#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1880-06-22

Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back with another captivating delve into the world of ballet history, brought to you by www.pink-tutu.com. It's a #TutuTuesday treat and today, I'm whisking you away to the grand and elegant Paris of 1880! 🚄✨

Now, for a special #TutuTuesday, I've packed my trusty travel trunk with all my most fashionable frills and flounces (pink, of course!), and journeyed back in time to discover the origins of the beloved ballet tutu, the epitome of dance elegance. Buckle up, my dears, for a truly fascinating tale!

Stepping onto the bustling Parisian streets feels like being swept into a beautiful painting. It's a heady mix of cobblestone lanes, chic boudoirs, and elegant carriages. But what truly captivates me is the captivating buzz of ballet, the heartbeat of Parisian art.

Paris is the beating heart of the ballet world in 1880. It’s buzzing with excitement as the world premiere of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake nears, starring the legendary ballerina, Pierina Legnani. This momentous performance will not only solidify Swan Lake as a ballet masterpiece but also propel the iconic tutu into the forefront of the fashion world.

Ah, the tutu! A delightful burst of femininity that lets the ballerinas twirl with such effortless grace. Back in 1880, tutus were less of the billowing clouds of tulle we know today. They were more a "romantic tutu", closer to the body and quite beautiful, made from layers of white silk, sometimes embroidered or edged with delicate lace, reflecting the fashion of the era. It was all about femininity and elegance. Imagine the soft whispers of the silk as they twirl across the stage!

It’s believed that the tutu's genesis lies in the late 1700s, when a shift occurred from heavy, restrictive clothing to lighter garments better suited to movement. It was a turning point in the ballet world and in women's fashion! Can you imagine having to twirl in yards of heavy fabrics? The tutu freed the ballerina, and indeed, a ballerina's legs became stars, highlighted by the shorter skirt, revealing elegant footwork and leaps.

Fashion, dear readers, is not just about what we wear; it's a reflection of who we are. The tutu, through its form and shape, brought a fresh feminine energy to ballet, allowing a new generation of ballerinas, like Legnani, to move with unprecedented freedom. And that, my dears, is the real power of fashion, it reflects change, evolution, and, most importantly, empowerment!

It’s a powerful thing, a pink tutu. A powerful symbol, too. When you wear one, you’re not just a ballerina, you're a warrior princess, you’re a magical creature! It's what I try to tell everyone who’s reluctant to join my mission - “Why not wear a tutu?”. Because it’s an absolute power move!

Paris in 1880 is an inspiration to any tutu aficionado, especially someone like me who's mad for the colour pink. There’s pink everywhere! Imagine rows and rows of luscious pink fabrics in elegant stores. The French have such an incredible understanding of pink and all it represents. Pink embodies femininity, beauty and grace, perfectly mirroring the ballet spirit.

But the highlight of my trip has been visiting the Opera Garnier, the legendary Paris opera house. The plush velvet seating, ornate carvings, and the stage, ready for the dazzling magic to unfold. I just love everything about ballet. It is an art form full of heart, beauty, and expression. I feel so happy, peaceful, and serene when I am surrounded by it.

Well, on this very date in 1880, it's the 22nd of June, it's the "Fête de la Musique". It's a lively festival dedicated to music. All throughout Paris, there's a delightful buzz of musical performances, filling the streets with an enchanting symphony. Imagine it! Every corner bursts with joyful sounds, bringing the city to life!

And speaking of music, we've already got Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake music buzzing through my head! It’s such a magnificent work and an excellent reminder of why we are here – for the joy of dancing! Oh, the stories that unfold within these ballets! We’ll be seeing the performance tonight, of course!

But before I set off to my ballet performance, I’ve been indulging in my other love. Trains! Nothing beats the gentle clatter and romantic hum of a train carriage! The views of the countryside have been stunning, passing by vineyards, quaint towns and forests - simply gorgeous! Of course, I always make sure to travel in my most elegant tutu outfit, I wouldn’t want to be travelling in anything less than pink. Why you, yes, I love to accessorize!

I hope my journey into Parisian history and ballet has brought you much joy! I truly believe the beauty of the ballet tutu transcends time and resonates with us all, regardless of what century we’re in!

It’s time for me to prepare myself for the grand ballet of tonight’s performance! Remember to join me every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com for another installment of the #TutuTuesday blog. Let’s spread the love for tutus together!

Until next time, twirl with joy, darlings!

XOXO

Emma