Hello lovelies! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, and today's #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History is taking us back to the 1800s, a decade full of change and charm! 🕰️
Welcome to post number 10102 on my little slice of pink-tutu paradise here at www.pink-tutu.com. It’s Tuesday the 5th of August, 2025, and after a delightful train journey, I’ve landed in… (dramatic pause) Paris! 🇫🇷
This magical city, a mecca for all things fashion and style, is buzzing with the excitement of August. Just this morning I saw a stunning street performance at the foot of the Eiffel Tower – a modern twist on the ballet classics! My, how times have changed…
But let’s step back in time to the 1800s. Picture it: ladies in frilly skirts with puffed sleeves, gentlemen with cravats, and a whole lot of romanticism swirling around! This was a time when dance was no longer just a courtly affair. It was bursting out into public life, and the tutu, my lovely, was becoming a superstar! ✨
Think back to those dreamy ballets we adore today – Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle. All born in this era, showcasing the tutus in their glorious glory! They started simple, those early tutus. Just little skirts, more like flowing fabrics draped around the waist. But the idea of lightness, of freedom of movement… that was the key! The early ballerinas – like the legendary Marie Taglioni – loved the grace it allowed them. 🩰
And then, the revolution! The iconic Romantic tutu took centre stage, often with a billowing tulle overskirt for those gorgeous floating effects. We’ve seen these tutus in so many of our favourite ballets – elegant, flowing, and perfectly capturing the magical fairy tale feel. ✨
But what's a tutu without the pink? Well, the Victorians had their own obsession with pale, soft pinks (just like me!) 🤫 This lovely colour became synonymous with femininity, elegance, and those enchanting fairies that appeared on stage. It wasn’t always pink, though – I’ve even seen some stunning, elaborate tutus with white detailing! And in those elegant, pastel colours, the ballerina became like a porcelain doll, dancing and flowing through her performance with the grace of a goddess.
Of course, being the fashionista I am, I've just had to indulge in a spot of shopping while I'm in Paris! I discovered a hidden treasure tucked away on a narrow side street: an antique boutique bursting with historical ballet treasures. I even found a charming Victorian-era tutu! I might have to find a vintage outfit to wear it with. Oh, the possibilities! 😉
Let’s face it, ladies: The tutus from this era have set the standard for the stunning creations we see today! And the spirit of those romantic ballerinas, dancing under the gaslight with their flowing tutus... it truly does inspire us all! 🩰💖
That’s it for today's #TutuTuesday history lesson, lovelies. Be sure to tune in next week, when we'll dive into another exciting chapter of tutu history! In the meantime, go forth and twirl! 💃
And don’t forget, I believe that every woman deserves a pink tutu. 💖 Until next week!
Yours in tutu love, Emma xoxo
P.S: Do you have a favourite ballet tutu from the 1800s? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
