#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 1836, Episode 211!
Bonjour, mes chéries! It's Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday trip through time, where we journey to the world of ballet and explore the fabulous evolution of our favourite garment, the tutu!
Today, we're stepping back into the enchanting year 1836, to the glittering heart of Paris, where the fashion world and ballet intertwined. Picture me, if you will, perched at a cafe table in the heart of the bustling Palais Royal, a symphony of tinkling spoons and clinking champagne glasses around me, and a magnificent pink tutu fluttering around my legs like a mischievous butterfly.
Just a moment ago, I emerged from the magic of a performance at the Theatre de l'Opera - an experience so breathtaking I'm still floating on cloud nine! You see, dear readers, the early nineteenth century was a golden age for tutus, a time when this magical garment truly blossomed! And the story of the tutu in 1836, well, it's nothing short of fascinating...
Imagine, my dears, the year is 1836 and a little-known Italian ballerina named Maria Taglioni has just taken the Parisian stage by storm! She danced a breathtaking piece, "La Sylphide," that set the ballet world ablaze! Gone were the days of restrictive, full-length gowns; in their place, Maria donned a soft, diaphanous, white dress, skimming her body like a whisper of air! It was so incredibly light - a daring departure from the opulent and heavier costumes of the past.
But here’s the real magic! Her skirt, reaching only to her knees, was incredibly short and delicately layered in a puff! This new, innovative design allowed her the freedom to float and twirl, literally defying gravity - a testament to the emerging ballet style known as “Romantic Ballet." And what is a true Romantic Ballet dancer without a light, delicate tutu, that lets her pirouettes flow, and her movements glide through the air with airy, captivating grace?
This, my loves, is where the tutu’s evolution really took flight! Maria's tutu revolutionized ballet fashion. It inspired countless variations – shorter, longer, with more layers, or fewer - but always focused on freedom of movement and graceful artistry! And oh, the romantic beauty! Imagine a ballerina in a shimmering white tutu, swirling under the soft light of the theatre's chandelier. It truly captures the soul of the era, a captivating marriage of lightness and elegance.
And now, the best part of travelling through time: shopping! Just a few steps from my café, in the very heart of Paris, is a treasure trove called "The Rue de la Paix." The chic boutiques of this bustling street are practically bursting with exquisite fabrics - tulle, silk, and lace – all the essential components for the perfect tutu. The variety! Oh my, it’s a veritable dream! From creamy white to a breathtaking palette of pastels and vibrant shades, there's a colour to complement every dancer's personality and style. And, let's not forget those embellishments – ribbons, bows, pearls, and even delicate sequins. Just thinking about the creations I could whip up in a pink, light-as-air tutu, and a beautiful, hand-painted silk fabric...oh my!
To wrap up this magical trip through 1836, I have to confess, I couldn't leave without catching the last act of a magnificent ballet performance. The ballet dancers’ movements, light and airy, took me straight into a world of dreams. The twirls and leaps in the beautiful tutu creations – well, the magic of ballet simply captivates me! It’s the kind of spectacle that inspires dreams of a beautiful future for dance and, dare I say it, encourages even more love for our cherished pink tutus.
Speaking of pink tutus… don't you just love the way the pale hues of the era, in soft shades of ivory, lilac, and of course, the divine shade of pink, make me think of a fairy tale, or a delightful romantic waltz, in the dreamy garden of the French countryside? It all feels incredibly delicate and delicate, yet powerfully beautiful - the true essence of romantic ballet, and the tutu’s magical history!
Before I bid adieu for this week, let me remind you, my darlings, that there are still many, many tales about tutus, and their role in ballet history, that are waiting to be told! Remember, check back each week, because the magic never stops on #TutuTuesday. And as always, wear a tutu and spread the love!
Until next time, keep swirling, and always remember, life is best danced in a tutu!
With a flurry of pink feathers and twirls, Emma, from Derbyshire.