Welcome back, my darlings, to another edition of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! This week, we're whisking back in time to August 18th, 1835 - fancy a little trip on the train? I’ve been planning this trip for ages and it is so exciting, let me tell you. It's been quite a whirlwind of a week, with shopping trips, shows, and of course, my most important mission – researching the glorious history of the tutu!
This week, I've landed myself in the heart of Parisian fashion, and oh my, what a sight! I've been swanning about the boulevards, marvelling at the elegant ladies in their stunning gowns and bonnets, all so stylish! But this week I'm focusing my efforts on discovering the world of dance – and what better place than the Opera House itself?!
I managed to snag some front-row tickets for the ballet, a treat for my little ballet loving soul! Oh my, the spectacle was unbelievable! The dancers were like birds in flight, their movements graceful and ethereal. It was like watching a dream unfold on stage. You know how I feel about pink and so do my fellow dancers. There was one little lady who just had the most stunning pink tutu, it truly glowed in the stage lights. You would have loved to have seen it.
But here’s the thing, darling, whilst the tutu of 1835 may have a resemblance to what we know and love, there is also quite a lot of difference. They were much more flowing and voluminous, and let me tell you, they took ages to get ready! The ladies had to be very nimble indeed to even be able to lift their legs and twist their way through the performance. There wasn't even a thought about wearing them for a little frolic around the studio.
Talking about the studio – did you know, my lovelies, that back in the day, tutus weren't even worn in rehearsals? Apparently, it was thought that they were far too delicate and would be destroyed in the practice studios! Fancy that!
The Rise of the Ballerina
So, you may ask, what was happening with ballet around 1835? Well, I'll tell you! Ballet, much like the fashion of the day, was going through a revolutionary period, and in a very good way! Ballet was taking center stage – no pun intended – and dancers like Marie Taglioni were becoming icons of grace and elegance, wowing audiences worldwide. She was a shining star in the ballet world, renowned for her lightness and ethereal movements. In her role as the beautiful La Sylphide, her graceful performance captivated everyone!
The early ballerinas, they really paved the way, moving from more restrictive dress and choreographies that focussed on steps to much lighter, more delicate movements that really allowed their grace to shine. It's really incredible how the ballet we enjoy today has been shaped by these amazing dancers, especially these very early pioneers like Marie Taglioni! There was one, actually a male dancer – very important, and of course, incredibly talented – Jules Perrot who really put an emphasis on lightness of movement in ballet. Imagine if we didn't have their pioneering work. The tutu would probably still be the most rigid costume!
Now for the Clothes!
Now, let’s talk about clothes. This is one of my most favourite parts of history, especially when I'm exploring fashion that doesn't necessarily match with the tutu as well as it would today! Fashion back then was a bit… flamboyant, if you know what I mean. And you all know how I love pink! This week I'm going full pink and looking forward to rocking a pink tutu as I sashay my way through 1835! They were into the romantic period – big dresses with flounces and frills in every imaginable colour – not necessarily pink as much as my little ballet-loving heart wants! There were tons of ruffles and lace everywhere. I have even had a go at the puffed sleeves, but let's just say they might not be suitable for any grand leaps, that I can tell you! So you can bet, my darlings, that my wardrobe for this trip was packed full of romantic frills and florals! Pink was quite popular then, as long as it was for accessories and the like, it just didn’t go too well with a pink tutu as a main garment then! The colour was still associated with being girlish, but even now it's seen in a more child-like way than the colours of say lavender and light blues! Oh, but that doesn't stop me from wearing pink in every shade under the sun, and every style from the Victorian period onwards, even if the shade's not the most accurate one! I am wearing my absolute favourite ballet pink and am absolutely loving the attention. I feel so much like I’m right in the ballet world. So, remember my lovely darlings, the history of the ballet is a journey of incredible style!
A Time of Glamour
Anyway, back to the dance! August 1835, you're in the heart of a ballet frenzy. I can’t wait to catch up on everything new this week, and to tell you about it!
There is so much for me to explore – what I am learning about the 1800s and fashion is amazing. It truly was a time of amazing fashion - I am totally in love with it! Just imagine, my darlings! It was the time when you could really rock an amazing ballgown! There were amazing, glittering ballrooms, with fabulous outfits and stunning performances. Who needs a trip to the ball, darling, when I’ve got the tutu and a stage and a whole bunch of beautiful ladies to join me for a dance in 1835. I am absolutely in my element!
So, remember my loves, spread the tutu-tastic love. Tutu Tuesdays have brought me to the heart of the dance world, in all it's history, and a pink tutu is always a good idea! Stay tutu-ful and beautiful, and join me next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday blog.
Yours always,
Emma * www.pink-tutu.com*
*PS: Don't forget to follow me on Instagram, and Pinterest @Pink-tutu! *
