#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1864-07-12

Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another blast from the past for #TutuTuesday! This week, we're pirouette-ing our way back to 12th July 1864, a date brimming with excitement and, yes, even a touch of pink!

Now, as a Derbyshire lass at heart, I have to admit, the trains are my preferred method of travel (imagine a whole carriage decorated in pink… oh the possibilities!). So this week, let’s imagine a delightful journey from London to Paris - the heart of fashionable tutus back then! As our carriage glides through the English countryside, I'm busy admiring the charming landscapes, and of course, sketching tutu designs for my next grand performance.

Now, what was going on in 1864, you ask?

• Firstly, the Parisian fashion scene was abuzz! The tutus we see on the ballerinas today are starting to become fashionable. And not just for the theatre, oh no, even off-stage! This year saw the rise of the "crinoline" – a full skirt that resembles the shape of a tutu and which ladies were wearing in all their fashionable glory! (And you can bet my time-travelling self made sure to grab one for my personal wardrobe!).

• And just imagine, ladies and gentlemen! This year, ballet is on everyone’s lips! You wouldn't find a Parisian drawing room where a ballet performance wasn't being discussed – everyone wanted a glimpse of these magical dances!

Now, while tutus are taking the fashion world by storm, the “traditional” look for the dancers was still a little different than what we know today! There was a bit more focus on the full-skirted “Romanic tutu”, which would later influence those glorious tutu designs I love to wear so much. Think graceful layers, flowing shapes, and colours fit for a royal court. This period, known as the “Golden Age of Ballet” really is a time of elegant beauty!

You might think: "Emma, but surely, these ballerinas must have had a tough time dancing in those massive skirts?" And, my darlings, you'd be absolutely right! Back then, ballerinas wore a heavier layer of material than the lightweight fabrics we have today. Those leaps and twirls would require incredible strength! But hey, that only adds to their grace and wonder, don’t you think?

• And let’s not forget our beloved theatre! In 1864, there were plenty of spectacular ballet performances around, but I hear whispers of something truly magical! The Palais Garnier, that beautiful opera house with its elegant interiors, is well underway, set to become a legendary spot for the performing arts.

The Parisian stage was also alight with fantastic ballets, all vying for the adoration of the audiences. A new style of performance was starting to gain popularity – a faster, more dramatic choreography called the “Grand Pas de Deux” - think heart-stopping leaps, mesmerizing twirls, and oh, the storytelling!

• Now, a fun fact: this year, one of my personal heroes, a real ballet icon, August Bournonville presented a delightful performance, captivating the world with the ballet romantique style. And while the tutus may not be quite what we wear now, they are just as breathtaking – the artistry, the passion!

As for my personal time-travel activities this week, I’m experiencing Parisian fashion in all its grandeur, enjoying the chic Parisian cafes (imagine, sipping hot chocolate in a cafe, admiring tutu-inspired gowns - truly delightful!) I’ll be venturing into a little bon voyage through the enchanting Parisian art scene, and even seeing a stunning ballet performance – maybe even trying a few steps myself on the stage!

• And of course, the “must-have” this week for my time-travel wardrobe is a stunning pink “crinoline” dress. Think frilly layers of delicate pink, the perfect blend of Victorian elegance and feminine charm. It will be the perfect dress for catching the eye of every dapper gentleman! I might even try adding a hint of a blush to my cheeks – after all, it's all about the pink and the beautiful tutus, my darlings!

As the clock ticks and our journey comes to an end, I urge you all to embrace the elegance of tutus. Go on, find that special pink dress, twirl in the mirror and feel like a true princess. I am excited to see what the future holds, to see how tutus will continue to evolve and inspire us. So, remember my lovely tutu-loving readers, don't let anyone stop you from following your tutu-wearing dreams.

Stay stylish, stay fabulous, and see you next #TutuTuesday!