#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 2017-04-04

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-loving blogger, back for another #TutuTuesday, bursting with all things twirly and fabulously fashionable. Today, we're whisking ourselves back to the glittering world of ballet history, delving deep into the evolution of the most iconic costume of all - the tutu! Grab your fanciest tiaras and get ready to waltz through time, darlings!

I must confess, being a time traveler comes with its fair share of perks! Imagine the wonder of stepping onto the cobbled streets of Paris, waltzing around in my darling pink tutu as the smell of croissants fills the air - pure bliss! My love of tutus and travel took me back to the era of Marie Antoinette, where hoopskirts were all the rage! It's amazing to see the early evolution of dance costumes. Even then, performers sought that ethereal look – a lightweight, graceful ensemble that highlighted movement and accentuated the graceful beauty of the female form. Of course, in the late 18th century, there were no tutus as we know them! But I must admit, it's all fascinating! You can really see the roots of what would blossom into today's iconic ballet costume.

Then, there’s the early 19th century, a glorious era where Romantic ballet rose to prominence. Oh, the flouncy romanticized drama! The world went bonkers for stories of mystical nymphs, innocent maidens, and fairytale romances - quite fitting, you know?

Imagine it, darling: ballerina ladies gracefully dancing with flowing, knee-length skirts, embodying delicate grace and airy, enchanting narratives.

It’s at this time that the tutu – yes, the beloved garment of our dance dreams – took its first adorable baby steps! They weren't exactly the billowing beauties we adore today; rather, they resembled long, light muslin skirts. Still, oh-so-elegant and perfect for spinning around, even back in those days.

This Romantic era, with its ethereal stories, inspired dance-wear, too, especially with color choices. Pink! Ah, that lovely, elegant pink! Just as beautiful now as it was in the 19th century. No wonder my darling pink tutu travels with me everywhere.

Even during the 1830s and 40s, some very important developments emerged, taking this dreamy fashion on an exciting path. Imagine it, darling:

• Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina, donned a knee-length tutu with several layers, emphasizing freedom of movement. A masterpiece of feminine flair, darling.

• Then there’s the genius of Carlo Blasis, a dance master who invented a costume similar to the tutu with a shorter form, called la bavaroise. It was completely revolutionary! This elegant skirt stopped above the knees and helped bring those graceful legs into focus. Imagine! That's exactly what happened in my first tutu class when I was only 7!

By the 1840s, tutus were taking shape as we know them! And *what was happening in the 1840s you ask? * It's the year of the French Revolution. Such chaos in Paris...but we can forget the drama, I've heard Paris is magical at this time!

Oh, darling! Remember Giselle? The iconic ballet. Well, this was where the tutu was officially perfected! You've heard of tulle, darling? The wonder material? Yes, in Giselle, tulle graced the stage in full splendor for the first time! Imagine a delicate cloud fluttering across the stage! That's exactly what those ballerinas look like when they're floating across the stage. What's amazing about tulle is how much it looks like delicate, fluffy clouds. It really adds to the sense of wonder and magic you feel watching ballet, don't you think?

Oh darling! This isn't just any random date, either! It's a day packed with fashion inspiration and incredible events. It's April 4th, 2017, a day for the Royal Ballet and it's exciting to say that my latest time travel journey is right there in the auditorium! A new Romeo and Juliet ballet - now that's the perfect ballet experience, don’t you think? I'll be twirling in my pink tulle skirt (which is as good as the tutus on stage!) soaking up every performance! I do love watching live shows - it’s such a wonderful, magical experience. So much better than just watching online. I feel a great sense of connection to the performance when I’m actually at the theatre - you can see all the delicate movement in the tutu, right up close!

That's all for #TutuTuesday! Remember, darlings, fashion is more than just clothing, it's a journey!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to shop for more pink tutus! It wouldn't be a Tutu Tuesday without a little treat! Until next time, stay gorgeous, stay graceful, and keep that inner ballerina shining bright! Don't forget, I am here to encourage everyone to wear a pink tutu - even if it's just around the house. Pink tutus have such a vibrant history, let’s celebrate their magical power and femininity together! See you next Tuesday!

Love, Emma xox