#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1879-04-01

Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and time-traveling fashionista, bringing you another dose of ballet history straight from the archives. It's #TutuTuesday, and this week we're taking a trip back to 1st April, 1879, a date that might have you scratching your heads, thinking, "What's so special about that?"

Well, my dears, you see, it's not about a single grand event, but about the vibe. Imagine a time where ballet was still evolving, its beautiful and graceful forms gaining popularity worldwide. Tutus were becoming the garment du jour, the epitome of femininity and elegance. Think flowing lines, ethereal fabrics, and the captivating magic of pirouettes!

I'm standing here right now in the bustling heart of Paris, the city that's positively dripping in couture and artistic fervour. You simply can't move for silk shops, tailors, and the buzz of theatre chatter. And wouldn't you know it, I just had the most divine experience at the Palais Garnier!

But let's rewind a bit...

Think of tutus as an evolution, like a delicate flower blossoming with each passing year. Before 1879, ballerinas were pretty much doing their graceful moves in skirts, with just a hint of fluffy layers underneath. The story goes that the first proper "tutu" - you know, those dramatic, billowing wonders that just beg to be twirled in - appeared during the Romantic era.

A magical time in dance, with a touch of the mystical, and these new skirts took off! Now, it's a matter of debate among ballet historians (and fashion historians, bless them!) as to precisely when the first true tutu graced the stage. But it’s clear that by the late 1800s, this billowing delight was well on its way to becoming an icon.

Think about it. Imagine a world without tutus! I shudder just thinking about it. Such an essential element of the dance world! Imagine Carlotta Grisi in Giselle without that floating confection. I say, it would be a complete tragedy.

Now, back to my Paris adventure...

I travelled to Paris from my home in Derbyshire, England, via train, of course, with a suitcase overflowing with beautiful pink and white lace. (How else do you travel? The fashion of it all!) This time, I decided to go for a more vintage aesthetic. Imagine delicate blush silk, layers upon layers of tulle, and a ribbon so perfectly knotted it could bring tears to a seamstress's eyes.

My mission: To capture the very spirit of Parisian fashion in 1879.

Oh, it was a symphony of senses! From the moment I stepped into the magnificent Palais Garnier, with its towering golden statues and intricate architecture, I was utterly enchanted.

You see, they have a rather special performance here: The Opera’s newest production, “La Fille du Régiment”, starring a star who had become a ballet darling! Oh, she was sensational - so graceful, so elegant, and her movements? Utterly divine!

Of course, I must mention her costume: A beautiful, fluffy, light pink tutu. It looked like clouds dancing on a stage! Heaven!* It practically begged you to run around the Palais, which is exactly what I wanted to do, but alas, manners were a thing in those days, even for me, so I merely swooned.

After the performance, I found myself in the very heart of Parisian fashion – the Champs-Élysées. Such a thrill! And let me tell you, those gowns and dresses! Layers of frills, shimmering satin, and fabrics you wouldn't even believe were possible.

What a lovely place to soak up inspiration and witness the grandeur of the fashion era!

My evening ended with a delectable meal in a café, savouring the decadent pastries and a glass of delicious, crisp wine. And of course, a spot of window shopping to ensure my wardrobe remained at the peak of sartorial glory!

As we step away from the 1st of April 1879, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful world of dance. Every time you see a ballerina take to the stage, think of the centuries of dedication, innovation, and simply exquisite artistry.

Every tutu, my darlings, is a whisper of history, and every performance is a little bit of magic!

And now, for all you aspiring dancers out there, remember: Always twirl with grace and wear a smile! Because the joy of dance is something to be cherished.

Don't forget to check out my #TutuTuesday post next week!

With much love, and a flourish of my pink tutu, Emma

www.pink-tutu.com