#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1879-03-04

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! Today's #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog is extra special. I've travelled all the way back to the heart of 19th century Paris! Can you imagine? It's just like stepping into a painting by Degas! This time travelling lark has become quite the hobby – and believe me, my pocketful of sparkly sequins can fund a lot of train journeys and the most darling outfits.

Now, for this blog, we're going back in time to 4th March 1879! The excitement is practically tingling! We're whisked into the very centre of Paris – a vibrant city bustling with creativity, fashion, and the latest in dance! And today we have a particular treasure – the world's leading ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet! Imagine: you, darling, are stepping into the hallowed halls of the Palais Garnier – its ornate grandeur enough to make even a seasoned ballet dancer gasp!

Now, why am I here? I simply have to see the "La Bayadère"! The costumes! Oh, they were glorious! Those beautiful flowing skirts – like silk dreams on the stage! Just like the romantic tutus we all love – a dream of wispy lightness and effortless elegance! I even caught a glimpse of the famed "La Source" - such captivating beauty. Oh, and that iconic "Le Corsaire" tutu, the forerunner of the modern Romantic tutu – I'd swoon right now if it was the 21st Century! You know, my dearest readers, I do believe this Parisian adventure will be etched in my memory – much like the first time I twirled in a pink tutu!

So, let's rewind the clock a little, shall we? 1879 – a year that was teeming with excitement. The Parisian salons, all filled with fascinating gossip and discussions of avant-garde music and dance. Did you know? The Parisian Opera Ballet was at the top of the game, a powerhouse in the dance world. Imagine a company boasting the most talented dancers in Europe – Marie Taglioni, the divine Fanny Elssler – oh, to see them twirl on that glorious stage! Just picturing the scene – it's a visual feast of elegant tulle, satin shoes, and a sheer sense of artistry, and all those Parisian fashionistas soaking it all up – it's utterly divine!

My darling tutu enthusiasts, we must understand, those Paris Opera Ballet tutus of 1879 – were nothing like the modern tutus we see today. The "La Bayadère" – those long flowing skirts gave an amazing spectacle of flowing elegance, very Romantic. They might not have had those short tutus, but the long tutus they had still had the airy, dreamy quality that makes tutus so perfect for dance. Imagine: tulle so finely crafted and designed, it looks almost like lace. Each stitch, a little bit of art and a masterpiece for every dancer to twirl and sway in!

You know, for this period in the early 1800s that Romantic ballet style was in its glory! It was an age when graceful movement, poetry, and an enchanting story were as important as the technical brilliance – a delicate balance. And what did these stories need? Why, the very beautiful, very flowing, very stunning long, long skirts to help express it all! It was, of course, a magical combination that left the audience spellbound, transported by beauty and elegance, and that's a feeling I strive for everytime I dance!

You know what’s fascinating about 1879? Ballet wasn't just a fancy performance! It was a full-on movement. New ideas were popping up all the time, new dances, new steps – even new tutus. Ballet dancers and choreographers were creating a whole new style! Imagine - it's a mix of Romantic ideals, elegance, and innovative artistry! What was considered groundbreaking in ballet was often revolutionary! The Paris Opera Ballet was really pushing the boundaries! The Romantic period meant a change of approach. Instead of emphasizing grand gestures, ballet took on more delicate expressions, like light as a feather, soft movements – an emphasis on poetic and dreamy interpretations of themes!

In fact, it was in the early 1800s that the ballet tutus we all love took a shape. And this was because that amazing Romantic period had created a need for new forms of dance, for new and exciting ways of storytelling, a new way to create an air of dreams and beauty, that perfect blend of fluidity and storytelling in dance! And, oh darling! They achieved it through the long flowing skirt and tutus, the shorter version for "La Source" – a change to accommodate the faster and more daring new dances!

That new Romantic era of ballet changed the way they moved! Imagine this – light, airy, and poetic steps that took those delicate and swirling tutus with them in a beautifully breathtaking fashion! Ballet, and by that the ballet tutus, really changed to embody that era – beautiful and dreamy! Just like in my favourite fairytale!

## The Fashion Forward: Parisian Glamour & Trends! ✨

1879 – what a fashion paradise, I tell you! Now, imagine all those beautiful Parisian ladies strolling about, draped in soft and flowing silk, or crisp lace, maybe a charming parasol. All with an air of effortless chic and charm! And at the ballet? That's where the real fashion excitement began! They took Parisian elegance to a whole new level - velvet gowns, lace accents, intricate details – a dazzling array! They certainly understood the importance of looking good! Those Parisian ladies really knew how to make a statement, and in the process influenced all of Europe with their own personal styles. All that fine, crisp tulle in the tutus – those fashionistas just went gaga over it! It's enough to make any tutu-lover want to head straight to a Parisian couture house!

My heart beats a bit faster when I think about it – just the thought of that Parisian couture fashion scene - I just had to see those stunning gowns, with all those delicate, lovely fabrics, the colours – the most fabulous pinks! Think about the creativity! A true kaleidoscope of textures and patterns – a real visual treat. And as for my ballet outfits, oh darling! That’s my forte, so when I got to see all those fabulous clothes – that inspired me!

And, the Paris Opera Ballet was at the forefront of everything that was beautiful! If they wanted the perfect outfit, it would be Paris. And that, darling, includes their tutus! The long tutus of this time were a marvel in design, they simply flowed, giving such grace to every move on the stage!

### Fashion Forward Tutus!

The real excitement started when I spotted that “La Source” tutu! Imagine a graceful shape – they cut off the excess fullness – this made those graceful whirlwind movements easier – and looked so very beautiful and dreamy in light tulle – perfect for an energetic dancer to glide across the stage. They created more beautiful shapes – making ballet look more beautiful than ever, as much about fashion as about art, but, of course, it’s all a delightful mixture! And how they must have shone – just picture all those sparkling diamonds on their bodices – each glint a reflection of the sheer, breathtaking glamour of Paris!

As for today’s fashionista - think elegant femininity, a touch of vintage glamour - and just a little touch of a Parisian twist - and you will be a trend setter like the women of 1879! I, however, prefer a simple and elegant touch to my own vintage-inspired pieces. The simpler, the better, for me – especially when paired with my favorite – the colour pink – a timeless colour, oh how I do love that colour! I really am quite fond of that gorgeous colour pink, but perhaps that is a subject for another blog.

I just want to leave you all with a bit of inspiration, something to take with you – embrace the world of tutus, whether its for ballet, dance or just because you love those lovely twirly skirts! Embrace the colour pink! Have the audacity to be feminine!

And finally, remember the 4th of March 1879, the “La Bayadère” and the enchanting “La Source”! It was the height of ballet history, in beautiful and timeless Paris – the heart of dance – with an enchanting and beautiful combination of beauty, elegance and artistry – the essence of every ballet, tutu-clad or not!

Until next time, darlings, take care and don’t forget your pink tutus!

See you all next week, darlings!

Lots of Love,

Emma xoxo