Tutu Tuesday: A Journey to 1835! (Post #201)
Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident Tutu Queen, and welcome to another delightful edition of #TutuTuesday! Today, we're stepping back in time, all the way to the 3rd of November, 1835. Buckle up, buttercups, as we journey to the world of Romantic Ballet, a time when the ethereal, the dreamy, and of course, the feminine, reigned supreme.
Now, I confess, this particular Tuesday wasn't bursting with a groundbreaking fashion moment for tutus (although, trust me, you'll be delighted by some surprises from other eras!), but it's a time worthy of our exploration! It was an era of ballerinas gliding across the stage in wispy, flowing tulle, often called "tutus," but not the frilly, voluminous tutus we see today.
This is where things get fascinating, my darlings. While the term "tutu" didn't officially come about until the 1880s, the design concept was already there! In the early 1830s, "tutus" resembled more of a loose, tiered skirt, usually crafted from soft materials like cotton or silk gauze, designed for movement and showcasing the ballerina's elegant form. Think of it as the very early blueprint for our beloved modern tutus, full of graceful movement and femininity.
And don't think this period lacked glamour, my dears! Just picture this: a majestic stage, gilded in light, with a young ballerina clad in a silken gown, the skirt falling in a waterfall of diaphanous fabric, each twirl an artistic expression. This was the epitome of ballet at that time.
Speaking of elegant dance, I absolutely must share what caught my eye in the ballet world on this particular 3rd of November, 1835!
My adventures led me to Paris, oh la la, and the Salle Le Peletier, home of the Opรฉra de Paris. And there it was - The debut of "La Sylphide", a Romantic ballet masterpiece that literally redefined dance and launched a new era of tutu-wearing enchantment. Imagine a graceful young sylph (a fairy-like spirit) dancing on her tiptoes, adorned in a swirling gown - it was truly magical!
Now, my dear fashionistas, don't think the trend stopped there! You see, a little bit of the 1830s crept into the 1840s with an elegant twist. Ballet costumes started evolving with a tighter, fitted bodice, making the ballerinas' waists look even more defined and highlighting those delicate shoulder blades that give ballerinas their elegant posture.
This gradual transition from those voluminous gowns to more fitted designs ultimately set the stage for the tutus of the future. Can you picture it? That glorious evolution, those intricate details โ truly a time of exquisite beauty in ballet fashion.
As you can tell, my dears, this little journey into the past is absolutely bursting with excitement. The story of the tutu is like a beautiful ballet, each step and turn taking us closer to the gorgeous creations we adore today.
But speaking of evolution, my darlings, it's time to chat about something extra special...pink.
Pink tutus are like magic, like a whisper of enchantment in the air. It's the colour of love, of beauty, of a joy that sweeps you off your feet. It's the colour that reminds us to dream big and dance with abandon, just like a little ballerina in a perfectly pink tutu!
Now, while this trip might have been lacking in pink tutus, the spirit was there! The sheer ethereal fabrics, the lightness and fluidity - all reminiscent of our beloved pink tutus.
I am reminded of an observation from the late 1830s when ballet was really making strides towards being considered a "high art". It was observed by one particularly insightful gentleman:
โIt seems, then, that with a costume we should adopt the very color of life; the costume that blends so admirably with a sky which knows only daylight; a color at once celestial and warm.โ
He might have not been talking about a pink tutu, but this โcolor at once celestial and warmโ? My dear darlings, he was talking about the magic of pink.
So, this #TutuTuesday, let's dream big! Let's think of the graceful swirls of Romantic ballet and the emergence of the very first designs that would eventually become our tutus! And above all, let's remember to infuse our lives with the wonder of pink. Because darling, you just can't deny its exquisite beauty and feminine charm.
That's all for today, my loves! Stay pink, stay sparkly, and don't forget to spread a bit of tutu magic wherever you go! Until next Tuesday,
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. Did you know the Royal Opera House in London hosted "La Sylphide" for its first performance? Isn't it charming how history is so interconnected, even when it comes to beautiful tutus?
P.P.S. This time, my adventures have been quite local to my Derbyshire hometown! It feels nice to get a taste of familiar surroundings whilst going on a history adventure! This week's performance that made this journey possible was in my own hometown!
P.P.P.S. This week's outfit for the ballet was a dream! A pink and gold tulle tutu with sparkly sequins and a light pink blouse, of course! You can shop my ballet inspired look from my website www.pink-tutu.com - see you on there!