Hey darlings,
It's Emma here, and today, we're going on a Parisian adventure, time-traveling to 4th April 1723. As a little bit of a treat, we're celebrating that gorgeous tutu trend with a little peak back at its history. Grab a cuppa and a biscuit, darlings, 'cause it's gonna be a right lovely journey!
Remember how I said my life mission was to get everyone in a pink tutu? Well, the good news is - our obsession with tutus stretches waaaay back! Did you know the word ‘tutu’ wasn’t actually a common thing in the 17th or 18th centuries? Well, they weren’t actually called tutus back then - but we definitely see the beginning of a little dance fashion evolution here! The origins of our much-loved dance fashion can be traced all the way back to, well, hold on to your bonnets… France!
Now, hop on Meg, my trusty pink sparkling shire steed, who just happens to love wearing tiny pink ballet shoes around her hooves, and let's gallop through the French streets, as our time-traveling steeds lead us right to Paris! Today we're investigating the Paris Opéra Ballet, specifically 4th April 1723!
It was a time when Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King", was ruling France. This royal ballet-loving gent was a massive influence in the evolution of the ballet fashion - imagine the Parisian boulevards awash in opulent gowns and stylish ladies strutting around in their finest court clothes! The king loved his ballet, darlings! This means the court also went totally ballet-mad!
It's extra fun to learn how dancers' outfits transformed through the decades, from the long and rather formal ‘gowns’ to the beginnings of more exciting attire - like short skirts that became increasingly popular. It was at this very time when that long and often rather weighty and bulky skirt evolved from its former elegant ‘formality’ into something more practical! And it wasn't just about looking fabulous, it was about giving the dancers freedom to move and shine!
Oh, what would the dancing ladies be up to today?! Now, back to our adventure: Today’s trip back in time is all about the world-renowned ballet: L’Europe reconnaissante! It premiered today at the Paris Opera House. This ballet is absolutely steeped in tradition and history and showcases just how much this dance form was already growing in popularity during this time. Just think of the excitement and anticipation bubbling over!
I can imagine the chatter of Parisian ladies in beautiful silk gowns - possibly already sporting a touch of ‘tutu-style’ with their own little mini skirts – as they discuss their favourite dancers! I could just hear the gasp as one ballerina stepped on stage! And as she leapt, twirled and gracefully moved, could you hear the murmurs of awe from the crowd? Did you know the most glamorous dancers at this time even started sporting tiaras - talk about sparkle!
This time period marks such a fun point in dance history. There were absolutely incredible, bold changes occurring, and everyone from the Queen to the merchants’ wives loved to be seen at the ballet. Oh, darling! Let's also not forget the influence of the 'Court' at Versailles, with dancers swirling their frilly and beautiful skirts. And of course, it is this very influence that pushed designers to create more practical styles - and perhaps even helped with the beginning of the tutu-like movement?
What's in my rucksack from this date:
A lovely drawing from a costume sketch for the dancers from L’Europe reconnaissante - showing just how intricate and stunning the dancing ladies looked - their headdresses were positively elaborate, and just wait until you see the ruffles, the sparkles, the jewels…. just picture the sheer opulence! This really gave us an insight into how ballet costumes were designed in the 1700s! The sketch even features a small but beautifully elegant tutu - with its flowing design it definitely shows that dancing clothes are starting to evolve from more 'court-fashion' style.
An interesting program from the Paris Opera House. It included all sorts of fun things such as a brief history of the dancers' journey so far, which is so fascinating to read about! This program helped me really understand the early stages of ballet, how it developed into a very celebrated and sophisticated art form!
Back in Derbyshire now! As always, after a ballet-inspired time travel jaunt, I'm inspired to dust off my pink tutu, grab a cup of tea, and start practicing my arabesques!
And just for you lovelies, because the joy of fashion and creativity always comes back to tutus, I've decided to share some really exciting tutu news! I found a gorgeous ballet studio in Paris with amazing classes that actually include learning to sew and design your own little tutu – a true treat! If you're in the area, do pop in, I can share the address with you!
Until next month, stay fabulously fabulous and happy twirling, darling!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
