Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your time-traveling tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you away on another journey through the fascinating history of ballet and its most wonderful adornment: the tutu!
This week, we're travelling back to the 12th of April, 1836. Imagine, if you will, the bustling streets of Paris, where the air is filled with the clink of carriage wheels, the chatter of ladies, and the joyous tunes of a street performer. The theatre lights are just beginning to illuminate the grand Parisian opera houses, and, whisper it, a revolutionary change is happening in the world of ballet…
A Time for Change!
Now, you might think that the tutu was always around, swirling and twirling its way across the stage, but you'd be surprised! 1836 is actually a rather important year in tutu history. Up until this point, dancers had been wearing fairly elaborate costumes, a lot like the dresses worn by women off the stage, just a little shorter to allow for movement. However, with the arrival of Marie Taglioni and her famous creation, La Sylphide, a whole new world of dance was revealed!
Marie was an absolute goddess on stage, with grace and poise beyond compare. To truly show off her phenomenal moves, she donned a costume that was quite different from the gowns of the day. The ‘Romantic tutu’, as we call it now, was much shorter, exposing the legs and showcasing the incredible choreography.
This shift in fashion had a big impact! The Romantic tutu freed up movement and revolutionized the look of ballet. It was lightweight and elegant, with its billowing layers, often with a delicate frill or ruche along the bottom. Imagine the sheer, whisper-light silk skimming the floor as Marie pirouetted, leaving audiences spellbound!
So what happened on this particular day in 1836?
Well, darlings, the 12th of April was just another day in the hustle and bustle of Paris, and there wasn't a ballet performance that day, I'm afraid. However, in a quiet corner of the city, perhaps an atelier bursting with ribbons and tulle, a talented seamstress was undoubtedly working away, adding finishing touches to a brand new tutu for an upcoming performance, possibly even one worn by the iconic Marie Taglioni herself!
Just imagine that: The very same tutu might have been in the works on that very day in April! Don’t you just love thinking about the lives those delicate garments led and the magic they’ve brought to the world?
Tutus in London
The trend of the Romantic tutu wasn't just a Paris sensation. London's Covent Garden Opera House soon saw its fair share of these delicate creations, adding a touch of ethereal charm to its grand performances.
Now, let’s fast forward a little...
As we journey through time, the tutu takes on many different forms! From the puffy, romantic styles of the mid-19th century to the streamlined, fitted silhouettes of the late 19th century, each period saw its own interpretations of this captivating costume.
Time to Make a Statement!
Remember, ladies, a tutu isn't just about practicality; it’s an art form in itself. The way a tutu is styled and the colours chosen tell a story, and that’s something I truly adore. Today, we can celebrate the beauty and power of the tutu through modern fashion, incorporating the graceful spirit of dance into our everyday style.
Let's not forget, there's something so empowering about wearing a tutu, a touch of whimsy that can make you feel absolutely invincible! It's no surprise it's a fashion trend embraced by girls and women of all ages!
A Pink-tiful Day Ahead!
Now, dear readers, I must be off. But remember, our #TutuTuesday journey is far from over! Next week, we’ll dive into even more captivating tutu history. In the meantime, embrace the whimsical charm of a tutu! It's not just a costume, it's an expression of grace and elegance, a timeless symbol of dreams taking flight. And, who knows, you might just inspire a new wave of tutu love in your own life!
Until then, keep those twirls twirling, those dreams dancing, and stay #pink-tiful!
Emma
Pink-Tutu.com
