#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1864-08-30

Hello darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things fabulous and tutu-tastic! Today is #TutuTuesday, which means it’s time for another delve into the glorious history of this delightful garment.

And, oh my, do we have a treat in store! We’re travelling back in time, ladies, right to August 30th, 1864. Think flowing skirts, opulent theatre performances, and, of course, a certain type of frilly wonder that started making its way into the world of dance!

It’s my life’s mission to spread the pink tutu gospel far and wide (and I can certainly do it! Thanks to my secret travel time machine…you know, the one powered by my ballet earnings!) So, grab a cup of tea and join me, dearies! Let's travel through time and uncover the fabulous origins of the ballet tutu.

Stepping back into 1864, picture this: The world is brimming with life! You’ve got bustling Victorian streets filled with grand carriages, elegant ladies adorned with magnificent bonnets, and theatres alive with performances of operas, plays, and…you guessed it… ballet!

Now, I can tell you, darling, the ballet of that time was not like today! Forget leaping and pirouettes, it was all about fluidity and grace. Imagine long, flowing skirts moving with a delicate whisper as ballerinas glided across the stage, the shimmering fabrics cascading like graceful clouds.

And oh, the costumes! They were like elaborate works of art, a symphony of layers and colours, all adding a touch of enchantment to the ballet experience. Romantic ballet, the style dominating this era, leaned towards delicate tulle, light satin, and delicate fabrics. You might imagine a soft shade of lavender dancing across the stage or a perfectly delicate whisper of cream complementing the performance.

It was in this dazzling world, where beauty was paramount, that the tutu, as we know it, began its graceful journey. But here’s the thing, darling, it wasn't a single, revolutionary event.

Let’s face it, fashion, like life, is about evolution! It’s about taking a concept, twirling it, adjusting it, and finding the perfect balance. And that's exactly what happened with the tutu!

Firstly, let’s talk about the inspiration: This comes straight from the fashion trends of the time, with the ‘crinoline, a large, stiff skirt that helped women maintain a fashionable bell shape. Can you picture a ballet skirt inspired by that, a fluffy, yet still incredibly delicate, explosion of volume? It's a wonder!

Here's where it gets interesting: You might think it was some fashion genius who invented the tutu, but no! It was a Russian dancer, Marius Petipa who actually created one of the first ballet tutu designs. We're talking 1845, remember, darling? And what was this genius creation, you ask? A *simple skirt, *made from several layers of tulle, creating that whimsical, floating effect! And we are so lucky, that this early style has given us some incredible "romantic" tutu designs today, for all body types! I could squeal, it’s simply the most glorious ballet history you can get!

Imagine a ballerina like Marie Taglioni, considered one of the great dancers of the period, performing in that iconic La Sylphide tutu - white tulle, with those delicate floral accents, perfectly encapsulating that dreamlike, fairytale style! You can even catch a glimpse of these delicate designs on historical figures, with portraits showcasing ballet stars adorned in similar fashion, truly a marvel to behold.

So, dearies, as we reach 30th August 1864, imagine the world of ballet! There were all sorts of beautiful “romantic” tutus, perfectly reflecting the era, gracing the stage. Now, think of the beautiful theatres like the Royal Opera House in London ,the Paris Opera, or The Bolshoi in Moscow, and their magnificent stages lighting up these fabulous designs.

Of course, 1864 wasn't only about tutus! A whole world of entertainment was blooming, from popular operas to enthralling theatrical plays, filling the stage with captivating storytelling and breathtaking designs. Think exquisite gowns, stylish hats, and dapper suits creating a perfect Victorian-era picture! You have to admit, my dear, there’s simply nothing quite like a perfectly coordinated ensemble, wouldn’t you agree?

This era also had a particular love for romantic stories, enchanting myths and folklore. Stories of fairies, elves, and mythical creatures filled the pages of books and the stage with all its dazzling performances! We have to give credit, darling, to the incredible choreographers who gave us all of these fairytale ballets which became the absolute inspiration for our "romantic" ballet style!

While 1864 wasn't a single day of the tutu revolution, it does represent a fascinating moment in history for dance! Here is why: this era started moving from Romantic ballet toward what we would call the classic era of ballet! And you can see the changes in the tutus themselves! They started getting a little shorter… gasp! And they were evolving!* What?! That is true! You could see the seeds of those grand "classical tutus" we are used to today starting to appear on stage!* Imagine, *all those graceful ballerina leaps taking centre stage, thanks to those practical, but just as beautiful tutus, all with those *wonderful frills which allow our dancers to take flight!! What a wonderful dance evolution, my darling, don’t you agree?!

And here’s the truly fascinating part! The very same 1864! - The famous "Sleeping Beauty" ballet was premiered, showcasing that classic story we all know and love today, the fairy princess and her beautiful prince! This was just another ballet masterpiece, taking stage with that refined yet captivating "romantic" tutu making the magic come to life! It's truly enchanting, isn't it, dearie?

Now, my darlings, as we close this fascinating #TutuTuesday adventure, I just have to remind you: The magic of the tutu lives on today! We see it everywhere from the Grand Prix of ballet competitions showing the future of this gorgeous artform, to the wonderful performances on our beloved stage, bringing smiles and sparkle to everyone.

Now, we’ve come a long way from those crinoline-inspired romantic skirts , but my goodness the tutu’s still here! Every ballerina in a full, multi-layered skirt, with those magical little steps … It is all sparkle and joy!

We've gone through some historical changes, it's still evolving darling! But still, the essence of the tutu is timeless and absolutely magical!* You just can't beat that perfect mix of elegance, fluff, and whimsy! So, whether you’re watching a classic *Sleeping Beauty performance or catching a modern *ballet show, a tutu is just always sure to make a spectacular and exciting performance, darling!!*

So, dear readers, I'm off to dance around in my very own pink tutu, embracing the heritage of these beautiful designs and *living out my *tutu dream! * If you haven’t done so already, go out and wear your favourite tutu! *A world in pink tutu awaits! Remember, my darlings: Every day is a new chance to twirl your way into history!

**P.S.** I hope you enjoyed this time travelling journey through **tutu history, my darlings!**

I have to tell you! If you are coming to Derbyshire and fancy catching me in a performance I would absolutely love to meet you! Get in touch if you have a ticket to a *theatre show near me, or simply fancy seeing a fellow ballet-lover. Just send a message via the Pink-Tutu.com site or on Instagram at #PinkTutu, we could meet for a lovely tea and a gossip, or I could *even give you some ballet lessons! I am just so pleased to be sharing my tutu journey with you, darling!!