Welcome back to my Ballet Tutu History blog, darlings!
I'm Emma, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling ballerina. I'm back again this #TutuTuesday ready to whisk you off to another historical era!
It's amazing how we take tutus for granted these days, isn't it? You go to a ballet show, there they are. You walk down the street, and maybe a graceful, little girl will pirouette by in a fluffy pink number. But where did these beauties come from, eh? That's where yours truly comes in - a time-travelling ballerina with a passion for pink, a weakness for frills, and an insatiable curiosity for the history of this dance-loving outfit.
Today's blog post takes us all the way back to 1832-05-22, an important day in the world of tutus - at least in Paris, the heart of ballet as it was back then!
What was happening on this date in history?
- The Paris Opera - this is where it's at in 1832, babes! Le Theatre de l'Opera, it was called then, but it was all the rage in the Parisian social scene, full of swirling skirts and grand opera evenings. They'd have their opera performances there, yes, but also fancy dress balls, the perfect excuse for a gorgeous gown and a fancy new tutu!
A Fashion Revolution!
So, darling, this date sees a Parisian premiere of 'La Sylphide' starring a super-talented dancer by the name of Marie Taglioni! This show was quite the sensation, not just for its artistry, but for what Marie wore! You see, this prima ballerina assoluta was a trailblazer - she wasn't wearing a cumbersome, weighty gown with yards and yards of silk and lace. Instead, she graced the stage in a whimsical, light-as-air skirt made of white tulle. Gasps! Talk about fashion revolution.
Now, tulle itself isn't a brand-spanking new invention - this lightweight, semi-transparent fabric had already been used for decades to make gauzy curtains, and yes, sometimes, veils for women's fashion. But the **'La Sylphide' design revolutionised stage costumes! Think of the previous corseted, floor-length designs and you'll see how liberating this new creation must have been. It allowed for fluid, graceful movement, effortless jumps, and the beautiful flutter of tulle as Taglioni floated across the stage. It became instantly iconic.
This creation - this revolutionary dance costume, was the precursor to what we know and love today as the ballet tutu, darling. Isn't it just marvellous?
*On the train to the theatre!
So, 1832-05-22. A date for the history books, in a way. Of course, today it’s just Tuesday. But if you were lucky enough to be in Paris for 'La Sylphide', then 1832-05-22, is the date when ballet fashion entered a new, breathtaking era!
Oh, but I'm getting carried away. Time for some travel chatter! Now, in 1832, getting from Derbyshire, where I call home, to Paris would take about a day on the train. That was, of course, assuming I was on the right train at the right time. You could spend an extra day at one of the charming train stations in Paris if you happen to catch a less-reliable service!
The Tutu Trend is Taking Over!
Remember, though - tutus were only just making their big debut in Paris. They took some time to catch on and by 1832 were considered very daring. But by the end of the 19th century they’d become the standard for ballerinas worldwide.
Let's face it, they’re practically essential in this beautiful form of dance, so why do you think that might be, dear readers? Well, you guessed it, they create an amazing aesthetic! Their fluffiness helps make the dancers' movements appear graceful and ethereal, just as the Romantic era would have you imagine.
Of course, I'd love to go on and on about how gorgeous a tutu can look, but there are other, practical reasons behind the tutu boom. It gives dancers freedom to move without being held back by long gowns or constricting fabrics. Imagine dancing in layers of fabric! They allow the beauty of the dancer's body to be shown.
What's in my Pink Tutu Wishlist!
- And for a girl who loves fashion and dancing, like yours truly, there are loads of gorgeous variations to these beautiful tutus! We’ve got romantic tutus, classical tutus, pancake tutus, and even contemporary tutus, each style with its unique quirks and stunning effect! It's hard to resist the charm of these fluffy skirts, isn't it? And if you can’t resist, don’t. Let’s embrac the tutu!
- Personally, I love pink ones - you know me, a total girl. This #TutuTuesday, I'm dreaming of a light, gauzy pink tulle tutu, so perfectly soft. I'd wear it everywhere! Ballet, picnics in the park, even while wandering around London (my current stop, before returning home to Derby!), why not? What would you love in a tutu, dear reader? Let's get creative with the pink!
A Pink Dream
I have a real thing about pink, darling. I mean, just take a look at the website. Who wouldn't want to wear a gorgeous pink tutu? We can embrace the fashion. The history. The amazing, beautiful, amazing, gracefulness of ballet. And a hint of magic, eh? After all, aren't they like fairy dresses?
It's my little mission in life, you know. Get everyone in pink tutus. It would be a joyous world of pink frills. A vision I might just have to go and manifest... I mean, that's why I have this blog.
Thank you for reading today, darlings, and see you again next Tuesday!
**Love,
Emma x**
