Post #193 - 8th September 1835
Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! 🙋♀️ Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina, and I'm thrilled to whisk you back to the 1830s today for another enchanting #TutuTuesday!
As you know, I absolutely adore the magic of ballet, but did you know that the very foundations of this gorgeous art form, including our beloved tutus, are firmly rooted in history?
So, let's pack our time machine and hop aboard the train to 1835! 🚄
A Trip to the Romantic Era: Paris!
Our journey takes us to Paris, the very heart of the Romantic Era! Imagine swirling waltzes, grand balls, and the elegance of French fashion – this is where tutus, in their early form, were making their grand entrance into the world of ballet.
Just imagine being swept away by the beauty of a shimmering silk tutu, perfectly crafted to catch the candlelight in the elegant salons of Paris. Now that's the ultimate dream! 🌟
But, our tutu story is just getting started!
A Peek Behind the Curtain:
Did you know that back in this time, the "tutu" as we know it was a very different garment? In the early days of the 19th century, ballerinas would typically wear flowing, ankle-length skirts known as "romances." But hold onto your tiaras, ladies! Things were about to get exciting...
As ballerinas became more daring and sought more freedom of movement, they began experimenting with the shape of their skirts. Enter Marie Taglioni, an absolutely iconic ballerina of the time, with her graceful jumps and leaps.
It was her groundbreaking performance in "La Sylphide" on 12th June 1832 that is credited as the birthplace of the first real tutu, in its form closer to what we see today.
The Short Skirt Takes Center Stage
La Sylphide premiered the innovative and groundbreaking shorter "tutu", which allowed Taglioni to perform breathtaking leaps, turns, and arabesques. Imagine the collective gasp of the audience as the silk tulle floated gracefully around her as she moved across the stage. 😮
Taglioni's performance was truly revolutionary. She completely changed the way ballet was viewed, and in doing so, the world of fashion!
Can you imagine a room filled with gasps of surprise and admiration, as ballerinas like Taglioni spun, leaped, and flew across the stage with the ultimate freedom of movement? It’s no wonder these revolutionary skirts, often white or a soft shade of pastel pink, became a sensation and set the stage for all tutus to follow.
The Enduring Appeal of Pink
But how could I mention Parisian fashion and not bring up pink? It was just beginning to gain popularity and we know, just like me, you all are huge fans!
Think about it. In this era of high collars, fitted corsets, and opulent silk gowns, pink would have been a breath of fresh air. The lightness, the playfulness - pure magic. Imagine walking past the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, spotting a dancer on the way to her class, or a noble lady enjoying a morning stroll. Isn’t it delightful to think they were setting the scene for the future of ballet and the fashion trends we see today? 🌸
I truly believe the evolution of the tutu embodies the journey of dance itself! From those early flowing skirts, capturing the spirit of grace and romance, to the shorter, more modern designs of today, it’s a journey of self-expression and a celebration of the body’s capabilities! 💪
Keep it Tutu-ful
Well, darlings, it’s time to travel back to the present! Remember, the story of ballet and the story of the tutu are two intertwined stories of artistry, innovation, and self-expression!
So keep spinning and twirling! 💃 Don't forget to tell me all your favourite moments and share your #TutuTuesday outfits. Until next time, wear your tutu proudly and spread a little ballet magic! 💕
See you next week for more ballet history,
Your Tutu-Loving Time Traveller, Emma
P.S. What are your favourite ballet shows? Don't be shy to share in the comments!
P.P.S. Are you as obsessed with ballet as I am? Follow my blog for weekly tutu tips and ballet history!
www.pink-tutu.com
