École de Danse de l'Opéra, making it the hot topic of the day! Now, who is she?

Madame La Princesse Mathilde, or Princess Mathilde Bonaparte as she was known, was quite the intriguing figure, actually. You'd be surprised to hear that she wasn't just some posh lady, she was a lover of arts and fashion! In fact, she was quite the patron of many artistic and cultural figures at that time, a big friend of artists, designers, and dancers. Imagine tea parties with Monet or sketching portraits with Gustave Courbet! What an impressive friend group.

This wasn't her first rodeo either. She's famous for the salons that she hosted – fancy gatherings full of the most prominent folks of that era. I imagine there was a lot of gossiping and a touch of ballet talk, maybe even some tutus twirling! What an elegant occasion!

So, imagine my excitement, my dears, because if you have any appreciation for fashion and ballet, Princess Mathilde was a big deal. The beautiful dancer, Mademoiselle Emma Livry, got to dance before her. We know the history of ballerinas performing for Royalty, from Marie Antoinette to Queen Victoria.

Isn’t it exciting to be part of a lineage like this? Mademoiselle Emma Livry, she probably had the time of her life, strutting her stuff and twirling those luscious tulle skirts right before the Princess’ very eyes.

But this visit isn't just about tea with Princess Mathilde. It's a major turning point for fashion. A key moment that shapes ballet’s fashion, the fashion that I've loved since time immemorial! Princess Mathilde’s presence elevated ballet to an even higher echelon of elegance, a sort of chic status symbol! People saw ballet as even more desirable. They saw dancers with graceful limbs, the movement, the costumes – it was a cultural fever!

I think this little dance in 1897 is a crucial part of the tutu's story. We start to see a new, bolder silhouette that was all about the artistry, a visual explosion that could transport you straight into the realms of fancy!

In the years to come, this vision, this trend, took off and blossomed into something absolutely stunning. The tutu, that billowy creation, truly came to symbolize not just a dancer's movement, but also a certain type of femininity and grace that was beyond just fashion, it was an aura, an impression!

You can see a little glimpse of this in my collection of historical tutus! Imagine all those historical dances coming back to life. I often spend my time reminiscing over these antique delights! What a perfect escape from my crazy adventures across the decades. I often feel so transported. Oh, it's quite dreamy. But that, my dears, is the wonder of the tutu – they really have an enchanting effect.

And we all love the classic dance tutu shape. Let's remember this iconic image. It's an element of stage attire that endures time and fashion trends!

So, next time you see a tutu in all its glory – think of the rich heritage, and all the fashion revolutions! What other clothing item has the elegance and sheer wonder of the tutu? A question I think everyone agrees with, I'd love to hear what you think!

And my darling tutu lovers, don’t forget to check out our fabulous new tutu designs! They’re absolutely perfect for making a grand entrance. Be a showstopper just like the elegant dancers of that era.

Until next Tuesday, happy twirling!

Your dearest Emma, xxx

P.S. Do remember, wearing a pink tutu can really turn up the glam in your life. Let's fill the world with tutus – a little dose of whimsical delight for everyone.