Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, reporting live from ... well, let's just say somewhere very exciting. This Tuesday, we're taking a trip back in time, all the way to the year 1834! It's time to delve into the history of our beloved tutus, and discover their surprisingly fascinating origins!
Hold on tight, because we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through time, and I'm wearing the most fabulous pink tutu, naturally. It's a real vintage find, you see, inspired by the very first tutus!
But where are we? Well, imagine cobblestone streets lined with elegant carriages, tea houses filled with gossip, and, of course, the world's most celebrated stage - the Paris Opera! Yes, darlings, we're in Paris, the heart of ballet, and the place where the tutu story begins.
Now, you might be surprised to learn that tutus, as we know them, didn't exist back in 1834. They weren't those airy, whimsical creations that let our legs dance free! Back then, ballerinas wore rather voluminous skirts, more like ball gowns, but much shorter and often made of several layers of stiffened fabric, almost like petticoats. These gowns restricted movement, making them quite impractical for dancing!
But guess what? This was the year when everything changed! It was in June 1834, at the Paris Opera, that the iconic dancer Marie Taglioni changed the face of ballet forever! You might remember her name from your ballet history lessons; she was known for her light, ethereal style of dancing - think elegant extensions, effortless leaps, and fluid movements.
It was on this very day, June 17th, that Taglioni graced the stage, not in a heavy gown, but in something entirely new, something light and flowing that allowed her to soar. It was called a 'tutu'. Now, it wasn't exactly the romantic, multi-layered tutu we adore today, it was much shorter, more like a knee-length skirt with a little volume.
But here's the exciting part: It revolutionised ballet! Imagine the gasp of the audience, the thrill of the orchestra! Taglioni's graceful movements and the captivating beauty of the tutu were a sight to behold. The tutu, while simple, liberated the dancer, giving her the freedom to express herself through dance like never before!
Imagine, if you will, this graceful dancer, with her golden hair tied in a neat bun, wearing a pristine white tutu, the only adornment, a single, delicate rose nestled among her curls. She twirls on stage, a vision of elegance and grace! Her tutu dances with her, a perfect marriage of dance and costume! It wasn't just a dress, it was an extension of the ballerina herself.
But the story doesn't end there, dear readers! From that point on, the tutu began to evolve. The classic 'Romantic' tutu, which Marie Taglioni helped to popularise, became a staple in ballet, a symbol of lightness, grace, and elegance.
And you know what else happened that day in 1834? It wasn't just Marie Taglioni who stole the show! This date also marks a crucial milestone in ballet history. It was the day of the grand opening of the newly built Opéra Garnier, a truly majestic, elaborate masterpiece that is still an iconic landmark in Paris! The Garnier, as it's affectionately known, is a monument to theatrical extravagance, filled with opulent ornamentation and dramatic interiors, the perfect backdrop for magical ballets.
I've seen many performances in the Garnier - from 'Swan Lake' to 'Giselle' - and the atmosphere is electric. Every time I step into that theatre, I feel like I've stepped back into a romantic time, and of course, the ballerinas grace the stage wearing these exquisite tutus!
Now, while we love our grand, layered tutus, and even the sleek contemporary tutus of today, let's remember that the journey started in June 1834 with a dancer, a new dress, and the audacious vision of beauty and freedom!
Speaking of beauty and freedom, darling, remember my mission to get the whole world wearing pink tutus? This #TutuTuesday I challenge you all to embrace your inner ballerina! Wear a pink tutu, even just for a little while, take a spin around the room, and imagine yourself soaring like Taglioni, a beacon of joy and beauty!
Until next #TutuTuesday, stay stylish, and may your twirls be filled with grace and elegance!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Do you have any favourite historical ballet stories or tutu designs? Share them with us in the comments!
P.P.S I took the train here this week - always the best way to travel for a budding ballerina! The gentle rhythm of the tracks and the whizzing scenery… pure ballet inspiration!
P.P.P.S You'll be excited to hear that I am performing at the Royal Opera House in London this weekend - en pointe of course! And of course I'm wearing pink!
P.P.P.P.S Don't forget to follow my adventures on Instagram!
