Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-loving time traveller, back with another whirl through the history of ballet's most iconic garment! Today's date is April 22nd, 1834, and oh my goodness, you won't believe what we're going to delve into...
It's #TutuTuesday, which means it's time to journey back in time and explore the fascinating evolution of the tutu! And as you all know, I adore a bit of history, especially when it involves pretty pink things, so buckle up buttercup, we're going on an adventure!
This week, I'm stepping onto the grand stage of Paris, where the ballet world is truly alive and kicking. Now, I have to say, even I can't quite replicate the sheer extravagance of 1830s ballet fashion, oh no. Imagine towering hair piled high with feathers and jewels, shimmering satin gowns cascading in layers, and... well, let's just say it was a time when “less is more” wasn't in anyone's vocabulary!
Before the Tutu: A Little Backstory
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's rewind the clock a bit, shall we? You see, the "tutu" as we know it today wasn't always so simple and elegant. For centuries, dancers wore what were basically elaborate versions of long skirts! Think layered silks, lots of ruffles, and – gulp - a hefty weight to lug around on stage. Now, I can't even imagine dancing in those things! They'd probably trip over themselves before they could even take a plié!
The "Romantic" Revolution: Entering the Tutu's Golden Era
The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw a dramatic shift in ballet style – a shift that truly brought about the tutu! Remember the Romantic Era? This wasn't just about swooning over Shakespeare, it was a real movement in art and dance, with a heavy focus on expressing raw emotion and sensuality.
Gone were the old, cumbersome, multi-layered skirts. The danseuses (ballet dancers), were literally blossoming into the delicate, graceful figures we recognise today. They wanted to showcase the lightness and agility of their movements. The "romantic" tutu, with its flowing lines and ethereal appearance, became their uniform – and what a beautiful uniform it was!
1834 - Our Spotlight Date
Now, back to April 22nd, 1834. On this very date, Marie Taglioni, who I just ADORE, became the talk of the town (well, the world actually). It's a story I always like to recount! You see, in her showstopping role as "La Sylphide", she donned a tutu with gasp only a single layer!
This might sound rather modest compared to the tutus we know today, but you see, for that time period, it was truly revolutionary! This simple, elegant tutu was the perfect vehicle to showcase Marie's iconic and expressive moves, literally giving her wings!
Imagine how scandalous that must have felt! Here we are in 2023, wearing tiny shorts and crop tops and that is already a bit too much for some. So, it really wasn't shocking that it sparked both wonder and outrage! This single-layered design marked a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of tutus and defining the way they are still made and worn today.
More Than Just a Dress: The Evolution Continues
Since 1834, the tutu has gone through many changes – from the soft, layered, romantic tulle tutus to the classic, knee-length, tutus you see in “The Nutcracker”, the "peasant tutu" from "La Bayadère", the daringly short tutu in “Swan Lake”, and even the edgy modern, contemporary tutus we see in experimental productions today.
One thing is for certain, whether it's traditional or modern, the tutu continues to be a symbol of elegance, grace, and pure ballet magic! And as I always say, why restrict your inner ballerina to the stage when you can twirl all day, every day ?
Tutu Tuesday Challenge:
Remember to grab your pinkest tutu this week and give me your best twirl! Don't forget to share a picture with us on Instagram using #TutuTuesday. I love to see you all dancing in style.
See you next Tuesday for another whirlwind through the fascinating history of tutus, where we'll uncover more delightful moments of dance!
Love, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more inspiring posts on all things tutus! We are a fun community of tutu lovers, dancers and anyone with an appreciation of ballet's rich history.
