Bonjour mes amies! Welcome back to another Tutu Tuesday and let me whisk you away to a rather exciting era for the evolution of the tutu, as always in my fabulous, pink tutu!
As a time-travelling fashionista from Derbyshire with a passion for all things tutu-related, you can imagine my joy when I stumbled upon January 15th, 1833! The romantic era! Picture billowing silks, cascading curls, and delicate floral patterns - ah, pure perfection!
So, you're wondering what made this date so special? Well, this was the year that the iconic romantic ballet, "La Sylphide," premiered in Paris. Yes, you read that correctly, Paris! That shimmering, Parisian hub of culture and fashion, which is basically a ballerina's dream, was where this ballet sensation graced the stage.
Now, "La Sylphide" isn't just about some grand, historical drama. It's the story of a shy Scottish maiden, Marie, who falls in love with a sylph (an ethereal forest spirit). Imagine the fluttery, ethereal movement and, naturally, the costumes had to match the fantasy! It's a breathtaking mix of delicate romance and airy lightness that sparked the tutu trend of the 19th century.
What were tutus like in this period? Let's imagine fluttering, white layers of tulle with intricate, floral embroidery. Not quite the fluffy, multi-layered tutus we know today, but it was a pivotal moment. Ballet costumes in those days were pretty modest (think more flowing skirts).
And did you know that ballet in the 19th century wasn't a pastime for just any lass? Ballet was an art form for the elite! In 1833, ladies from grand families, in flowing gowns and extravagant hairdos, sat entranced, observing these delicate ballerinas dancing with such lightness and grace. It was pure theatre! Imagine it, those shimmering tulle skirts would have flowed through the air, a visual spectacle unlike anything they'd ever seen! It was an entire theatrical experience with beautiful costumes playing an integral part in conveying the story!
The ballerina in "La Sylphide," the lovely Marie Taglioni, famously wore a white tutu, and that's why it's been referred to as "La Taglioni." Can you imagine the sensation of seeing that floating gown onstage, with its graceful and feminine movement? No wonder ballet became a high society must-see event.
Oh, how I would have loved to be there in Paris, that fateful January night! Picture the chandeliers sparkling, the ladies' laughter filling the air, and the theatre's scent of expensive perfumes mixing with the earthy, wooden smell of the theatre - pure magic!
Of course, my lovely, tutufied friends, as much as I adore romantic eras, we can't forget about modern tutu style! There are countless possibilities with colours and design. Modern tutus come in many colours, fabrics and embellishments, from pink sequins and glittery bows to playful rainbows and abstract prints - truly, it's a wonderland of possibilities! I have a fabulous blush pink tutu with some sparkly silver detailing that's perfect for showcasing the fun of ballet, without sacrificing a touch of elegance.
To add to this time-traveling, pink-tutu adventure, let's step away from ballet for a moment, grab our hats and take a train to London, where a new, exciting development is unfolding - fashion! In 1833, London was a buzzing hive of high-class fashion houses and seamstresses who were beginning to see ballet's influence. You see, ballet was an influential force in shaping fashion trends - especially with this romantic tulle and fabric craze! You might even see the romantic influence reflected in elegant daywear like silk dresses or beautiful satin slippers.
And you know what's fascinating? We've come full circle - this time, fashion is influencing ballet costumes again. Can you see it? The way a new style emerges on the catwalk, becomes a popular fashion, and eventually seeps into a theatrical world? The constant interaction of artistry, fashion and even fashion and dance is a beautiful thing!
The beauty of "La Sylphide" was not only its storyline but also its pioneering effect on the history of the tutu. Imagine its impact on ballet costumes - not just for "La Sylphide," but for future generations. That first "tutu" with its delicate, fluttering, white tulle set the stage for countless elegant and elaborate designs we know today, from whimsical designs to dazzling glittered wonders.
From the elegant simplicity of the first tutus to the modern playful expressions of a pink tutu, every little tutu story contributes to the rich tapestry of ballet history. I'm off to practice my pirouettes and keep researching tutu history to bring you more delightful blog posts.
And remember, don't be shy, try out that pink tutu - you never know where a little pink fluffiness might take you! Until next Tuesday! And as always, stay twirling!
Emma xx
