Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, back with another dose of tutu history from the fascinating world of ballet. I've travelled all the way to Paris, darling! I simply adore the atmosphere here, especially in this era of the 1830s!
This Tuesday's #TutuTuesday blog, as you know, takes us on a sartorial journey into the history of the ballet tutu, and boy oh boy, let me tell you, it's been a wild ride! I've been on the move, whizzing around Europe, travelling by train - which is absolutely delightful! So much easier and so much faster than carriages. It allows for far more time to spend shopping for the most exquisite silk and lace.
Let’s travel back to the magical era of the 1830s. A period when The Romantic Era of ballet began to bloom, filling the world with grace, beauty, and yes, plenty of tulle! It’s where the tutus really started taking flight.
Oh, I could spend hours swooning over those iconic Romantic era designs – those ethereal, gauzy tutus, so effortlessly airy and romantic, sweeping across the stage! Think Marie Taglioni, the celebrated ballerina of this era. She’s like a legend in the world of dance and fashion, especially when it comes to tutus. This darling's unveiling of the 'la Sylphide' tutu, with its short length that revealed her feet, created a sensation. It really revolutionised the world of ballet fashion, moving away from the heavy, long skirts of the previous centuries. Talk about a game-changer!
We’re looking back, though, so for today’s #TutuTuesday, it’s not just all about the fluffy tutus that make ballet so magical! Today we take a glimpse back at the historical event of 31st July, 1838, a day that witnessed a new dawn in Parisian ballet. I don’t mean just tutus. The date holds a place of great importance in the world of Parisian ballet. Let me elaborate - and we will be looking at the tutus of the day too, as those dancers of the era were always setting the fashion trends.
This date, my loves, marked the birth of a revolutionary venue for the ballet world. The Salle de l'Opéra in Paris - also known as Salle Le Peletier, because it was a design by architect Francois Le Peletier, became a hub for ballets and operas and a landmark of its time. Its design, a vision of Parisian architectural elegance, allowed for a new kind of stage – larger, more impressive, more perfect for grand productions! Can you imagine how incredible that stage must have looked? It's no wonder this new space created an environment of inspiration for the most brilliant ballet dancers and composers. This meant new costumes and exciting dance choreography! The tutus would be designed to take advantage of that space and that was perfect for me.
What does this have to do with my obsession with pink? Why it’s all about a tutu moment, of course! On 31st July 1838, the first ever production at the Salle Le Peletier was, you guessed it, a ballet - the "Le Diable amoureux", ( The Amorous Devil). Talk about an enchanting title for an Opera-Ballet. I know you are dying to know the truth. Yes, we are talking a tutu spectacular that would be seen in all the dance and fashion publications of the day.
To my delight, this "Le Diable amoureux", the first dance extravaganza in the Salle Le Peletier was choreographed by the legendary Jules Perrot. That man is just one name that has really influenced the history of ballet. It was a work that would revolutionise the stage with a new use of light. They used special lights and theatrical effects. As one of the key figures of the Romantic ballet era, Jules Perrot created a captivating blend of classicism and Romanticism. He pushed the boundaries of how ballet could be interpreted.
What about those tutus! The ladies' dresses would have been what we'd call ballroom fashion, in shades of pastels - they would have had these delicate floral decorations, such lace and delicate floral ribbons, very much in keeping with the romantic spirit of the ballet world in that period. You can imagine how perfect it would have been for me, all the romantic ruffles and ribbons, for all the soft dreamy dancing!
And for all my fashionista friends out there, imagine the exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous detail of these early Parisian ballets. Each and every garment was a masterpiece! Imagine a perfectly placed bow here, a graceful pleat there, and just the right shade of pastel pink.
There you have it, my beloved tutudom friends, yet another trip back in time, and another reminder that the history of tutus has always been about so much more than just fashion - it’s about the magic, the art, and the endless possibilities that the world of dance has always offered. This journey is truly remarkable, and each day is a wonderful discovery of just how incredible the art of ballet has always been.
Do you have any ballet or tutu related history requests for next week? I am here to take all of your ideas. I'll catch up with you all soon.
Love, Emma
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