Hello my darlings! Welcome to another dazzling Tuesday here at www.pink-tutu.com, where the love for pink tutus never fades! As usual, I'm your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, Emma, ready to take you on a captivating journey through the history of our beloved ballet fashion.
This week we’re whisked back to 1855. Imagine Paris! Bustling with life, overflowing with culture, and oh, the fashion! This is the heart of ballet, the place where tutus truly took flight, literally!
To celebrate this wonderful time in history, I donned a very special tutu - a breathtaking pink masterpiece with layers upon layers of delicate tulle, just like the Parisian dancers of that time. It truly feels like a step back in time, but more importantly, it gives us the perfect vantage point for a fantastic trip into the captivating history of tutus!
A Brief History - From Court to Stage:
Remember those lovely court gowns, billowing and luxurious, often worn with panniers to create a dramatic, wide shape? Well, the origins of the tutu are rooted right there. Those dramatic dresses became slimmer, and that wide, dramatic skirt started to shrink, eventually transforming into the early version of what we know today as the tutu!
The first recorded appearance of the tutu, at least the kind we recognize today, was *in 1830! * A significant year, as it marked the introduction of Maria Taglioni’s incredible choreography. Her iconic performance in the ballet "La Sylphide," wearing a white, short, ethereal tutu made a statement. This became the blueprint for the airy, ethereal look of ballet, inspiring a movement across the world!
But let's step back even further – before that momentous 1830 debut. It's the 18th century, a period of time where graceful women began to embrace the Roman inspired style of wearing tunics and chemises.
This simple, light look, embraced for its practicality, ultimately set the stage (pun intended!) for the ballerina's form and the evolution of the tutu itself. We see how 1855, our exciting time point, is really the midpoint of an amazing fashion journey, where a desire for comfort, elegance, and movement transformed dress for dance!
*But what were tutus made of in 1855? *
Let's talk about the materials. We are no longer discussing the fabrics of those court gowns! At this time, ballet tutus were fashioned from cotton gauze and silk. It was sheer and delicate and created a flowing, beautiful silhouette for dancing! 1855 is an amazing period as silk became much more affordable and easily available! The silk thread created those billowing shapes which just flow as dancers leap! Can't you imagine the thrill of dancing with a gorgeous piece of fabric like that?
This incredible fabric, used for tutus, became extremely fashionable for everyday women in the Victorian era. A lovely little tie-in with everyday fashion, the tutu had real street appeal back in 1855!
*Fast forward to 1855: Where were the tutus in Paris? *
On 20 March, 1855, we would have found beautiful tutus on the stage at L’Opéra de Paris in Paris! If you could go back, imagine the incredible ballerinas, gracefully gliding on that iconic stage, with the city's most dazzling tutus. The grand foyer and the performance halls would have been filled with fashion-conscious Parisians and, perhaps, even a future queen or two in their stunning ballgowns! Just the sheer spectacle of that Parisian ballet - just gorgeous!
The history of the tutu has always been about style and movement, blending fashion and elegance with dance, all brought to life through stunning fabrics, intricate designs, and graceful moves. This incredible journey is why I love my #TutuTuesday
So how are tutus made today?
Today, ballet tutus are made with different materials and styles to create different moods and dramatic effects. A dancer needs the perfect tutu for the piece they’re performing! We see layered tulle to create a full skirt for classical pieces or very, very fine silk fabrics used in contemporary work, even leotard and tights combined in contemporary ballet - this is where ballet has become modern, but it's all rooted in those amazing 19th-century tutus that inspired it all. And my darlings, I am all about exploring what is next in the evolution of the tutu!
*What to do this week! *
Get those tutus ready! For you darling dancers and for the whole family, visit your local ballet school, sign up for a class! Take it up, embrace the joy, explore new forms and learn new movements. Who knows what moves you'll discover? This is the way to inspire creativity, style and get active!
Also, make sure you follow me on my ballet travels. This month, I’m visiting some incredible ballet festivals, including the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. It is a treat for the soul and a must-do for any ballet fan! I promise you beautiful and exciting tutu sightings! And just a little insider’s tip, a trip on the Moscow metro is a must. They have an amazing, elaborate history. If you are looking to travel back in time, like I love to do, this is an absolute must see! I’ll keep you updated on all the lovely tutu moments along the way!
This Tuesday is going to be one amazing #TutuTuesday. Now that we have explored the origins of the tutu, I look forward to celebrating with a grand celebration of dance and fashion - after all, a little twirl and a dash of pink makes for the perfect day, every single day, not just on a #TutuTuesday!
So go grab that tutu and join me. The magic is waiting, just waiting for us! Until next week, darlings, have a lovely, pink and graceful week!
See you next week, for another #TutuTuesday, on www.pink-tutu.com!
Emma
P.S - What is your favorite style of tutu? Let me know, you can comment on this post! And you can find out more about ballet history on the website!
