Hello darlings, and welcome back to another Tutu Tuesday! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad historian extraordinaire. Today, we're jetting off (metaphorically, of course!) to November 12th, 1833, for a little historical tutu-tingle! 💖
You might think a ballet history blog post is a bit déjà vu for a Tuesday, but this week we're travelling through time to a particularly special era – the early days of romantic ballet! You see, our love affair with the tutu began way before those glamorous Swan Lake costumes that everyone adores nowadays. This journey takes us back to a period when ballet was evolving, and the tutu was starting to emerge as a key piece of the performance wardrobe.
Remember, darlings, a journey through time is no mean feat. It involves a little ballet magic, a sprinkle of time-travel tech (which, admittedly, I won't reveal - it's a secret between you and me!), and, of course, an ample supply of pretty, pretty tutus! 😉 I mean, how else could one properly navigate those centuries of ballet history?
For those of you just joining me, Pink-Tutu.com is my humble corner of the internet where we journey through ballet history week by week, exploring the fascinating evolution of the iconic tutu – and naturally, the pretty frocks, jewellery, and delightful accessories that adorned our favourite ballet stars.
Our Destination: A Parisian Ballet Ball!
The year is 1833, and the city is Paris. The grand Palais Garnier has yet to grace our presence, but opera and ballet are all the rage. Parisian society swirls around exquisite chandeliers, delicate gowns, and, believe it or not, already showcasing some rather daring (for the time, mind you!) glimpses of tutu creations!
A Moment in Ballet History:
November 12th, 1833 was an ordinary day for the citizens of Paris. They may have strolled along the charming Parisian streets, purchased their provisions at the bustling markets, or dined on sumptuous meals at one of the city's many cafes. Little did they know, on that very day, a captivating ballerina graced the stage at the Théâtre de l'Opéra, possibly showcasing a delightful dance with a tutu in some form! You see, darlings, a tutu - a shortened skirt for dancers, revealing a glimpse of legs, and sometimes a whimsical petticoat beneath - was starting to take centre stage during the romantic ballet period. This era in ballet history was known for its dramatic and emotional stories - think Giselle, for instance!
But, my dears, we mustn't confuse the tutu with a balerina. You might have already heard of the gorgeous dancers who grace stages all over the world, but this special word for ballerina only arose a bit later in the century, so for our historical wanderings, it’s back to ballet dancers!
The Romantic Era and the Ballet Dancer's New Costume
Ballet, at the beginning of the 19th century, was known for its elaborate and constricting costumes, which hindered dancers' freedom of movement. But the romantic period - roughly spanning from the early 1830s to the 1840s - saw a move towards more streamlined and practical, and of course, a whole lot more aesthetically pleasing, designs. This is when the tutu first started to take shape, providing the dancer with more freedom and expressing the airy, graceful style of the romantic ballet era. Imagine, my dears, ballet dancers flowing across the stage, embodying characters filled with passionate emotions and intricate footwork – how much more magnificent would the performance be with a lovely tutu fluttering around those dancing feet!
I know I haven’t given you a clear picture of what the tutu was actually like just yet! But remember, history doesn't give us a crystal-clear image of a specific ballet costume - but imagine flowing lengths of silk, gauzy chiffon, and perhaps even a glimpse of a petticoat below - something much shorter than the fuller designs we are all familiar with. It’s possible there might have even been a ballerina wearing some form of a tutu on November 12th, 1833 – isn’t that just lovely?
Onwards to the Present!
The 1800s weren’t the first use of tutu though, for in 1500s Italy the Tutte, (or Tutte) as the tutu was then known was already a popular garment, but its form in dance evolved from the *Crinolines, a fabric structure used to create fullness in the dresses, making the costumes grand and large – for instance, consider those dramatic gowns favoured by those stylishly avant garde figures from earlier centuries, for they certainly did have the kind of skirt you might expect a tutu to evolve from!
Why It Matters Today
It’s a lovely thing to appreciate what came before. The early tutu was the stepping stone for all the incredible tutus we’re able to see today, the real start to all the stunning variations in ballet costumes, and a beautiful symbol of the ever-evolving beauty of ballet itself! It also reminds us that while history might be filled with long-forgotten designs, it is a delightful adventure, each Tutu Tuesday an exploration into how fashion changed with every twirl! It reminds me to love each style in all its historical splendor!
What's Next?
And that, my darlings, is my Tutu Tuesday for today! This journey is far from over. We have many more stops along this fascinating timeline, each one bursting with a special kind of tutu beauty. There will be stories to unravel, historical tidbits to discover, and plenty of lovely tutu inspiration.
Remember, your friendly neighbourhood ballet blogger is always here for your questions and comments! And don’t forget to follow Pink-Tutu.com for the latest in #TutuTuesday fun.
See you next week for a new Tutu Tuesday adventure! Until then, stay glamorous and tutu-tastic! 💖
P.S. Don’t forget to share your favourite tutu stories! Remember, ballet is for everyone! So tell your friends about it. Maybe we can all find a way to be just a little bit tutu -obsessed, like yours truly! 💕
Love always, Emma
This is post number 98 on Emma’s website.
