Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-obsessed time-traveller, ready to take you on another whimsical journey through the history of our beloved ballet garment. This week, we’re twirling back to 1836, a year brimming with elegant fashion and theatrical flourishes!
I arrived in Paris yesterday, fresh off a glorious train journey from my Derbyshire home. Oh, I do adore the railways – so efficient and convenient. I practically floated into my quaint little hotel room, my pink tulle tutu practically buzzing with excitement for all the fashionable delights this city holds. I love Paris, it's just so glamorous! Today's #TutuTuesday theme? Le Ballet, of course!
As we dive into the world of ballet in 1836, imagine: flowing satin skirts, twinkling jewels, and romantic storylines that whisk you away to enchanted lands. There’s a certain kind of magic that radiates from the stage during these ballets.
But before we can fully appreciate the ballet scene of 1836, let's talk about the tutues, darling! This period is when the Romantic Ballet flourished – a dramatic departure from the rigid court ballets of the past. Ballet became less about formal steps and more about portraying emotion and stories through expressive movement. And with these sweeping emotions came a new era for the tutu.
In 1836, the Romantic Ballet was a trendsetter, bringing forth tutus we know and adore today. Gone were the bulky skirts, and in their place? Lightweight tulle tutus that floated and swirled around the dancers’ legs, like wisps of ethereal fabric. I can just imagine how entrancing these new tutus must have been to watch – every movement was like a gentle dance with the wind itself!
These graceful garments allowed ballerinas to showcase their impressive leaps and turns, and for the first time, truly explore their artistry with every flutter of the tulle. They were designed to highlight the grace and delicacy of female ballerinas, embodying the feminine ideal of the Romantic era. They’re also unbelievably charming, with a light airy aesthetic. The kind that makes me want to prance around and spin!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a #TutuTuesday post without some fun facts about this exciting period in ballet! Let's delve a bit deeper, shall we?
Firstly, we must talk about the legend – the “mother of the tutu,” Marie Taglioni! This incredible dancer popularized the lightweight tulle tutus we know and love today. Her famous portrayal of the Sylphide in La Sylphide (1832), wearing a super ethereal white tulle tutu, was groundbreaking! It's believed her tutu alone set off the entire romantic ballet craze! Talk about iconic! It wasn't just the fabric, though. These ballets explored themes of love, loss, and magical transformations – and the tutu became an expression of this magic. They just looked magical against the backdrop of shimmering stage lights, reflecting their shimmering lights. Oh, just imagine the wow factor they would have had in that period. It’s no wonder ballet gained such popularity across Europe at this time.
One of my favourite ballets from this time is La Fille mal Gardée – meaning, The Girl Who Was Badly Guarded. This ballet tells a story of a love-struck girl and a lively countryside dance. It’s fun, light-hearted, and absolutely bursting with captivating character dance. But it's not all about serious romance, dear readers! There’s always a bit of mischievousness that pops up in La Fille Mal Gardée with a great deal of silliness and fun, all wrapped in beautiful tutus and beautiful dance.
Today I had the absolute pleasure of seeing a gorgeous production of La Fille Mal Gardée in the Paris Opera Ballet – my heart soared when the curtain went up, seeing all those magnificent tutus swishing around the stage! I even had a little impromptu twirl with the performers backstage. Let’s just say the Parisian audiences were absolutely smitten – it’s always so heart-warming seeing everyone enjoy the art of ballet, you know? And then the after party, where I was the only person in a pink tutu but got some rather lovely photos for the pink-tutu.com website - so glamorous!
But Le Ballet isn't the only thing captivating Parisian life in 1836. Ooh la la, fashion is flourishing! If I were in town without a time machine, I would have been shopping myself silly in the chic boutiques! The era’s elegance shines through the garments, with lavish fabrics, exquisite trims, and intricate embroidery – I just have to find a way to add those extravagant sleeves and flounces into my wardrobe!
Speaking of wardrobe, darling, have you discovered your perfect pink tutu yet? I have just discovered a fabulous supplier of fine tulles, in various gorgeous hues of pink, so expect an updated 'What's in my wardrobe?' post on pink-tutu.com very soon. You are just going to adore it, and perhaps I'll show you how to make your own petit tutus for a special little person in your life, you never know!
Until next time, my dears! Remember, there’s always room in your world for a little pink, a touch of grace, and of course – a tutu!
Warmly,
Emma
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I can't wait to see you all again next week for another captivating journey through Ballet Tutu History. Until then, keep twirling, keep dreaming, and always remember to always keep it pink!
