Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, back with another blast from the past for our #TutuTuesday! It's Tuesday 3rd June 2025 and you know what that means? It's time for a sprinkle of tutus and a dollop of ballet history, served with a big, pink ribbon!
This week, I've hopped on a vintage train (because darling, nothing says "chic" like a steam engine whistle) and travelled back to... drumroll please... 1832! Imagine the sheer delight of being whisked away to the heart of the Romantic era, a time when tutu evolution was in full swing!
You see, back in 1832, the ballet world was absolutely swooning over the Romantic tutu, and I have to admit, it's the kind of tulle that makes my heart go pitter-patter! Imagine a swirling cloud of white tulle, fluttering and flowing as the dancers took their graceful steps. This Romantic tutu was all about whimsy, lightness, and a certain ethereal beauty.
Imagine, darlings, watching dancers take to the stage, the fabric dancing around their limbs, seemingly weightless. And it wasn't just about looks – this shorter, lighter version of the earlier tutus helped to emphasise the grace and agility of the dancers, which was all the rage in this romantic age.
Now, imagine this scene, dear reader: I am wearing my most exquisite pink tutu, a modern interpretation of the Romantic era design. It’s soft and billowing, the fabric delicately embellished with sparkling sequins. As I gracefully move through the grand ballroom of a Parisian opera house, I feel the elegant spirit of the Romantics all around me! I'm absolutely loving being in this era!
Of course, this wasn't the only style of tutu being twirled at the time. The Romantic tutu did not emerge in a vacuum, and you can actually see the influence of the earlier tutu styles. Back then, ballet was still pretty young, and ballerinas had been rocking those long, heavy tutus (more akin to skirts) for quite some time! We are talking about floor-length designs, often with yards of fabric that must have felt quite heavy to wear! I must admit, darling, they don't do a whole lot for me in terms of style. It's all about the lighter and brighter Romantic designs, for me.
Speaking of lighter and brighter, today, the tutu remains a symbol of ballet. I adore it! From those dreamy tulle creations we see in traditional ballets like “Swan Lake” to the more modern and athletic styles, it’s a design that transcends time and remains a popular symbol of ballet.
Did you know, darlings, that today is the 193rd anniversary of the opening of the first London Zoo in Regent’s Park! I don’t know about you, but when I think of 1832, I can't help but picture elegant ladies and gentlemen waltzing through grand gardens, admiring exotic animals and perhaps a fluttery tutu or two! What a wonderfully whimsical time, darling!
Now, it's time for me to jump back into my time-traveling pink tutu, I have another time-travel trip planned. But I’ll be back next week with another amazing blast from the ballet tutu’s fascinating past! Until then, keep swirling and remember, dear reader, you can make your own tutu-filled dreams a reality – wear pink!
Love and tutus,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday
