Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma, your favourite pink-loving, twirling, time-travelling ballerina, back with another exciting instalment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History!
This week, we're taking a grand train journey to 1836, my dears! Imagine: steam locomotives, elaborate ball gowns, and a world just starting to discover the captivating art of ballet.
As a Derbyshire girl at heart, I find the history of ballet incredibly romantic! Our 1836 escapade takes us to the heart of Parisian society, a hub of artistic innovation and cultural intrigue. Think elaborate ballrooms, shimmering chandeliers, and of course, exquisite dancing!
Now, you may be wondering why tutus weren't a common sight back then? Well, the ballet tutus we know and love were still in their nascent stages. Instead of those iconic fluffy, multi-layered wonders, dancers donned sleek, romantic, and oh-so-elegant costumes that hinted at the beauty and movement of their performances. Think sleek bodices with long, flowing skirts, often adorned with intricate embroideries and elegant sashes.
The stars of the stage back then were ballerinas like Marie Taglioni, a legendary figure whose graceful performances in the Romantic era set the stage for the evolution of ballet. It was Marie's style of dancing, light and airy, that contributed to the emergence of a lighter and more elegant costume aesthetic. This was in contrast to the heavier, more cumbersome garments that ballet dancers had previously worn!
As we wander through Parisian streets on this glorious day, February 2nd, 1836, we witness an event that set the stage for future innovations in ballet and its attire: the premiere of a new ballet called "La Sylphide" at the Paris Opera House!
"La Sylphide" was a revolutionary masterpiece. This enchanting piece revolved around a magical sylph, an ethereal spirit, who captivates a young man. The ballet was revolutionary not just for its story and enchanting choreography but also for its costuming.
You see, "La Sylphide" marked the emergence of a revolutionary, iconic piece of ballet attire: a lightweight, semi-transparent costume for the character of Sylphide, a precursor to the tutu!
Although not exactly what we think of as a tutu today, this pioneering costume represented a shift towards lighter, more agile designs. It was a vision of romanticism, embodying the lightness and grace of the ballet, a far cry from the heavier, more constricting garments that had once adorned the stage.
While still some years away from the fluffy tulle we love, this innovative costume marked a significant step in the evolution of the tutu. Imagine it, my dears: a ballet, where ethereal movements are not restricted by heavy, restrictive clothing, allowing the ballerina to float like a sylph!
My dearest tutu enthusiasts, it was this innovation that helped propel ballet into its more ethereal and dynamic era. "La Sylphide," with its revolutionary costume design, solidified ballet's position as an art form brimming with elegance, romanticism, and grace. And isn’t it so wonderful to witness how fashion plays such a crucial role in the art form’s evolution?
Speaking of fashion, darling readers, did you see the divine hats they're wearing at the Paris Opera? It’s not the elaborate Victorian hats that we think of today but simple yet elegant creations that add a dash of feminine charm to the whole affair! I’ve noted some details and inspiration for a lovely new series of ‘ballet inspired’ bonnets to launch next month!
However, we don't stop there, my lovelies. I've also taken a little trip through the fascinating archives of Parisian fashion boutiques. Imagine my joy at discovering that silk and velvet were still very much in vogue at the time! These luxurious materials are absolutely divine, giving garments that beautiful flow and elegance. We still adore these today, of course, and they are incredibly common for ballerina clothing in a variety of elegant designs and patterns.
Oh, and the colour palette? Divine, of course! Light pastels, rich satins, and even the delicate touch of blush pink made a frequent appearance in 1836, and I just have to admit, I’m smitten! Now, don’t tell anyone, but I'm planning to add a few blush-pink tulle trims to my favourite tutu for a touch of 1836 Parisian chic.
As we bid adieu to 1836, I hope this week's journey has left you feeling inspired and perhaps even a little more appreciative of the captivating history of ballet and the fascinating evolution of the tutu.
Let's remember to twirl on with joy, cherish the beauty of the art form, and always keep a touch of Parisian charm and the elegance of a past era woven into our tutu wardrobe. Remember, every dance and every twirl is a celebration of the incredible story of ballet!
Until next #TutuTuesday, darling readers, let your spirit soar like a sylph, and stay twirling, always twirling!
Lots of love and tutu wishes,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Remember to follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes glimpses and sneak peeks! You'll find me dancing about on #Instagram, #Facebook and #Twitter - be sure to say hello!
