Hello lovelies! 🩰✨ It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, back with another fabulous installment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History!
This week we're going all the way back to June 26th, 1832. Grab your tea and biscuits, because we're going to take a little trip through time and explore the exciting world of tutus during this enchanting period!
You're probably wondering, where in the world are we, Emma? Well, we're in the very heart of tutu-land, darling - Paris, France! The City of Lights, home to the world's most magnificent ballet companies and, you guessed it, the most fabulous tutus! Imagine shimmering tulle and the sound of the most elegant music, it's just pure bliss.
But let's rewind to 1832, before we delve into tutus, imagine a world of elegant crinolines and bustles. It's the height of the Romantic era in ballet. It’s a time of airy, delicate movements and romantic storytelling. Forget tight-fitting corsets, the new craze is soft flowing fabric!
But what about tutus, Emma?
Now, it's all about the Romantic tutus! These gorgeous garments are made from a soft, billowy fabric called tulle, and they look just like a beautiful cloud, swishing around as the dancers float across the stage. Imagine flowing chiffon in pretty pastel hues! So beautiful!.
While ballet history is full of iconic names, this year in 1832, a rather famous ballerina called Marie Taglioni dances a groundbreaking piece: "La Sylphide". Her costume is the pinnacle of tutus - a white Romantic tutu that makes her look almost ethereal as she pirouettes gracefully across the stage. You can practically hear the swooning audience as she moves, so magical!.
Remember, darlings, this era in ballet is about evoking emotion, telling stories through graceful movements. That's why these Romantic tutus are so perfectly dreamy! The layered tulle evokes the airy lightness of a woodland creature - just think of delicate butterflies and fluffy clouds.
Fancy a sneak peek at my trip, lovelies?
I spent a lovely morning shopping in the gorgeous shops of rue de Rivoli for beautiful ribbons and lace, so much prettier than anything they have in Derbyshire!. It seems a whole industry is blossoming around the needs of ballet dancers in Paris. It’s certainly different to Ilkeston where I am from, they don't sell many tutus there. Just so you know I love the beautiful ballet shops - there are so many choices in beautiful silks and satins, it's so extravagant. But alas, the train back to my own time is due. Must pack!
As my trip to 1832 draws to a close, the romantic tutus, with their gentle flowing tulle, leave an ethereal memory. Remember, lovelies, the most important thing is to embrace your own style and have fun!
Don't forget to share your favourite tutus with me! Just leave a comment below, I’d love to see how you wear your own pink tutus!
#TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #RomanticTutu #LaSylphide #MarieTaglioni
Until next Tuesday, stay twirling!
Emma x
P.S I have been toying with the idea of a special blog post about all the beautiful ribbons and embellishments for ballet tutus...I wonder if anyone else shares my fascination? Just saying!
