Welcome back to my pink paradise, darlings! This is Emma, your ever-so-slightly time-traveling tutu enthusiast, back with another installment of your weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History!
I know, I know, you're all dying to hear about tutus. I just can't get enough of these magical skirts, can you? They are just so...whimsical, darling!
Today's Journey: A Ballet Bonanza!
Today's post takes us to the delightful year 1838. I'm in Paris, darlings! The city of lights and ballet is always buzzing with the latest fashion trends. And, it's the perfect backdrop for our journey into the early days of the tutu.
Did you know, that the tutus we know and love, those fluffy, glorious puffs of tulle, were still relatively new? But they were taking the world of dance by storm! And no, they weren't always as bouncy and airy as the ones we see on stage today!
Now, before we delve deeper into this captivating history, we must discuss today's date, the 27th of February, 1838. My little bird (a rather chatty, theatrical raven, by the name of Baudelaire, of course!) tells me that there isn't anything terribly spectacular going on today in the world of ballet. But fear not, my lovely readers, because our #TutuTuesday focus today isn't on performances but the magnificent development of the tutu. And trust me, this is no small matter!
Tutus: An Ode to Elegance!
If you think tutus are all about twirls and graceful leaps, you are most definitely right. But their history goes beyond their appearance on stage, darlings! The tutus of the 1830s were in a process of change. You see, those longer, romantic-era tutus were slowly giving way to the much shorter, dramatic skirts we see today. And I tell you, they were a revelation for the world of ballet!
Picture this: Romantic tutus were, well, a bit on the conservative side, darling. Flowing silk, draped to the floor, they certainly gave the dancers freedom of movement, but a bit less airiness than what we enjoy now. Those beautiful and heavy silks were making the dances more like… well, fancy walks, instead of the spectacular feats we now enjoy!
Now, the game changer was Marie Taglioni. I simply adore her. She is an absolute inspiration for anyone who dares to dream in pink! This captivating ballerina changed the ballet world, darlings! The year 1832 is significant for her groundbreaking role in "La Sylphide", which marked a bold move away from long, trailing tutus to shorter skirts made of lighter fabrics. It was a Tutu Revolution!
Think of it like a dress, but made for dance! The shorter tutus were made with light and airy tulle which could fly with every step. This freed the ballerinas in every way imaginable, allowing for leaps and twirls, expressive gestures, and truly awe-inspiring artistry.
The shift towards these new tutus allowed ballerinas to take ballet to new heights, literally! They could soar through the air, their limbs gracefully reaching for the sky. The tutu itself became a symbol of this change, of grace, agility, and feminine power.
Back to 1838: Fashion in Bloom!
Now, remember that 1838 was the time for this new kind of tutu, and the fashion scene was absolutely ablaze with it! If you were a fashionista in 1838 Paris, you'd see these lovely tutus everywhere!
Forget those formal balls of the previous century; 1838 was all about the waltz, and you just can't waltz properly in a bulky ball gown! Think flowing silks, lightweight tulle, delicate lace – all crafted to swirl and move as gracefully as a ballerina.
It's simply delightful to imagine the air in these Paris salons, electric with excitement. Imagine the tinkling of music and the chatter of ladies discussing their latest fashionable finds! Oh, and the colour, darling! All those vibrant colours, like sunshine on silk and the gentle glow of candles! It makes you want to grab a lace fan and whirl around, doesn't it?
I've been spending time in a charming little boutique on Rue de la Paix. They had these dazzling new designs featuring ruffles and even little pom-poms, and oh my, you just couldn't help but smile! A truly delightful and joyful world for someone who, shall we say, has an affinity for frills and frocks!
And while all this sartorial splendor might be amazing, I do believe true ballet tutus are all about the dancer. We just can't imagine these ethereal tutus on just any frock. You see, the tutu transforms a dancer into a sylph, a nymph, a vision of artistry. That's the power of the tutu!
Fashion's Endless Journey: And You Can Join It!
Don't forget, my little lovelies, we haven't forgotten about today's purpose, the #TutuTuesday blog!
We've looked at a tiny piece of history today – the history of a little something that seems, oh so frivolous. But darling, there is magic in the little things, especially in the realm of ballet and fashion!
Tutus today are a canvas for artistic expression, just like in the 1830s! The story continues. Each year brings new innovations, new styles, new ways to twirl.
So, do not be afraid to twirl yourself! Whether you're rocking a pink tutu in Derbyshire, Paris or, perhaps, a mystical ballet-loving city from the future (don't you dare ask me about that!). Just don't forget to embrace your own version of this sartorial and dance delight!
Stay radiant, stay pink, and keep twirling!
P.S. * I would *love to see pictures of your own tutu escapades, darlings! Head over to the comments on pink-tutu.com and tell me about your favorite tutu styles. Do you prefer the fluffy and puffy, or the shorter and more dramatic tutus? Let’s get the whole world swirling in tutus! **This post is number 322 on my blog, don’t miss out on next week's fun and frivolity, #TutuTuesday waits!
