Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, back with another #TutuTuesday instalment! Today we're whisking ourselves back to the grand year of 1837, the very year Queen Victoria took the throne. Now, I'm sure you'll all agree that 1837 was a simply delightful year, and not just for the monarchy, but for the tutu as well!
This week, I'm absolutely brimming with excitement because today marks the 184th anniversary of the first time a ballet tutu was truly, officially tutu-fied! Yes, my darlings, a tutu of legend was born – the iconic Romantic tutu, and let me tell you, this little number was truly revolutionary for ballet fashion.
A Quick Train Ride to Paris
Now, to get the full picture of how revolutionary this tutu really was, we must hop on a grand railway express – first class, of course – and make a trip across the channel to Paris. Paris is, naturally, the centre of all things fashionable. As we’re time-travelling, this will be a relatively short hop on the train. I love those plush velvet seats, you know, the ones with the lace detailing. You simply can't beat a trip on a good old steam train. They really do bring out the true essence of adventure!
Once in Paris, my dears, let’s pay a visit to the Opèra Garnier. It’s an absolute jewel box of beauty! This theatre, constructed in the 1860s and then built over 19th century ruins, has its own enchanting history, one that intertwined with the history of the ballet itself. But the heart of our story lies within the performance that was just waiting to unfold on that very stage.
A Star Is Born... In a Tutu!
Imagine a dance filled with grace, with light flitting like the air itself, with costumes like shimmering wisps of dreams. This was the world of La Sylphide, and this is where the tutu came to the forefront of the stage! This magical ballet featured Marie Taglioni, who was simply the ballerina of the day, a complete fashion icon!
Taglioni, with her long, elegant legs and airy, expressive style, stole the hearts of all Paris with her performance. And at the heart of it all was the revolutionary Romantic tutu, designed to accentuate her long, slender legs, a dramatic departure from the bulky, layered skirts of the past! It was airy, a silken cloud of sheer loveliness, and as she pirouetted on that grand Parisian stage, her movement took on the essence of flight.
Goodbye, Long Skirts, Hello, Tutu!
Prior to La Sylphide the tutus were far more, shall we say, 'conservative'. A sort of modest long skirt affair, almost concealing the dancers’ legs! Imagine a long layered skirt that resembled something akin to an eighteenth century wedding dress but without the lace. While undeniably elegant in their own way, they didn't quite scream “ballet!” the way our Romantic tutu did.
With the rise of this new tutu, there was a complete liberation of movement. Think light as a feather, a graceful flight, delicate and oh-so feminine! This was a ballet costume that truly symbolized freedom and artistry, an important step in shaping what the modern ballet tutu would become.
Beyond the Ballet: Everyday Tutus!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention how even those who never stepped on a stage in their lives started incorporating tutu elements into their wardrobes. There was a tutu craze, if you will. For the fashionable ladies of the era, the Romantic tutu served as the perfect inspiration for evening wear and grand occasions. So we saw this dainty style influence, not only in ballroom gowns, but in general fashion for ladies. A delicate skirt, the essence of movement, with lace overlays. It was beautiful, and that essence of ‘dance’ was all the rage!
So what were people up to on 28th March, 1837?
On 28th March 1837, there were newspapers reporting the latest news from across the British Empire. Imagine a world without instant news, where we rely on papers and post! I imagine the newspapers talked about a good number of fashion trends. There were fashionable young ladies, ready to emulate the elegance of the stage in their day to day lives!
Imagine London’s theatre scene bursting with its own fashionable excitement. You would find beautiful women and gentlemen in the most delightful ensembles. It was, after all, a time when fashion mattered!
As always, if you wish to delve deeper into this period of ballet and its beautiful fashion, leave your thoughts and comments below, my dear readers.
Next week on #TutuTuesday: Where are our ballerina fashion inspirations for the early 20th century? I’m travelling through time, so hop on board with me to find out. I’ll have another post for you next Tuesday!
Don't forget to follow my adventures, and if you see me in your favourite local ballet theatre, don’t be shy - come say hello.
Until next time! Keep twirling and remember, every day is a chance to put on a pink tutu! 💖
Yours in pink tulle,
Emma
