Welcome back to my blog, darlings! It's me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and today's #TutuTuesday is all about taking a trip back in time. Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's travel together to 1835-07-07!
(This is post number 184 in my Ballet Tutu History blog - if you’ve only just joined me, welcome! Be sure to browse the archives at www.pink-tutu.com! I’m posting a new blog every Tuesday!)
Ooh, you wouldn't believe how I got here today! I took a splendid journey on a gleaming steam train. Now, don't go thinking the trains were all elegant and posh back then – they weren't exactly built for comfort. Still, a journey by rail always gives me a thrilling little jolt, you know? It's a magical feeling, like a whispered promise of adventure.
So, why July 7th 1835, you ask? Well, my darlings, this was a day where ballet, as we know it, was beginning to truly take shape! It's such a fascinating period. While the idea of a 'tutu' was around for a while (think fluffy skirts on mythological goddesses in classical paintings!), it wasn't a proper dance outfit yet.
You see, up to this point, ballet dancers would twirl around in cumbersome silk gowns, sometimes several layers thick! This made the choreography stiff and restrained. Can you imagine trying to turn en pointe with yards and yards of fabric swirling around you? No thank you!
But on this particular 7th July, there was something brewing! The beautiful Marie Taglioni, a ballet superstar at the Paris Opera, stepped out onto the stage for a performance. Now, Marie wasn’t afraid to buck tradition! Instead of the usual crinolines and layers, she wore a soft, gauzy, knee-length skirt.
And you know what, darlings? It was revolutionary. The audience was utterly charmed by the light, ethereal way she moved! This dance, "La Sylphide", is seen by many historians as the dawn of the tutu as we know it.
Think of it, my dears - this tiny, delicate piece of fabric shifted the entire course of ballet! From that moment, the focus moved towards graceful, flowing movement, allowing the dancers to display their agility and beauty even more.
Don't get me wrong - the tutu has changed a lot since Marie Taglioni’s groundbreaking debut. It’s evolved, adjusted, and become a symphony of styles! The fluffy, multi-layered tutus of Giselle, the shorter tutus with beautiful detailing worn by the ballerinas of Sleeping Beauty, and of course, the sleek, athletic modern tutus - each one a reflection of its time. But the key principle – a garment that emphasizes the grace and flow of the dancer’s movements – that’s what it’s all about.
I just love the freedom of a tutu. When I put it on, I feel like I can fly! And that’s precisely what we want from our ballet dancers - that ethereal quality, that ability to appear to defy gravity, to express joy and sorrow, and all the emotions that dance brings to life.
Speaking of joy and dance, did I tell you about my latest trip to London? Oh, darling, it was a feast for the eyes! A magical production of Swan Lake, so moving, so exquisite! The dancers' movements, a symphony of grace, the breathtaking choreography, and the iconic music – it truly transports you to another realm!
Now, back to my shopping adventures. Just the other day, I stumbled upon a little boutique in Derbyshire that's overflowing with delightful accessories! Pearls, sparkling clips, and… hold on to your hats… a pink feathered boa!! I’ve just got to have it, darling. My wardrobe is simply begging for it!
Of course, I also snagged a few beautiful fabrics. I'm always searching for inspiration for my own design ideas! I just can’t help myself, it’s my obsession to find the most wonderful tutus out there. Maybe I'll whip up something dazzlingly pink! Do you have any suggestions for me, my loves?
Anyway, as I’m a huge fan of celebrating this fascinating history, remember, every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday! It’s our time to celebrate ballet, the tutu’s role in the magic of the artform, and of course, it’s time to inspire even more tutus around the world!
Do join me again next week, my lovely readers! We’ll be back for another delve into the history of tutus - we’re already planning for some very exciting discoveries and some stunning vintage images of ballet and those beautiful tutus!
Until next time,
Emma
P.S. - You can follow me on social media! I'm posting pictures from my adventures (and more gorgeous tutus!) at @EmmaTutu on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
*P.P.S. - Would you like to be featured on my blog next week? Maybe a picture of you wearing your favourite tutu? Send your images to @EmmaTutu on Instagram or @EmmaTutu on Twitter. Don't be shy, darlings! *
#EmmaTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #BalletFashion #PinkIsMyFavouriteColour #SupportBallet #LetTheDancingBegin #KeepTwirling #BalletAdventures
