#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1899-05-23

Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and fluffy - yes, that means tutus! It’s your favourite ballet blogger, Emma, and today is #TutuTuesday!

Today, we’re travelling back in time, on a magical train journey that would make even the most jaded fashionista swoon, all the way to...wait for it...1899! And yes, we're going to be talking all things tutus, because believe me, my dear friends, these pretty little things have a rich history even in those "long ago" days!

This is post number 3517, and I just can’t get enough of digging up these fabulous tidbits of history! After all, ballet history is fashion history! This little lady always says, "a tutu is more than a costume - it’s a symbol, a story waiting to be told!" And where else can I get my history fix other than the beautiful world of the ballet, my darlings?

Today, I'm excited to share with you a glimpse into what life looked like in the ballet world way back in 1899. Let's raise our imaginary teacups (with tiny pink sugared cookies, of course!) and embark on a journey through time, shall we? Just imagine, being able to visit the Paris Opera Ballet in 1899 and witness firsthand the wonders of ballet!

It was all about romanticism in 1899, and those dreamy, graceful tulle and silk creations on stage were not a world away from the fashionable women of the time. Let's just say, 1899 was a fashion extravaganza in itself! Those giant "cage crinoline" skirts had ladies looking like walking floral arrangements. If that's not inspiration for some spectacular tutu designs, I don't know what is!

While those elaborate skirts with all their frills and furbelows didn't exactly translate onto the stage, you can bet the ballerinas still took inspiration from them. Those beautiful soft, swishy skirts in the romantic ballet of 1899 were designed to highlight movement and that is still at the heart of the tutu's appeal.

Think soft, billowy fabrics like tulle and silk, and you're getting the picture! This look perfectly captured that "effortless elegance" that we love in ballet! It was all about showcasing feminine grace and those lovely lines, don’t you know.

Oh, and I cannot forget the colour scheme! Romantic pinks and blues, and delicate cream were all the rage!

Now, can you imagine having your own time travelling wardrobe? Wouldn't that be the ultimate dream? Oh to be able to pick and choose which historical look to slip into on any given day!

Speaking of wardrobes, how about a little peak into my latest fashion haul from London?

*(A brief, enthusiastic description of Emma's purchases including lots of pink and ballet-related pieces). *

I am living for these vibrant pink and silver ballerina shoes - absolutely divine! As for the outfits themselves? Oh, just you wait until you see them! They are straight out of my fantasy! Think ruffles and tiers - that dreamy, romantic, ballerina vibe! Oh my!

So, what was the biggest dance scene happening on May 23rd, 1899?

This date happens to mark the opening night of The Nutcracker at the Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg, Russia. Yes, this grand performance by the world famous ballet company was a historic event in the world of dance! I have it on good authority (from my personal time travelling ballet friend in the 19th century) that the performance was a triumph, a ballet masterpiece! The music, the dancing, the costumes…oh, the tutus! They were a sight to behold!

We see from these events how quickly the ballet's tutu, its design, was beginning to be a crucial part of how each performance unfolded.

Speaking of The Nutcracker… That's one show that gets me dreaming! All those glittering tutus!

The Pink Tutu Blog: Inspiring Tutu Dreams

Now, it's your turn! I want to know - which tutu from history would you choose to wear? Would it be the grand Romantic tutus of the 1899, a show stopping ballerina of the modern world, or would you dream up your own creation? Tell me everything!

You know, we can never be too busy for some tutus and inspiration! Why not spread some pink joy this week and join me by putting on a tutu and taking a picture in front of a beautiful landmark near you, then posting it with the #pinktutu hashtag.

If I could encourage all of you beautiful people out there to add a touch of tutus and pink into your daily lives, I’d be a very happy little ballerina. Because really, it’s a celebration of life, of art, and that special connection that brings us together, isn’t it?

Until next week! Keep twirling, my loves.

With twirls and sequins,

Emma x

(www.pink-tutu.com )