#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1898-06-07

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another edition of your favourite #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm Emma, your time-travelling tutu-obsessed blogger, straight from the heart of Derbyshire, England! And let me tell you, I've been flitting about in time again, this week landing on June 7th, 1898. Can you believe it?!

This week's blog is extra special, because we're venturing back to the golden age of ballet, a time when tutus were taking the stage by storm. It’s time to get out our lace-trimmed petticoats and twirl back into the enchanting world of ballet history! 💅 This post is number 3467, so you know you're in for a real treat!

Today's time-travel destination is, of course, Paris! Oh, the sheer magic of Parisian theatre life! Even in 1898, Paris was buzzing with excitement for the latest ballet productions. We're talking grand theaters, sparkling costumes, and intricate choreography that would make your head spin!

Can you imagine a life of luxurious Parisian opera houses, stunning fashion, and dazzling ballet performances? I know I can! I bet the Café de Paris was brimming with gossiping dancers, musicians, and artists alike, all sporting the most incredible outfits, discussing the newest ballet trends.

Now, while it’s easy to get swept up in the grandeur of Paris, remember this, tutues were just as much a part of the ballet scene everywhere in the world at this time. Imagine London's Covent Garden, with the audience hushed as ballerinas pirouetted across the stage, or imagine New York’s Metropolitan Opera House! You can just picture it, can’t you? Tutus twirling their way across the world, captivating hearts everywhere they went!

But let’s return to our darling Paris. What was going on in the world of ballet on June 7th, 1898? Well, my dear fashion-forward friends, imagine if you could take a seat in the plush velvet seats of the Opéra Garnier, watching “Giselle”, a ballet as classic as a perfect tutu.

It was first performed in 1841, and it had already captured the hearts of Europe. Think romantic and dramatic, the essence of classic tutus, but also showcasing the delicate artistry of ballerinas – the embodiment of a timeless masterpiece!

On the same day, across Paris, The Theatre Châtelet, was hosting “Coppélia,” another beloved ballet! This whimsical piece about a charming toymaker and his extraordinary creation was a true celebration of French ballet, a captivating piece filled with playful dances and breathtaking costumes, and the perfect showcase for elegant tutus in their glory.

And you know what’s so magical about tutus? They come in all styles, just like our own! In “Giselle”, the ballerina’s delicate movements showcase the simplicity of the romantic tutus – those flowing layers and airy, diaphanous skirts. Imagine these graceful swirls!

Meanwhile, in “Coppélia,” the ballerinas twirl and pirouette in tutus brimming with color and detail, adorned with elegant ruffles, shimmering embroidery, and ribbons, embodying the joyful energy of the performance. Each movement tells a story, a symphony of silk and motion.

And don’t think that it’s all about elegance, ladies! You see, there are tutus perfect for a dramatic dance, like those with shimmering gold accents, a striking red, or even those with elaborate embroidery - perfect for dramatic dances like “La Bayadère." Then there are those romantic tutus for slower ballets, a soft pastel blue, a pretty pink, or a classic ivory. There are even tutus specifically made for leaping and bouncing – perfect for lighter pieces! And each tells its own story through dance, a story of love, wonder, and the magic of movement.

As I step back into the modern day, I find myself pondering – is there anything more beautiful than the story of ballet, the way these amazing ballerinas in their magnificent tutus transform themselves and take our breath away? I simply love tutus and how their design evolved over time to match the changes in ballet!

And while I’m reminiscing about my Parisian adventures, let’s remember the enchanting side of the story – the fashion, darlings! A trip to a Parisian dressmaker would be an absolute must for any stylish lady in 1898, and that’s where we discover our first glimpse of tutus outside of the theatre world! The fashions of the era reflected that beautiful ballet spirit –think ruffled gowns, flowing skirts, and layers of elegant fabric, the epitome of Parisian chic!

The elegance of a flowing satin dress, or even a silk scarf around the shoulders with a cascade of ruffles? A glimpse into the elegant femininity of the time – and just imagine that! Our very own tutu looks on the streets! You’ll be seeing some inspiration from those days in upcoming #TutuTuesday posts, so stay tuned for more fashionable tips!

Now, it’s time to slip back through my time portal – but let's remember the lessons from the glorious time of June 7th, 1898. The captivating elegance of tutus on stage, the dazzling style on the streets, and the magical world of dance that brings joy and wonder. Remember, there’s no such thing as too much sparkle, too much frill, or too much tulle! 💖

So, grab your favourite pink tutu, twirl to your heart’s content, and keep an eye out for our next #TutuTuesday adventure! See you next week!

*Your Time-Traveling Tutu-Lover, *

Emma 💖