Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-adoring Emma here, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday, my weekly blog on the wonderful world of ballet tutus. This week, we’re stepping back in time to the 13th of June 1854, and oh, what a glamorous time it was!
The Birth of a Style
I've recently hopped back in my time-travelling tutu to Paris, the fashion capital of the world (and honestly, still is, if you ask me!). 1854 saw the rise of something rather special: the tutu! Oh, I know what you’re thinking: "Tutues are ancient!" Well, not exactly. The classic tutu, with its multiple layers of tulle and impossibly short length, was still a long way off! Back then, a tutu wasn't necessarily just about the fluffy, frilly layers, but about highlighting the feminine form. It was the romantic period of ballet, all graceful lines and flowing movements, so naturally, the dress followed.
Imagine the Parisian scene: women walking with an effortless Parisian air, their flowing silk skirts grazing their ankles, maybe with a dash of velvet here and there for an extra touch of luxuriousness. Now picture this silhouette, but lighter, breezier, shorter. That, my dears, is the story of the early ballet tutu!
The Debutante’s Dream
Now, I may have just mentioned silk and velvet, and those are still oh-so-divine, but this time, the focus was on lightweight tulle. A thin, semi-transparent material that allowed the dancers to move freely and allowed their delicate, elegant lines to shine through.
I recently watched the ballet, La Fille Mal Gardée, at the Palais Garnier, and darling, it was pure magic! This particular ballet, about a rebellious daughter choosing love over duty, was a real crowd-pleaser. You know the scene, she twirls, and her soft, delicate tulle skirt flutters like a hummingbird's wings in a breeze! Now, I might be getting carried away… but don’t you think that just adds a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the stage presence? Très chic, wouldn't you say?
More than just a costume
This time period, right before the Paris Opera went up in flames in 1873, was truly a revolution in the world of fashion and ballet! As we all know, style doesn’t just live on the stage; it has a real-life impact. These ballerinas were walking fashion icons, inspiring dressmakers across Paris to create similar, shorter styles for the ladies of society! It’s true! My favourite magazine, Le Follet is a perfect example. It shows how ballet styles became fashionable off-stage, paving the way for more daring, romantic outfits. It really makes you wonder where fashion designers get their inspiration from, doesn't it?
Time travelling tutu, you say?
While I haven't quite invented a machine to make this dream a reality (though I'm certainly working on it!), my way of travelling through time is rather simple. With my beloved tutus as my wings, I'll jump on a train and make my way to another beautiful ballet show, letting the music and the elegance transport me to another time. I even travel for the best shows! Oh, just imagine, my darlings! The ballet has always been the perfect avenue for a grand show. The spectacle, the music, the stories, all wrapped up in a vibrant package that truly makes the world come alive. And you know me, it wouldn't be a trip to the theatre without a dash of pink and some seriously elegant shopping. Oh, and did I mention the ballet performers are just absolutely fabulous? Let's raise a toast to the beauty and grace of the dance world.
Until next time!
This week was absolutely divine! We travelled back in time and saw how the ballet tutu wasn't just a costume, it was an emblem of change and artistic expression. Now, go forth, my dears! Wear your pink tutus with pride and enjoy the graceful world of ballet! Until next time, keep dancing, stay stylish, and be sure to follow me on @pinktutu, where you can find pictures and even more behind-the-scenes of my journeys through time!
Love always,
Emma
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Remember, dear reader, I have many more exciting tutu-themed articles to share with you every Tuesday here on www.pink-tutu.com! And, if you fancy yourself a tutu enthusiast or simply have an appreciation for the artistry of ballet, I encourage you to subscribe to my blog to receive these historical posts delivered directly to your inbox. Stay elegant, and never shy away from wearing that beautiful tutu - after all, we’re all born with the potential to be graceful and stylish. And a little pink certainly never hurts, wouldn't you say? Until next time, and happy twirling!
P.S. I nearly forgot! What actually happened on the 13th June 1854? Well, aside from the glamorous world of ballet and fashion, on that day, England’s Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s husband) presented his address to the Industrial Exhibition! It truly was a grand occasion filled with exciting new inventions! They even had a working model train at the show. But you know what they say: Nothing quite compares to the artistry of dance, especially in a lovely pink tutu, wouldn’t you say?
