#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1898-12-13

Hello lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu! I’m so excited to be here in Paris today, a city that's as beautiful and romantic as its ballet dancers!

This week’s #TutuTuesday is taking us right back to 1898. It’s December 13th, and you know what that means? It's the day before my favourite holiday - Christmas! ❄️

Today I'm getting in the festive spirit with a pink tulle number, sparkling with sequins, just right for a trip to the Opera Garnier. It’s my favourite time of year – all the Christmas markets with the smell of spiced wine, the shops adorned with beautiful displays, the snow lightly falling… it’s a fairytale, and a truly wonderful time to see a ballet.

Of course, the highlight of my Paris trip is definitely the ballet! 🩰 The Opéra de Paris, or as I like to call it, ‘my happy place’ has been absolutely bursting with magical ballet shows ever since I arrived. It’s almost like I’ve been transported to the middle of a fairy tale!

Speaking of fairy tales, did you know that the tutus we see today - these ethereal, whimsical creations that seem to float and twirl with such effortless grace - have a fascinating history?

Let's step back in time to the mid-19th century, before those frilly delights were swirling about the stages of the world!

You know how much I adore tutus - how much I dream of them and wish the entire world would join in my obsession and embrace the twirl-worthy magic! But you know what? Things weren’t always like this, darling! Back in the day, ballerinas, though undeniably talented and graceful, were a little… well, restricted. Their skirts were long, heavy, and definitely didn’t lend themselves to graceful leaps or effortless pirouettes.

Luckily, Marie Taglioni, a true revolutionary in ballet (not just for wearing all-white but for liberating ballerinas!), shook things up back in 1832! 🤸‍♀️

Marie debuted a revolutionary skirt design – a simple, knee-length white skirt that allowed her a degree of freedom, showing off her movement. It wasn’t quite the tutu we know and love today, but it was definitely a giant step in the right direction! And this, my darling, was a major turning point for the tutu's journey!

From there, things really began to evolve. You can think of the tutu like a snowflake, darling! No two are quite the same! But, just as with a snowflake, it is always unique, graceful and magical!

By the late 19th century, tutu designs had come a long way! Ballerinas were beginning to wear the shorter, layered tutu that would eventually become the symbol of ballet we adore. These tutus - imagine delicate layers of fabric, soft and breezy like a feather on a summer breeze! - they really accentuated the dancers’ moves, adding to their beauty. The evolution of the tutu from its early days to this point was almost magical – from restricting and clunky to airy and enchanting! ✨

It was in the early 1900s, a mere few years from this 1898 visit of mine, that the tutu really blossomed! Imagine a graceful dance in a sparkling cloud of tulle, every movement capturing the eye - those magical twirls! The iconic tutus of the early 1900s were all about flowing lines, and oh those twirls! Those moments when the tutu catches the stage lights are simply spellbinding!

And let’s not forget, even when things change - think different fabrics, lengths, or colors - those basic ideas from the early years remain - and the tutu evolves and thrives. Every single style reflects its own period - a story woven in delicate layers of tulle. Isn't that beautiful?

But you know what’s truly fascinating about the tutu, dear readers? It’s more than just a garment. It’s a symbol! The tutu has transcended ballet and become an enduring image of grace, artistry, and even femininity! 💃 I dare say, it's hard to find a ballet tutu that doesn’t instantly capture your imagination! It evokes an instant feeling of wonder. You just know it’s going to lead to a performance you’ll never forget!

And the truth is, that feeling, darling, is what drew me to ballet! It's been my lifeblood since I was little, twirling in a tea-stained sheet in my mum's little Derbyshire garden. Just remember – that magical feeling can happen anywhere, anytime! It doesn't take a fancy stage. You can have your own tutu moments every day!

I can’t help myself, dear readers - I absolutely love the history of the tutu. The fact that it’s evolved so much, yet still represents the very heart and soul of ballet, is truly something magical.

So, as I say “Adieu!” for now, don’t forget, tutus are much more than just a dress!

Now, go forth, lovely readers! Find your inner ballerina and let the world see your magical moves!

And remember, it’s never too late to wear a pink tutu!

Love always,

Emma 🎀

And there we go, my lovelies - just another fun tutu journey into the history of this iconic piece of ballet fashion! What's YOUR favourite tutu moment? Did you ever dance as a child? Let me know! See you next week!

This is my blog on ballet and the history of tutus at www.pink-tutu.com