Tutu Tuesday #39: A Glimpse Back to the Romantic Era! 🩰💖
Hey Tutu Lovers!
Welcome back to another edition of Tutu Tuesday, where we explore the glorious history of this wonderful garment! Today, I'm taking us on a magical journey back to September 25th, 1832! 🚂💨
Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, why this particular date?" Well, my lovelies, this day marks the debut of a ballet that shook the world - "La Sylphide." This production is what I call a "turning point" for tutus, or shall I say, "tutu-ing point." It really set the stage for what we see today!
So, grab your teacup (or a sparkling glass of pink lemonade!) and let's travel back to Paris, the capital of fashion and the heart of ballet. Oh, Paris! Where tutus took their first, breathtaking steps.
In 1832, Paris was brimming with excitement for the romantic era. Imagine ladies with cascading ringlets, men in velvet waistcoats, and a whirlwind of swirling skirts! But what were they wearing under those skirts, you ask? Well, the answer is, not much at all!
Let's talk about the leading lady in this romantic drama – the ballerina. They danced in outfits that resembled simple, lightweight cheesecloth or linen skirts. Imagine, these were called "tutus" long before they were made in layers of tulle, with elaborate detailing and the iconic pointed shoes! It's almost like an early draft of our modern ballerina wardrobe!
But here's the twist. "La Sylphide" brought in a new heroine. Imagine a mystical, airy creature called a "Sylph" with shimmering gossamer wings – now that’s a concept! And that's where the real evolution of the tutu began.
The ballerina, Marie Taglioni, needed a costume that could perfectly represent this whimsical creature, right? And it was "La Sylphide" that made her a star. She wore a dress of ethereal white, reaching almost to her ankles! Imagine, almost floor length, for ballet! With billowing layers of white muslin, and that signature loose and airy look that captured the graceful spirit of the sylph. It was revolutionary!
Now, if you think the tutus today are glamorous, imagine seeing Taglioni glide across the stage! This innovative piece broke all boundaries of convention and set the standard for future tutus.
Think of those lovely white tutus with layers upon layers of tulle! The classic look? It's directly inspired by the era! Can you believe it? It was truly a fashion moment, a movement of revolution, and all it took was one graceful, weightless dance to change the face of ballet fashion.
Of course, let’s be real – tutus weren’t as “pink-ified” back then. They were more ethereal in their lightness and whiteness. I mean, think of what you’d want if you were going for the airy and ethereal look of a spirit like a sylph!
So, here we are on September 25th, 1832. What better way to celebrate this monumental moment in history than to… drumroll please… put on a tutu! 💖
Don't forget to join me on pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for more Tutu Tuesday fun. I can't wait to see all your amazing pink tutu photos!
Until next time, stay fabulous!
Lots of Love,
Emma 💕
P.S. Did you know, that “La Sylphide” actually premiered on March 12, 1832? This means this week's blog isn't about a tutu milestone, it’s just because the 25th September was my favourite date in 1832! What a funny twist of history isn't it! It seems to me a lot of dance productions started to get bigger after the opening of "La Sylphide". What do you think? Let me know in the comments!