Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveler, ready to whisk you back to the enchanting era of 1838! Today, weāre going to delve into the fascinating world of tutus ā well, letās call it the dawn of the tutu, as we know it today ā because dear reader, youād be surprised what ballet dancers were twirling in, back then!
Today's date is the 22nd of May, and weāre in a land where the romantic era is blooming in all its glory. Iām off to see a performance of Giselle tonight, so excited! Just picturing the white billowing tulle of Giselleās ghostly waltzā¦ oh my!
Letās hop onto a fast train, though, and take a peek back into the history of our beloved tutus.
The Romantics & their Whimsical Styles
Before tutus as we know them took centre stage, ballet costumes were quiteā¦ different. Imagine, darling, long, flowing skirts and sleeves, made from heavy silk, making those jumps and pirouettes just a little more challenging! In the late 1700s and early 1800s, dancers were still trying to figure out the best way to move. It was during this āRomantic Eraā when things started changing. Think big feelings, flowing poetry, and, of course, magical tutus!
The trendsetter for those iconic tutus, I'm happy to announce, was none other than the famous dancer, Marie Taglioni. Yes, dear reader, it was her iconic dance in the 1832 ballet La Sylphide that truly launched the era of the tutus we know and love. Imagine the gasps of the audience when Marie twirled onstage, a delicate figure in white tulle, looking ethereal, ethereal, like a graceful, feather-light sprite. She had just created the image we all have of tutus in our heads. It was a fashion revelation! The shorter length of the tutu meant those fancy steps could be executed effortlessly, and with all the grace and beauty one could dream of. It truly did elevate the art form!
So, how did Marie's tutu actually look? Picture this: not a perfect, tiered, bell-shaped, multi-layered ballerina tutu just yet. The tutu worn by Marie in La Sylphide was whatās called a āRomantic Tutu.ā This style was more flowing and loose, crafted from delicate gauze or tulle, cascading down to create a graceful, cloud-like shape, making it a romantic, ethereal dream come true! A beautiful vision, with the potential to change forever the face of balletā¦
The Ballet Costume and The Ballerina
Tutus weren't the only change. Corsets started giving way to simpler, lighter bodices. Now, thatās what we like to hear! No more rigid, heavy garments! Ballerinas could move with a lightness and freedom previously unheard of!
I am still astounded that they managed to dance in all those layers back then! In my research, Iāve discovered the term " **costumes" for ballet costumes was the official name given to these ensembles at that time. Just a bit more dramatic than the name we use today! The ballerina was no longer a creature confined to long, ornate skirts and cumbersome corsets but transformed into a being of ethereal grace, elegance, and freedom of movement. This marked a turning point for the dance world. A new era had dawned, bringing in the modern-day ballet tutu!
A Journey Through the Victorian Era
The Victorian era, which is when we are travelling today, loved romantic tutus, they really set the standard for this romantic look! This decade, with its strong feminine influence, played a crucial role in further refining the ballerina's tutu!
This decade gave birth to an even more breathtaking development: the āPagnolā tutu . It was even shorter, revealing a peek of those shapely ballet legs and creating even more fluidity. They also developed that quintessential āpancakeā style tutu. You know, with the iconic fluffy layered look that is the dream for every ballerina - just like mine! With the 'Pagnol' tutu came an era of elaborate decorations! Imagine, ribbons and tulle galore, feathers, jewels, and more. It was a world of extravagance, a delightful stage for the dancers. Imagine dancing in such exquisite garments ā truly an intoxicating visual spectacle. It is no wonder tutus are a visual feast and make our hearts flutter every time!
So whatās trending right now?
The Romantic Tutu and the Pagnol tutu are in all their glory, and this era is also developing an additional new type of tutu known as the ā classical tutu. ā And get this, these have an added bonus. Can you guess, darling? Bodice decorations! Oh yes, now ballerinas are adding a new dimension to the elegance with the use of a multitude of buttons, ribbons, lace, and embroidered designs on their bodice. Just the perfect detail to enhance that romantic look!
Tutu trends across Europe
But darling, weāre not only finding romance in ballet fashion. Thereās an undeniable fashion explosion across Europe! Everyone's talking about romantic tutus, even if they are not watching the ballets!
Hereās a peek at whatās making the fashionable world buzz:
The ladies of Paris are all aflutter with new, romantic, lighter clothes that echo the ballet tutu - like sheer white fabrics and empire waistlines! What fun for us as the trends seep into the fashionable world. The femininity and softness of the ballerina have found their way outside of the theater and into everyday life!
And donāt forget the crinolines! They have changed everything - giving more freedom for movement, making everyday movements so much easier. Just like how tutus gave ballet a newfound lightness and beauty, crinolines transformed the entire fashion world. The beauty of dance is permeating into other creative fields!
Fashionistas in London are adopting an air of romance in the most delightful way. We have to admire the lovely white-trimmed lace frocks, and they're a great addition to a collection of frocks and ballgowns for that perfect fashionable Victorian evening outing.
But hold on! Letās not forget the men! The gentlemen are enjoying a different type of sartorial evolution. Their clothing, once full of bulk, is becoming slimmer and more form-fitting. Just like how the ballet has transformed feminine silhouettes, itās inspired more tailored and graceful fashion choices for men as well! Isnāt that wonderful? It truly is an era of refined and romantic styles.
And remember, just like tutus, fashion should always inspire a little wonder, some whimsy, and just a touch of the extraordinary.
Travel Time with My Tutu
So off we are now, to that wonderful Giselle ballet in London, packed with all the things a stylish girl needs, plus my beloved pink tutu, because, darling, letās be real, what trip is complete without a touch of pink and a dash of tutus! I canāt wait to feel the magic of the ballet come alive! Just imagine! I hope youāll all be following me on social media, keeping up with my journey through time and fashion. Iām already plotting my next trip. Oh darling, where will we be headed? What tutu style awaits? Who knows? The possibilities are as endless as a ballerina's twirls!
Now, until next week, I do hope that my tutu has inspired you. Let's make the world a little bit more magical, one twirl at a time!
Lots of love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
