Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme and pink is the only colour that truly matters! It's a bright, beautiful Tuesday morning here in Paris, and the city is buzzing with excitement – a truly delightful place to be, as always.
Today we're diving into the world of tutus from a truly special date: July 13th, 1880. This was a pivotal time for ballet, fashion, and… well, just life in general. Imagine! No smartphones, no TikTok dances (though a quick jig in the streets wasn't unheard of!), just beautiful fabrics, grand opera houses, and the chance to witness incredible ballet performances. Can you picture it?
Now, I know what you’re thinking, dear readers: tutus, weren't they all over the place back then? The answer, darling, is a bit more nuanced.
While the tutu wasn't quite as widespread as it is today – a sad, sad reality – it was definitely a powerful fashion statement! It wasn't just about ballet, although, that was where it was truly born. These billowing, graceful skirts were making their way onto the fashion scene, appearing in artistic portraits, theatrical costumes, and even… wait for it… children's clothing!
Can you imagine your little nephew in a fluffy, adorable pink tutu? My heart can’t take the cuteness!
The 1880s were a glorious time for romantic ballet. Think dreamy stories, sweeping melodies, and ethereal performances that would make even the most stoic gentleman shed a tear. It’s no wonder they needed such dramatic outfits to express it all. The most famous tutus of this time? The tutu romanesque! This is a classic silhouette we know and love today: shorter in length than earlier, full, and very, very dramatic.
Remember the exquisite ballerina, Carlotta Grisi, in La Sylphide? The first to truly showcase this stunning style! The iconic white tulle costume still shimmers in my mind whenever I think of that breathtaking performance.
You can almost imagine it – the hushed, elegant setting of a Parisian theatre, the chandeliers gleaming overhead, the anticipation rippling through the audience as the stage lights dim… Ah! To have been there!
But it wasn't just all about tutus and graceful dance moves. On July 13th, 1880, a significant event happened in England: the opening of the Crystal Palace. What is this palace of glittering glass? This breathtaking Victorian marvel, born from a magnificent world’s fair in 1851, stood as a symbol of progress and innovation. And its grand design, I can almost guarantee you, would have inspired even the most imaginative of tutus! I just have to travel back to see this spectacular structure.
Speaking of traveling, imagine getting onto a steam engine train! Oh, how I adore trains! So grand and elegant, each station buzzing with energy, anticipation, and the sweet smell of fresh steam. It’s the most beautiful way to journey across the country, my dear readers. Especially in this historical era when the railways were booming! It really is a special kind of adventure.
So, you see, darling readers, life in the past, and particularly in the 1880s, was full of wonders, and our love of the tutu had only just begun to take its rightful place as a fashion statement. This iconic piece of clothing continues to hold a magical power for me, reminding me of the dreams and stories of the past, and of the vibrant future of the tutu’s story, of which you all are a part.
Remember, you can be a part of this enchanting tale! Join me, dear readers, and embrace the world of tutus, where everything is magical and anything is possible.
What are you waiting for? Embrace your inner ballerina! Pick up your pink tutu and whirl your way to a wonderfully pink tomorrow!
And remember, you can always find more fashion-tastic history posts here on my pink-tutu.com blog.
See you next Tuesday for another journey through tutu time!
Much love and pirouettes,
Emma
xxx
