#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1899-07-04

Oh darling, isn’t it a glorious Tuesday? And what better way to kick off this delightful day than with a little trip back in time, exploring the enchanting history of the ballet tutu! As you all know, I'm Emma, your resident pink tutu-clad chronicler of all things fabulous and fluffy. Today, we're whisking back to July 4th, 1899, a date filled with stories of captivating dancers and stunning gowns!

First, let’s take a little moment to revel in the sheer joy of travel by train, haven't we got ourselves the most romantic form of transport?! Imagine whizzing past charming villages and bustling cities, feeling the gentle rocking motion as the scenery swirls past – bliss!

Anyway, back to our chronological journey…

On July 4th, 1899, the world of ballet was positively ablaze with exciting performances. In the grand theaters of Paris, where my darling Parisian friends tell me ballet is at its most spectacular, the iconic Ballet Russe de Serge Diaghilev was causing a stir with its stunning spectacle and bold, avant-garde aesthetic. I have simply got to go there one day for some proper inspiration. Now wouldn't that make a fantastic trip for #TutuTuesday? It seems only fitting to pay homage to a date so rich with ballet history and we do that with the most delightful of Parisian stories:

The Ballet Russe de Serge Diaghilev, now considered to be the birthplace of 'modern' ballet, was setting a storm on the Parisian dance scene! What's the modern ballet about you ask? I love how it is such a dynamic mix of tradition and innovative style, showcasing everything from dramatic and ethereal poses to dynamic, vigorous steps - pure artistry, wouldn’t you agree? And the most glorious tutus, of course!

Now picture this: the morning sunlight is filtering through the elegant windows of a prestigious Paris dance studio. In the centre, surrounded by rows of young aspiring ballerinas with hopeful eyes and neatly braided hair, stands Madame Marie Rambert, a legendary dancer, famed for her intricate steps and graceful form. As she guides these lovely budding ballerinas through the intricate steps, a hush descends. We’re talking meticulous attention to detail, an unwavering commitment to excellence, a pursuit of perfect movements - I mean, it's enough to leave even a seasoned professional like me awestruck!

Now, in that room, tucked in their velvet lined trunks and bags are the glorious tutus. The fabric - tulle, silk, chiffon, and sometimes even delicate lace - a sight to behold! They all are the most beautiful, delicate works of art! The tutus were already a dance floor staple, darling, even way back in the 1800s! But around 1899, we see a lovely evolution towards an increased awareness of femininity. They still have that charming and classic feel, yet, they now hug the body beautifully, making the most stunning lines as they glide across the floor. The skirt isn't so much about hiding the legs now, as accentuating and highlighting their movement. Isn’t that the perfect embodiment of ballet – all grace and flow!

This evolution in tutus is thanks to the beautiful dance form called "Romantic Ballet", and if you haven't been living under a rock (because honestly, there’s a wonderful world outside!) you've probably seen this influence on tutus we love today.

Imagine delicate layers of diaphanous tulle, with its exquisite lightness, floating with every movement. You are looking at the very heart of romantic ballet! It’s the most elegant combination of dreamy movements and flowing tutus. No more concealing, but celebrating the dancer’s beauty through their graceful, airy movements! Can't you feel the wonder of that era now? It's the enchanting blend of a whimsical imagination with a deep appreciation for beauty and dance - quite breathtaking! And guess what? That very year, July 4th 1899, marked the 75th anniversary of the first "Giselle" performance - a performance that remains one of the most iconic masterpieces in Romantic ballet history, and is often said to have helped set the tone for the graceful and enchanting styles of tutu worn by the lovely dancers in these productions. Isn’t it a testament to how time goes by, yet a masterpiece like this just continues to move us!

Okay, now that we're having a bit of a #TutuTuesday, don't you agree that it's time we bring these inspirations into the 21st century?! After all, the most marvelous thing about the history of ballet is that it isn’t about the past - it’s a constant evolution. The best way we can honor this grand history, and make these inspirations truly our own is to… You guessed it! Embrace the pink tutu and wear it with confidence! We can do that today by trying on those delicate, flowy designs in the gorgeous blush, rosy pink and pale magenta, adding a touch of glitter and shimmer because, why not! You’ll find you don't even need to dance - your new tulle skirt will inspire you to skip, twirl and shimmy.

Speaking of new tutus, what do you think of the newest fashion trend sweeping the city: “Tutu Couture”? Can't you picture it – exquisite fabrications, gorgeous ruffles, those lovely feather trims, a real symphony of pink! Tutu Couture makes our #TutuTuesday extra special by combining exquisite artistry with the ultimate ballet inspired fashion. A beautiful, timeless and joyful statement, right?

It is important for you to wear that lovely pink tutu but equally important, my darlings, to continue to expand your repertoire! You want to see the incredible things happening on stage - that's where the real magic happens. And to celebrate the joy of ballet this Tuesday, here are a few ways you can add to your ballet immersion:

1. Hit the theatre!: Catch a ballet performance or, if you are lucky, attend a special workshop or masterclass. Immerse yourself in the magical world of dance, witness the breathtaking choreography and allow the mesmerizing music to wash over you. You’ll be dancing on air afterwards!

2. Dance with joy!: Grab a few friends or family members and throw a little impromptu dance party! Turn up the music and lose yourselves in the art of expression. If you don’t want to dance, just listen to the most fabulous ballet music – just the act of listening to that music is a type of dance experience.

3. Dress up for a ballet adventure!: Don that beautiful pink tutu with your sparkliest shoes and dance, hop, skip, and jump through a charming garden or a nearby park, celebrating the beauty of your surroundings. Isn’t it an instant ballet fairytale moment, especially if there’s a cute gentleman walking a dog nearby… wink wink! (It’s always great to share a twirl or two!)

And now, for a fun twist to #TutuTuesday: let’s all embrace a new pink-tutu-wearing trend – pink tutu themed picnics! Gather up all your friends in their finest tutus, head out to a park, and revel in a charming afternoon tea party! It's so simple to put together - delicate finger sandwiches, macarons, a pitcher of fruit punch, a cute checkered blanket. Just picture all that rosy pink under a sun dappled canopy of leaves! The tutu, the sunshine, the gentle breeze – you are already in a fairytale haven!

That's all for this Tuesday, darlings! Remember, even in the grandest theatres, even in the most glamorous of parties, there's no better place to express your inner joy, grace and spirit than by rocking a pink tutu!

Don't forget, I'd love to hear your thoughts on our fabulous Tutu Tuesday adventure! Comment down below and share with me: What's your favourite ballerina story from history? Or tell us: which #TutuTuesday ballet tip did you try out today?

I am absolutely dancing off now to get myself ready for another week’s adventures - till then, keep spinning, keep smiling and keep your lovely pink tutus flowing!

With love and glitter,

Emma