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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1899-02-14

Tutu Tuesday: A Victorian Whirlwind of Pink! #3503

Greetings, dearest readers! Emma here, your whimsical time-travelling tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on a pink-hued journey to the captivating world of ballet history! This week, I’ve travelled all the way back to 14th February, 1899, and let me tell you, my friends, even then, romance was in the air, just like it is today! It's Valentine’s Day, a time for love, chocolates, and… well, let's just say pink tutus seem very appropriate, don't you think?

Speaking of pink, my dear readers, you won’t believe the amazing colour combinations I've been seeing in Paris this week. It’s the place to be for all things fashionable and it’s where all the best tutus come from! They’re a veritable symphony of blush pinks, pastel peaches, and the most delicate lavender shades you could imagine. All embellished with sequins, silk flowers and delicate bows. Truly divine!

But today, we're going deeper than just the dazzling fashion. We're talking history! This special Tuesday, my #TutuTuesday travels take us to a pivotal year for ballet. You see, in this very year, the renowned French ballerina, Carlotta Grisi, was enjoying a stellar career, but her most memorable performances, the ones that set hearts aflutter (and inspire my pink tutu choices, of course), took place earlier, in the 1840s! She was a real trendsetter back then, her performances, captivating the world with a truly innovative and dramatic approach to the dance form. I do adore a little dramatic flourish, don’t you?

But let's talk about the tutu, shall we? The iconic garment was, of course, born a little earlier than our current date – the Romantic tutu, with its short, fluffy form, making its debut in the 1830s, just a few years prior. But just like a delicate blossom unfolding in the springtime, its popularity grew like wildfire during the 1840s, catching the attention of even the most esteemed critics. Imagine! What began as an innovative stage piece, a sign of change and a beautiful departure from traditional dress styles, became a symbol of ballet’s evolving beauty. Talk about a revolutionary change, eh?

Imagine yourself back then, darling readers. The stage is bathed in soft lighting, a romantic ambience, the curtain rises… and there, standing centre stage is Carlotta Grisi, an ethereal vision in her billowing white tutu. Can you picture it? The crowd holds its breath. This is no mere dance performance, it's art, a dramatic story told through the language of movement, an exquisite expression of passion. And for those watching in the theatre, this graceful tutu serves as the visible evidence of the emotional journey taking place, a story in motion! How clever!

Oh, it was in 1832, just seven years before today’s date, that Grisi brought her dazzling performance, "La Sylphide," to the London stage, sparking a craze for Romantic ballet and those iconic short, puffy, tutus – a captivating ballet form I could only dream of in my day! The tutus made their presence known with a beautiful flurry of fabric and elegance. It’s all a touch theatrical, my darlings, like a lovely drama you can enjoy right in front of you.

Now, as we travel back from our Victorian era venture, let's remember, dear readers, the Romantic Tutu had a long reign in the realm of ballet. Its airy form served as a vital catalyst in changing the world’s perception of what a tutu truly meant. Its delicate beauty was born out of innovation, pushing boundaries, and, dare I say it, making a statement. A pink statement. Oh, yes, if I could turn back time, I’d be in those 1840s audiences, cheering on the likes of Grisi and her spectacularly elegant tutus, pink, of course!

This week, however, I’m back to present day Derbyshire. There’s a lovely theatre production on today and I simply can’t wait. I'll be off on the train shortly – they’re much more fun these days, even with all the new safety regulations, but at least I get to look stylish when travelling in my pink tutu - they make a lovely statement. Then, I’ll be at the ballet box office picking up tickets to the performance. As a special bonus for you, my dearest readers, there’s a delightful charity fashion show happening on Friday, and it’s dedicated to promoting a more diverse range of body sizes and embracing all types of beauty, whether it’s on the ballet stage or simply walking down the street! Talk about celebrating individual style and a lovely excuse to indulge in a little fashion shopping spree, don’t you think?

So, as always, I wish you all a happy and very pink tutu-filled week, my loves. And remember, even if you don't find yourself swept away by a Valentine's Day whirlwind of romance, you can always find solace and elegance in the captivating world of dance and tutus.

Keep those tutus twirling! And don't forget, you can join me for more #TutuTuesday history on www.pink-tutu.com, every Tuesday. See you then, darlings!

And now, off to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea and maybe a spot of shopping. I hear a new pink tutu design just landed in Paris!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1899-02-14