#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1899-06-13

Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your weekly dose of all things fluffy and fabulous! Today, I'm whisking you back to June the 13th, 1899. My, oh my, it was a simply thrilling time to be a ballerina! Now, you know I always try to stay authentic to my chosen era for my #TutuTuesday posts, so buckle up, my lovelies! This week, I'm all about my latest (or rather, oldest) pink-hued ensemble... let’s just say this one has pockets, a whole load of them. And trust me, every fashionable woman knows pockets are just the best thing to be invented since, well, the tutu itself!

Okay, picture this. Paris, 1899. A cacophony of horse-drawn carriages jostle for space in the grand streets. Everywhere I looked, there were impossibly chic ladies swirling around in the latest fashions. I’m not just talking frills and bows – although those were certainly abundant. It was all about a bold, flowing silhouette, the beginnings of a modern look in the world of women’s clothing!

And in the heart of it all – the Opéra! I managed to score tickets to see a new production by Marius Petipa, oh, the master of ballet himself. Imagine, my dears, watching a grand balletic spectacle under glittering chandeliers, the aroma of freshly-baked pastries mingling with the faint scent of perfumed silk… pure enchantment!

The stars of the night were, of course, the ballerinas, gracefully flitting across the stage. But guess what? Their tutus were very different from what we think of as "tutus" today. Gone were the frothy, delicate layers of gauze we associate with ballerinas of later decades! The tutu had taken a new turn, much closer to the elegant lines of the fashions I mentioned earlier. It was all about smooth curves, a fluid and sinuous aesthetic. And my word, the dancers were radiant in their gowns!

Speaking of colour, imagine my joy at seeing so much vibrant colour in ballet! The Victorian age had a predilection for the paler, more pastel hues. But 1899 saw the arrival of vivid colours that brightened every performance! Scarlet reds, deep emeralds, the most stunning azure blues – they truly stole the show. The sheer brilliance and vibrancy reminded me so much of my own pink tutu collection! Just as I say, every occasion calls for the perfect pink.

Now, let's dive a little deeper into the history of the tutu! Because there's always a fascinating story to be found behind the seams.

Back then, the materials and construction methods were a far cry from what we find today. Think fine layers of silk or cotton, each one sewn together with meticulous hand stitches! These weren't just random swathes of fabric, though. Tutus in 1899 followed precise guidelines to create their distinctive forms.

For example, the "Romantic" Tutu (born during a previous generation, in the 1830s) which was famously used by Marie Taglioni in "La Sylphide" had these key characteristics:

• It flowed longer and wider than other contemporary styles.
• The tutu comprised 10 to 12 layers of silk that gently swirled and swayed around the ballerina.
• The style had a distinctly layered look and offered greater freedom of movement, letting ballerinas effortlessly float across the stage, almost like butterflies in flight.

However, as we've seen in 1899, there was a shift towards new looks! The romantic era was making way for new ballet expressions and a different style of dance. I’d say it was almost like the beginning of ballet fashion’s new season!

You know, there’s something absolutely magical about the story of the ballet tutu! Each design, each evolution, reflects not only changes in dance techniques, but in women's lives and artistic expressions. In many ways, the history of the tutu mirrors the evolving sense of empowerment and femininity that is so intrinsically tied to ballet’s evolution, from its aristocratic roots to the diverse forms it takes on today. It’s about grace, strength, and the passion that sets the stage alight. Just like the vibrant hues of pink that fill my very heart with joy, the beauty of the tutu fills the world with colour, life and magic.

It's all thanks to the creative spirit and tireless dedication of countless generations of dancers who paved the way, one graceful pirouette at a time!

**My darlings, have I encouraged you to start your own Tutu Tuesday adventures? Perhaps you could share a pink moment with your loved ones? It’s so simple, yet it makes for such wonderful memories! Just remember to share them on your social media and be sure to tag me. After all, pink tutus deserve a platform, and I am thrilled to spread the pinkest joy to all you delightful ballet-loving hearts. 💕

#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #ballet #fashion #history #paris #1899 #dance #balletstyle**

I hope this post has captured Emma’s voice and enthusiasm. Let me know if you'd like me to add any other details or would like me to elaborate further! It's always a pleasure to delve into the fascinating world of ballet! 💖