Welcome back, my darlings! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday, where we delve into the enchanting history of the tutu. Today's post is number 215 for my Ballet Tutu History blog on www.pink-tutu.com. If you're new here, I'm Emma, a passionate ballet enthusiast, and a bit of a tutu aficionado. I'm on a mission to spread the joy and beauty of tutus around the world, and I'm doing it one pink tulle petticoat at a time.
Now, grab a cuppa (tea, of course, we're British!), settle in, and let's journey back to 9th of February, 1836. We’re not just exploring a date; we’re experiencing a pivotal point in the development of the ballet tutu. My time travelling boots have brought us to Paris, the city that pulses with the rhythm of dance.
The year is 1836, and oh, the fashion! Ladies' dresses are still rather voluminous, flowing with romantic flounces and embellishments. The silhouette is more ‘bell’ than ‘hourglass’ but the focus is on delicate, romantic details – think ruffles, lace, and a hint of that ‘fairytale princess’ feel. We’re not talking about corseted wasp waists yet, no no! This era whispers of romance, grace, and gentle fluidity.
Now, imagine a stage in Paris, bathed in the glow of candlelight. The excitement buzzes in the air. This is the moment, the very moment that a ballerina named Marie Taglioni steps into the limelight. She’s not just dancing – she's redefining what it means to be a dancer. She wears a new kind of dress - a revolutionary creation: the tutu, but not the tutu as we know it today! This first tutu, the forerunner to our modern favourite, is called a "Romantic Tutu" – an airy, light and elegant dress made of white gauze or muslin, reaching just below the knee.
Marie's tutu is a defining moment, a symbol of the evolving artistry of dance. Gone are the cumbersome skirts of the past! Marie’s romantic tutu embraces freedom of movement. It whispers a story of lightness, of wings, of being unbound. It's as if Marie Taglioni herself becomes a graceful, dancing feather, taking to the air in the most breathtaking ballet – "La Sylphide".
And talk about fashion trends! You can't discuss 1836 and fashion without a quick stop at the fascinating Exposition Universelle, the Parisian equivalent of a World’s Fair. Held in 1836, this exposition was a whirlwind of creativity and invention! It brought together all the best in artistry and invention from all over Europe.
It's impossible to talk about tutus without discussing the iconic Ballet “Giselle,” first premiered in 1841, another captivating story of the tutu's evolution. The main ballerina in this story wore a longer tutu, made of many layers of tulle – an exciting advancement, paving the way for the ballerina tutus we know today.
What a captivating time in the tutu's history! 1836 is like a springboard to the tutu's evolution – the birth of the romantic tutu and the gradual transition into a fuller, more sculpted form. It’s all a journey toward the magical tutus we adore today!
This week, to celebrate #TutuTuesday, my pink-tutu loving soul has taken me on a magical train journey – from the serene English countryside of my Derbyshire home, right into the heart of London. My trip has already included a trip to the stunning Royal Opera House (my absolute favourite!), a fantastic dance workshop (you know me and my love of ballet class!), and a glorious shopping spree (ooh, tulle!) . My shopping bags are already overflowing! There’s just so much fashion inspiration, such exquisite elegance on the streets of London. It's all swirling around me like a delicate cloud of pink tulle!
Until next week, darlings! Remember, the joy of ballet and the elegance of the tutu are yours to embrace! So go on, be bold, be bright, be beautifully YOU! And maybe, just maybe, slip into a pink tutu – you never know what wonders you might discover!
P.S. Have you tried the new Giselle ice cream yet? It’s all the rage! You simply must give it a try! It's like a delicious ballerina in a waffle cone. (Hint, it has a sprinkle of pink sugar on top!). And for your next dance class, or if you need a little extra sparkle in your everyday routine, be sure to try the new pink-tutu-themed lipstick! It's the perfect touch of ballerina magic for any day!
Until next time!
