Welcome back, my lovelies, to another enchanting edition of #TutuTuesday! It's me, Emma, your fellow ballerina and tutu aficionado, whisking you away to another delightful period in the fascinating history of the tutu! This week, we're venturing back to October 11th, 1836, a momentous date, believe it or not, for the evolution of this iconic garment. But before we delve into that, I simply must confess to my latest obsession: travelling by train! I’m utterly charmed by the elegant carriages, the gentle clickety-clack of the wheels, and the breathtaking scenery that flashes past the windows. Plus, there’s just something so glamorous about arriving at a destination in style, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, let's return to our tutu journey! This post marks a monumental occasion – a whopping 250 entries into the archives of my beloved #TutuTuesday! What a testament to the sheer magic of the tutu and the delightful world of ballet! Each week, we explore a different slice of history, and it never ceases to amaze me just how long tutus have graced the stage, inspiring countless dancers and dreamers alike.
So, back to 1836. Can you believe that just over 180 years ago, the world of ballet was slowly embracing a shift? While the dramatic, floor-length skirts of earlier days still dominated, there was a rising demand for something more flowing, something that would highlight the graceful movements of the dancers.
This longing for change was spearheaded by the innovative Parisian choreographer, Jean-Coralli. You see, 1836 was a remarkable year for ballet – the year of La Sylphide, a captivating romantic ballet that revolutionized the dance world. La Sylphide, with its otherworldly, ethereal characters and emphasis on delicate movements, called for a new kind of garment, and that's where our tutu heroine comes in!
Now, picture this: the elegant and expressive Marie Taglioni, the ballerina who became synonymous with La Sylphide. She's floating across the stage, the graceful movement of her limbs made even more captivating by the skirt she wears, a garment that no longer hugs the floor. This, dear readers, was the genesis of what we now know as the romantic tutu.
La Sylphide's iconic romantic tutu, made of tulle, featured several layers of delicate netting that billowed and flowed with each turn and leap, adding an air of weightlessness and enchanting fantasy to the performance. This style, featuring shorter layers and showcasing the legs of the dancers, quickly became the norm for ballerinas, marking the beginning of a new era in ballet. It marked a monumental leap away from the rigid and opulent garments of earlier times.
The allure of the romantic tutu resonated deeply with me, too. You see, just like those graceful ballerinas, I, too, have embraced the art of storytelling through my very own pink tutus! It's how I share the joy and wonder of the ballet world. Each week, I step back in time, embracing new eras, and weaving narratives with the magic of my trusty tutu. It’s not just a garment, it’s a beacon of beauty, grace, and historical wonder, reminding us all of the transformative power of movement and art.
However, our tutu story is not limited to just these historical gems. We are surrounded by the influence of the tutu in modern society. Just take a look around you! From countless fashion designers borrowing the flowing elegance of tutus for their evening wear to the captivating stage productions, the tutu's influence knows no bounds. Even in everyday life, the tutu's influence echoes – think of the billowing skirts of little girls dancing through their living rooms! And don’t even get me started on the magical allure of ballerina parties! Every single day, the tutu ignites joy and inspires countless dreams.
But my own ultimate goal, you ask? Well, let's be honest – it's about sharing the love of tutus with everyone! Why shouldn't a man wear a tutu, right? And imagine the wonderful world of dancing with the comfort of the perfect tutu? From pink to silver, yellow to a fiery red, a sea of colour that just explodes with joy! Think about it, my darlings. Tutuland: a world filled with only pink tutus. What a splendid thought!
So, let’s celebrate our tutus, from the romantic dawn of La Sylphide to the magnificent fashion runways of today, from the whimsical ballerinas on stage to the everyday dancers, and, of course, me in my very own, trusty, pink tutu, ready to spread the love, the glamour, and the utter magic of it all!
I’ve already planned a trip to Vienna this week to catch some ballet! Oh, and shopping, too! It wouldn’t be a trip without some beautiful ballet outfits!
Until next week, lovelies! Remember, put on your best tutu and celebrate the power of movement and the enchantment of this extraordinary garment. I’ll be wearing my pink tutu, twirling my way through the streets of Vienna!
Yours in tutus and twirls,
Emma.
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #BalletHistory #Fashion #Travel #Vienna #RomanticTutu
