Welcome back, my dearest tutu-lovers!
It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, bringing you another whirlwind of history, fashion, and twirling for #TutuTuesday, the day we celebrate the wonderful world of tutus.
Today’s journey whisks us back to October 28th, 1834. Buckle up, my darlings, as we travel by train, a marvel of Victorian engineering, straight into the heart of a Parisian ballet, where tutus were just beginning to take flight.
This week’s adventure marks post number 148 in my ballet tutu history blog, a veritable treasure trove of all things tulle! If you’re just joining me, fear not! There are countless blog posts bursting with insights on the history of tutus and the dazzling world of ballet waiting to be explored on my website, www.pink-tutu.com. You'll find everything from early tutus to the evolution of tutu design and everything in between. So hop on board, and let's embark on this delightful trip through time.
*Imagine the scene: a bustling Parisian theatre, ablaze with the warm glow of candlelight. *The air vibrates with anticipation, the hum of the audience creating a thrilling symphony of excitement. I’m sitting in my plush velvet seat, clad in my very best pink tutu – imagine a dreamy cloud of tulle cascading around me. I have just arrived in Paris for the latest ballet performance, "La Sylphide" - what a fabulous and exciting time for ballet! It is an utterly thrilling spectacle, full of such artistry and grace.
But hold on, you might ask, “Tutus in 1834? Surely they weren't the fluffy, voluminous beauties we see today?"
Ah, my sweet darlings, you are absolutely right! The tutu of 1834 was a far cry from the fairytale creations that adorn modern ballerinas. Back then, tutus were much more modest, made of stiffened fabric with a wide, bell-shaped skirt - think of a delicate, flowing bell or an early version of a skirt that would soon become more fitted and flowing. This early type of tutu allowed for freer movement, giving ballerinas the chance to explore a whole new range of dance steps and techniques, showcasing their graceful, airy movements to full effect.
It wasn’t until the mid-1800s, darling, that Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina whose elegance and style took the ballet world by storm, truly brought tutus into their own. She experimented with a shorter version, just above the knees. Her new “Romantic tutu”, made of very light, floaty tulle, allowed for an unprecedented lightness and airiness, and revolutionised the world of ballet. This new, softer form of the tutu was so striking in its airy, almost ethereal beauty, it sparked an exciting era of artistic innovation, shaping the ballerina silhouette for generations to come.
Here is what makes me truly love this period:
- Romantic Ballet: The Romantic ballet era is one of the most captivating periods in the history of dance. These ballets were infused with magic, beauty, and heartfelt emotion, using dramatic dance movements that expressed passion and longing with an almost fairytale quality.
- Fashion: I’m utterly charmed by the elegant, delicate fashion of the 1830s. From delicate, airy fabrics like silk and lace to ornate headdresses and the rise of the first practical corseted bodice, a touch of romanticism was woven through all elements of clothing. And of course, the ever-changing silhouette of tutus throughout this period, and in fact throughout history, is one of the most thrilling things about this beautiful world.
- Social change: I feel truly happy to live in a time of such advancement! The mid-1800s saw the rise of the middle class and with that, the expansion of opera houses and theatre performance for more and more people. More women than ever before enjoyed and participated in artistic experiences like ballet and theater, making these years an important chapter in social history.
Time travel isn’t just about going back in time to witness extraordinary events, it’s also about understanding and celebrating how those events have shaped the world we live in today. And as we admire the ballet tutu, it’s essential to see not just its artistic evolution, but also its reflection of the social and cultural changes it mirrors.
But let's not forget to have some fun!
Today, I challenge you all to embrace the spirit of 1834! Take a whirl in a flowing skirt, play with fabrics and textures to create your own little ballet moment at home, or simply let your imagination soar!
Now that you are familiar with my latest discovery from the vast and exciting history of the tutu, it’s time to look at something else wonderful from October 28th, 1834. What other treasures will be unearthed as we explore this special date?
Stay tuned for an exciting fashion revelation – you won't want to miss this. But in the meantime, I’d love to know your thoughts. What is your favorite aspect of ballet history, and what are your tutu fantasies? Share your insights, dear readers, in the comment section below!
And don't forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, your ultimate destination for tutu love. We are celebrating all things tutus all the time! See you next Tuesday! 🩰💖
Until then, wear your pink tutus proudly, my darlings, and never stop dancing to your own rhythm. ✨
