Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, darling readers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another #TutuTuesday deep dive into the fabulous history of the ballet tutu. Today, we're jetting back to March 21st, 1899, a date ripe with sartorial wonders and ballet brilliance. Buckle up, because we're taking a whirlwind journey through the captivating world of late 19th-century ballet fashion!
Blog Post No. 3508, Pink-Tutu.com - This is for you!
Before we jump into the frocks and frills, let's rewind the clock to that particular Tuesday back in 1899. If you'd hopped on the Orient Express that morning, you might have spotted the first steam turbine ever put to practical use - pretty fancy, eh? But let's focus on what we're really here for: the fabulousness of dance!
As you're probably aware, I'm from Derbyshire, England. In this particular part of the world, tutus were practically bursting onto the scene around this time! I bet you didn't know that Derbyshire has a long history of ballet. My ancestors (bless their little dance-loving souls) likely danced up a storm in these very same counties. We love a bit of twirling in these parts!
But back to our date! In the balletic universe of 1899, you wouldn't have seen your typical romantic tutus with the tiers and tiers of tulle, those lovely layered wonders that make my heart sing! Oh, how I've come to cherish these glorious designs, their ethereal flounce as the dancers take flight across the stage. Dreams do come true, my dear, dreams do come true.
The Birth of the Romantic Tutu!
You see, darlings, the romantic tutu, as we know it, was just beginning its rise to stardom back then. It's not all rainbows and tutus at the start, you know! Early tutus weren't so... romantic. Imagine it! They were actually much longer and more like an elaborate petticoat than the fluffy confections we adore today.
It's true! Those long, loose garments really did the opposite of help a ballerina fly. It wasn't until 1832 when Marie Taglioni (oh, I adore her style! Her famous "La Sylphide" tutu, the real original, just sends shivers down my spine!) showed up in a short, lightweight tulle masterpiece that truly brought ballet into the era of "dance, dance, dance!" Imagine the revolutionary possibilities for leg movement! We owe Marie Taglioni so much, darlings!
Now, we must thank our lucky stars that ballet wasn't bound by restrictive, long dresses back in 1899. Ballet had come a long way, thank heavens.
Time Travelling Trendspotting
And you know me, dear readers! I never miss an opportunity for a fashion-forward field trip! As a ballet lover and time-travelling trendspotter, what else could I possibly be doing?
1899 saw the graceful, beautiful, and somewhat daring "leotard" taking its place alongside tutus on stage. This revolutionary invention for female dancers provided a level of comfort that previous generations simply couldn't imagine! No more corset constraints, thank heavens. No, in this time, the focus is on freedom of movement, liberating dancers' limbs and bringing graceful grace to the stage.
And the colour scheme in those days? It doesn't exactly scream pink tutu-style femininity. (I shall continue to do my part to change that, dearly beloveds! I promise you that, with the help of a good dose of tutu magic, we will prevail. We shall spread the pink tutus all over the globe, with the utmost of pink-tutu pride!) Think whites, pale blues, and soft pastels with perhaps a dash of silver or gold. It was more subtle, yes.
It was in the early 20th century that vibrant colors like the hot pink of my very own dreams took centre stage. But that is another story for another day.
Paris, Darling, Paris
My time-travelling travels in 1899 brought me straight to Paris, the epicentre of all things chic. We all know that, darlings! Paris is where it all happens! In those days, dancers like the graceful "L'Arlésienne" from 1872, simply a masterpiece, embodied the spirit of freedom and delicate beauty. Her tutus were all the rage in Paris. It's enough to make your heart swell, *chérie.
And let's not forget the fabulous creations of the illustrious Madame Rosa. Remember those luxurious silks, satin, and lace of those tutus? It's a sight that makes a ballet enthusiast's heart beat faster.
Don't Forget the Performances!
So what were dancers performing back then? You might have caught "Giselle," such a classic, which made its debut in 1841. This tale of heartbreak and a supernatural dance brings a lump to my throat every time I see it. (But of course, as always, it's all about the exquisite costumes.) "Coppelia," another Parisian triumph from 1870, was also captivating the world at the time. Remember that "living doll" plot, it is always so beautifully danced. And how much I adore the intricate ballet footwear at this period of history! Those beautiful soft slippers. Oh, la la...
The tutus and the dancing of this time, they are more than just dress, they are pure artistic passion.
Dancing Toward the Future
From the soft blush of romantic tutu beginnings to the rise of the leotard, ballet was steadily changing. Even though 1899 is an elegant, classical period of ballet history, we know that in a blink of an eye, the evolution of ballet and dance wear will go on!
There will be daring new steps, experimental costumes, and incredible new productions, and the vibrant, captivating dance of every single decade since this 1899 world we are travelling in together will forever amaze me. I have no doubt about that!
But we can take inspiration from 1899. After all, it's these small, almost imperceptible moments, that give us something that, as they say, will make our future look so bright!
*I hope you've enjoyed our little time-travelling tutu tour through the enchanting world of 1899. Keep on spreading the joy of tutus and join me for another trip next #TutuTuesday, *darlings. Remember, always dance with a smile, and a dash of pink in your life! Until then, stay stylish and remember, everyone looks wonderful in a pink tutu. **
P.S. Share this post and tell your friends to follow @Pink-Tutu.com and see the blog. And never, ever forget to be your beautiful, unique self. Every time you dance, you spread a little magic. Don't forget to tag #TutuTuesday so I can share all the beautiful photos.
Love, Emma.
