Greetings, darling dears! 🩰
It's Emma here, your time-traveling, pink-tutu-clad guide to the fascinating world of ballet history! Today, as always, we're whisked away on a journey through the past to explore the origins of that beautiful, airy garment: the tutu. Buckle up, lovelies, and let's get dancing!
It's Tuesday, and as you know, that means another scintillating dive into our weekly #TutuTuesday! Today, I'm stepping back in time to the 4th of August 1835, right in the heart of Paris. As you've no doubt guessed, Paris is the heart of the ballet world and my oh my, are we ever going to see some major changes in tutus this year.
Back to our Timeline!
Picture it, darling: the Theatre de l'Opéra in Paris. The lights shimmer, the audience whispers in anticipation, and the stage is set for the premiere of a revolutionary ballet, "La Sylphide." * This isn't just any ballet, mind you; this is a dance that will revolutionize ballet and give rise to a new silhouette for ballet dancers - *the shorter tutu. It will change forever how we perceive female dancers and the whole choreography process. It's the moment when the romantic tutu, so delicate and airy, takes the stage!
(Fun Fact: I know what you're thinking... the short tutu doesn't actually really appear until around 1841 but in "La Sylphide," dancer Marie Taglioni is sporting the precursor, and oh-so-enchanting, flowing skirt. Let's say the tutu-as-we-know-it is slowly taking shape! **)
This revolutionary skirt, dear readers, wasn't just a matter of style! It was revolutionary for its lightness and the incredible freedom of movement it offered Marie Taglioni. It allowed her to leap with unprecedented grace and elegance. Imagine the wonder of the audience seeing this wispy, magical vision twirling and soaring across the stage! This new look signified a break from the elaborate, heavy costumes of the time and ushered in a new era of grace and fluidity in dance. The stage, quite literally, felt lighter, allowing for the expression of such delicate, poetic themes - just what the "Romantic Ballet" demanded!
Where Were My Tutus?!
1835... what a time to be alive in Paris. Just imagine those vibrant ballets being created! Paris at this time is all about romance, grace, and exquisite taste - oh how I would love to have witnessed it all in a frothy, pink tutu of my own!
(Another fun fact: If we fast forward just a bit to 1837, we have a stunning costume for "Giselle" and with that the tutu is essentially here to stay. Now let's think of how *"La Sylphide" is inspiring our beautiful ballerinas right now...*)
While we can't actually hop into our time machines (not yet... but maybe one day!) we can explore this exciting time through history and art. *I suggest we head to a local ballet company, my darlings. Maybe even try a class, or treat yourself to a stunning ballet at the theatre! *
Just think, a couple of hundred years ago, *"La Sylphide" *was creating a storm! And today we still admire that lightness and movement! This is what makes ballet so inspiring.
The Next Tutu Stop:
Now I'll be writing about the romantic ballet, the evolution of the tutu in Paris... but I have so many tutu tales to share, so I will be taking you to England! A time, my dears, that gave us... well, me! The quintessential, English-loving tutu enthusiast. Let's meet up next week for our #TutuTuesday - you will love our new ballet destination.
(Oh my gosh, it might even involve the one and only Victorian England, complete with dancing men - yes! The Victorian tutu, my loves. It's happening...)
And until then... please don't forget to go and find your very own fabulous tutu, ladies! Don't forget to tag your selfies with *#PinkTutu *
Until next time, dear friends. Keep dancing!
Emma x
