Bonjour, darling ballet lovers! It's Emma here, back again for another #TutuTuesday! It's always so much fun sharing the fascinating history of our beloved ballet tutus with you, and today we're waltzing all the way back to 1832, to a most exciting time for ballet and tutus in Paris.
I'm currently taking a little break from the dazzling stage lights of Londonās Covent Garden to enjoy the elegant streets of Paris - it really is the ultimate shopping paradise for a ballerina with a passion for fashion! (Especially with those incredible silk stores!). I absolutely love hopping aboard the train for a quick journey from the capital of England to the capital of France - the journey always brings such inspiration!
Speaking of inspiration, have you ever wondered how the tutu came to be the symbol of grace and elegance that we know and adore? Well, buckle up my little pink ballet bunnies because today we're going to dig into the roots of this truly iconic garment!
1832: A New Era for Ballet & The Romantic Tutu
This year marks a pivotal moment for ballet, one that forever altered the trajectory of the art form and our precious tutus. Itās the year that the āRomantic Balletā burst onto the Parisian scene with a dazzling spectacle that redefined femininity and grace, forever altering the silhouette of ballet costume design.
Imagine the excitement in Paris back in November of 1832! Just the day after Halloween (although they didn't have quite the same celebrations then!) is the anniversary of the performance of "La Sylphide," a stunningly new ballet choreographed by none other than the iconic August Bournonville! Now, you know how much I adore the colour pink, but this piece was so groundbreaking because it made use of white and gasp! translucent fabrics to evoke ethereal femininity. The romanticism was in the air!
And that's where the Romantic Tutu was born!
Instead of the cumbersome and layered skirts that dancers had been burdened with before, "La Sylphide" introduced the world to the "jupe" - the name for this lighter and shorter skirt-like creation, which would quickly become the essential garment for every ballerina. This innovative new skirt had four layers ā all of delicate white cotton or tulle. They were crafted to billow outwards, creating a sense of airy weightlessness and an effortless graceful flight. Imagine the effect on the stage! Just picture this beautiful ballet of fairies and their ethereal movement. It was revolutionary for its time.
So let's say a big "Thank You!" to "La Sylphide" and Mr. Bournonville! We owe them a debt of gratitude because this incredible performance revolutionised how ballet dancers would dress and perform forever. This revolutionary silhouette gave the ballerina freedom to move - and believe me, we loved it! All this without sacrificing the visual grandeur.
From the Parisian Stage to the Streets!
Imagine the impact on fashion across the globe when you consider the powerful reach of dance, and of the ballet particularly. After āLa Sylphide,ā the Romantic Tutu began its conquest of the world! Fashion houses everywhere embraced its airiness and graceful beauty! Not only that, but it also influenced fashion for all types of people. Just think how the shape and drape of the romantic tutu began appearing on ball gowns, ladiesā dresses and even childrenās clothing. It was just about everywhere you looked!
Just picture it. Women were dancing their way through society! And all thanks to this revolutionary ballet costume that helped change how we understood femininity and beauty. I daresay the tutus and ballet costumes played a massive part in changing perceptions. I believe this is true even to this day, when you consider all those sweet little girls all across the globe dreaming of becoming ballerinas and wearing those exquisite, fluttering tutus! It really is the quintessential ballet garment!
The Power of Tutus Across Time
You can see how much history and glamour surround these remarkable garments! Every single time I slip into my pink tutu I feel that magic! And this incredible history - I think itās quite remarkable to realize just how much influence and impact such a beautiful object, such a delicate and elegant creation can have, from the stage to everyday life!
Donāt forget, my darlings, every Tuesday you can read more exciting #TutuTuesday posts like this on www.pink-tutu.com, where I'm continuing to share my time travels across different eras, enjoying the beauty of the ballet world and all its stunning performances and garments, including the incredible story of the tutu!
Oh! And remember, don't be shy, be bold. Be just like a tutu, and wear pink if you like - it is truly magical.
Love and pink tutus always!
Emma
