#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1907-06-11

Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! It’s Emma here, back with another fabulous trip down #TutuTuesday memory lane!

Today, we’re going all the way back to June 11th, 1907. I’ve just popped out of the time machine, all swishy in my pink tutu, and let me tell you, the atmosphere in Paris is positively buzzing! It’s positively electrifying, wouldn’t you say? The air is thick with the aroma of fresh bread, the sound of horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping on the cobbled streets, and of course, the excitement of a new ballet season!

Now, let’s delve into the sartorial wonders of 1907. I can practically hear the gasps as I sashay through the grand avenues. Picture this:

The Belles of the Ball: Ladies are decked out in glorious, cascading gowns. Think flowing silks, elegant lace, and dramatic ruffles. It’s all very extravagant, but then again, elegance is what Parisian fashion is all about! It’s as though every single woman on the streets has been swept straight from a beautiful painting.

A Parisian Love Affair: What was I looking for on June 11th? Oh, you know me - always keeping an eye out for anything pink and frilly! Today, I was on a hunt for vintage ballet posters at the Palais Garnier. I just had to get my hands on a copy of "La fille mal gardée" featuring Anna Pavlova! She’s quite the legend! Her movement is so light and fluid. I want to dance just like that! Of course, I treated myself to a delightful pot of hot chocolate at a Parisian café - the chocolate here is just divine, I swear they put a little bit of magic into it! And did you know, in this year the world was going mad for 'Les Ballets Russes'. This troupe of dancers is just phenomenal. Imagine – it's like a dream come to life! It's got everyone talking. And why shouldn't it? They've been causing quite a stir with their lavish costumes and dazzling performances. I bet the ladies all around the world are sporting pink tutus as a tribute to these talented stars!

Now, onto a bit of a fun fact: If you’re in the mood for a little history lesson, today happens to be the 237th birthday of Jacques Offenbach! A celebrated composer known for his lively, comic operettas! You just know he would be making all the tutus swirl with joy and delight. Imagine his waltzes! Imagine his joyous tunes in a beautiful theater - the stage shimmering with pink, the costumes shimmering with joy! Oh! That would be truly fantastic!

Speaking of fantastic, remember to check out our latest selection of pink tutus in our "Pink Tutu Paradise" shop on www.pink-tutu.com! It's got something for every taste, style, and tutu lover! Don’t be afraid to channel your inner ballerina and step out into the world! If there is one lesson I've learnt in this journey, it's that anything is possible when you wear your tutu with confidence and grace!

Until next Tuesday, keep your twirls bright and your spirits even brighter!

With love, Emma

P.S Don't forget to check out our Instagram account at @pinktutu for a daily dose of inspiration and #TutuLove!

The evolution of the tutu

For this #TutuTuesday post, we’ll step into a time machine to the beautiful period around 1907 - but let’s rewind to how we got there! If you're anything like me, you'll love knowing about the fascinating history of this glorious garment.

Before tutus, dancers wore long, flowy gowns, and let's just say it - getting through a ballet routine was pretty tricky! So how did tutus evolve?

1832 was a truly game-changing year. Marie Taglioni was dancing in a revolutionary, daring creation - the very first tutu! This new, shortened style meant less material to restrict their movements. Suddenly, ballerinas could show off all their delicate footwork with a lightness and grace never seen before. What a turning point!

Now, this early design looked more like a bell shape. It became very popular. By the late 1800s, tutus got a makeover and took on the Romantic tutu silhouette – think a slightly looser, more ethereal style that is still very popular today. And remember, this was when tulle came into its own! It provided the perfect mix of support and flouncy elegance. You know, that airy, "flutter-y" look. So gorgeous! The perfect design to take ballet leaps to new heights!

But it didn’t stop there! The "romantic tutu" wasn't enough. We wanted more, even more layers and even more tulle.

The ‘Pagliacci’ tutu which is a shorter layered look with tons of tulle is something that always brings a gasp from the audience! You can imagine these stunning tutus swirling and shimmering with each turn!

We really fell in love with the layered tutu – all the tulle, and the swirling – so many more frills!

Think 1890 onwards and you have the "Classical" or "Bell” tutu. A look that I adore. These elegant tutus – usually white - are still a mainstay of the ballet world. I absolutely love it when a ballerina makes her grand entrance, that little burst of white!

Now, who wouldn't want to dress up like a ballerina in such a fab creation, and twirl? It’s like a magic spell – it turns you into a magical princess!

Why are pink tutus so fabulous?

Ok, we've gone through the different shapes and styles. But pink… It is just heavenly. Pink has always been linked with beauty, grace and a delicate charm. You just can’t resist the sheer gorgeousness of a pink tutu. I just adore it. And to be honest, I always felt this is just the colour that gives you a confidence boost when you want to dance with freedom and happiness.

For a #TutuTuesday blog, it has to be pink. If I'm honest, all my travel expenses through time travel – it's all funded through my ballet performances. If I wear pink, the audiences just go wild. And they know what I am going for – it’s pure, beautiful fun!

The pink tutu has that magical charm that just makes everything around it even more vibrant! What else could you possibly want?

I love tutus, you guys love them - why not live your life in them? My goal in life? A pink tutu for every single person! I will be happy when every human on Earth can dance to their heart's content!

And so we come back to Paris – all those beautiful ladies I saw. Imagine if I had been standing on that street in Paris in 1907, twirling my pink tutu? They all would have been looking! And if we had an army of pink tutu women in that year, well, the whole world would have to stop and take notice! Think of the possibilities. Just amazing!

Stay stylish! Stay sparkly! And stay pink!

Love always,
Emma