Bonjour, mes amies! It's Emma here, back again from another thrilling adventure through the world of dance, all in the name of celebrating the most magnificent garment known to humankind - the tutu!
This week, we're taking a little trip back to 24th November, 1835. Buckle up, darlings, it's about to get very Victorian!
Now, I know what you're thinking. The 1830s? Seriously, Emma? Surely, the tutus weren't as... tutu-ful as they are today.
Well, you'd be right! But hear me out. Whilst tutus were in their early days of development, that doesn't mean there wasn't something to admire about their beginnings. Just imagine the beautiful crinolines of the Victorian ladies - full, flowing, and utterly enchanting! The "tutu" of this period was essentially a variation on the crinoline, just a little bit more structured and lightweight. Think delicate fabrics like tulle and silk, and a shape that gracefully danced and swirled. They may not have been the full, fluffy extravaganzas of today, but they were a breath-taking and revolutionary vision in movement and style.
Imagine a ballet show in those days, with the ballerinas gracefully flitting across the stage in their silken skirts, all delicate movements and swirling tulle. Just heavenly! Of course, in those days, only professional dancers wore the 'tutus' - those of us lucky enough to live in the era of the Romantic ballet.
Speaking of those romantic ballets, there's a wonderful show happening in Paris today! In fact, today is the opening night of Giselle. The story of a tragic heroine betrayed by a handsome young man. I can almost smell the drama! Sadly, it doesn't feature a real tutu - more of a short, slightly fitted skirt, very much in the style of what dancers wore in the 1830s, but don't be fooled - there's nothing boring about these early forms of dance! I’ve been seeing shows for years now, and even these 'proto-tutus' were surprisingly effective in emphasizing the fluid movements and beautiful lines of ballet.
My research tells me there are quite a few Parisian ballerinas at this particular performance tonight that I’d love to see, especially a girl named Marie Taglioni, she's considered one of the pioneers of Romantic ballet. It's wonderful to imagine how ballet was changing the way women expressed themselves - the flowing tulle a metaphor for a liberation of form and freedom of movement that wouldn't be fully explored for years to come.
After I've finished watching this fabulous performance, I'm planning to make a trip down to the grandest shop in all of Paris, La Maison Rougé! You'll find this on the Rue de Rivoli - think Parisian boudoirs, elegant lace and extravagant silk – and hopefully I’ll be able to pick up a piece of silk for my next dance performance back in my own time. The beautiful rich colours and the weight of it will surely be a touch of romance on stage, don’t you think? There's just something magical about taking the materials that inspire the modern-day tutu from history, especially those lovely, delicate textures and styles that seem to carry the air of romance and the stories of ballerinas past!
Before I depart back to my own time, let me leave you with a challenge: Look at the fashion of the Victorian Era and see how those crinolines might have sparked the movement of dance fashion that ultimately resulted in the glorious tutu as we know it! If it weren’t for the crinoline we wouldn’t have the tutu, that's for sure! And while we might be dreaming of those wonderful voluminous pink and white tutus, perhaps even the 'crinoline era' could inspire a lovely shade of light pink with layers of fine white tulle for a dramatic look! Maybe I’ll give that a go back in my time, I bet the crowds will love it.
Happy Tutu Tuesday! I hope you enjoy my historical peek into the tutu's beginnings!
Stay fabulous, darlings,
Emma
xx
P.S My travel blog is also on the way, all things fashion, style, and travel. Come join me over on www.emma-travels-the-world.com - I’d love to have you!
