Hello, dears! It's your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday instalment! Buckle up, because today we're venturing all the way back to September 4th, 1838, and exploring a ballet world far different from our own, although just as enchanting.
You see, I’ve been loving my adventures this past few months, my travel schedule is positively manic but it’s a glamorous sort of hectic. And, what could be more exciting than experiencing ballet history first hand? If you ever get the chance to step into a past ballet world, just do it. Even though a fancy ballgown with an overabundance of petticoats isn't quite my style (can we talk about the hoops?!). Luckily for my travelling and shopping sprees, my performances bring in just enough to cover those train tickets.
For our 349th post, we're heading to the heart of ballet history, Paris. It's truly an electrifying experience, darling! Stepping into the opulent world of the Paris Opera Ballet, surrounded by elegance and the whispered murmur of silk against silk, and the thrill of witnessing dancers bringing stories to life. They're like swans, you know? Graceful, delicate, strong. It's a true spectacle!
And oh, my dears! Let’s get to the real point of #TutuTuesday – tutus. Of course. Back in 1838, tutus were evolving from the bulky romantic ball gowns – those layers, oh the layers – to something a bit more graceful, though the "tutu" wasn’t actually called a tutu back then. In this period, they were called “jupe” and “tunique" – still pretty beautiful, I'm sure you'll agree! I wish I had a picture of the costumes! Though I haven't found a single picture online to share with you!
Now, on this very date in 1838, one of the biggest stars of the ballet world, Marie Taglioni, the "Queen of Romantic Ballet", was performing a piece called “La Sylphide” in Vienna. La Sylphide was, well, revolutionary for its time! It was one of the first ballets that was considered “Romantic,” featuring magical stories and light, airy movement. Think delicate fairies dancing amongst the moonlit woods and… well… more about those moonlit woods later! 😉
This was also a huge moment for the tutus of the era, darling! La Sylphide famously featured a ballet tutu - not the poofy layered version you see in classical ballets - but a lighter version made of white, gossamer material that fell to the ankles, showing off Taglioni’s elegant lines. Oh, I have the urge to make a skirt in this style, and pink would look absolutely stunning!
And just imagine this: no matter where you were watching La Sylphide, you knew you were part of something magical. Think of it! The anticipation of the music, the hush in the theater as the lights dimmed… then suddenly, the stage floods with light, and Marie Taglioni, clad in white and delicate like a moonbeam, appeared in a ballet jupe that looked so incredibly airy. Pure beauty.
This time period, 1838, is a huge milestone in tutu history! This era really saw the birth of tutus as the costume we know and love! It marked the shift away from the full and restrictive ball gowns to something truly beautiful and light. A dance garment made to let the dancers fly! Can you imagine the revolution in the world of dance? It really did set the stage for the grand, sweeping, graceful movement we associate with ballet today. It must have been so inspiring. Imagine that kind of style evolution! And now we're wearing these amazing little wisps of a dance dress and leaping! The beauty of ballet!
So there you have it, my lovely little ballet-obsessed darlings. Just think: a seemingly simple tutu is actually a masterpiece of design. In 1838, La Sylphide, Marie Taglioni and their ballet jupes played a pivotal role in paving the way for the iconic pink tutus of today! It just goes to show you: what’s fashionable one minute, may not be forever, but ballet will forever stay beautiful! Now, how’s that for inspiration? And of course, let's talk about what the pinkest of pink colours that is #PinkTutus. What a beautiful invention, and what could be better for twirling?! I could get lost in a pink tulle dress forever and ever! I have been saying it for years – a world of pink tutus is the perfect world.
And if you ever get a chance to see "La Sylphide," do. It truly embodies the romantic spirit of the ballet. Plus, it’s a beautiful show. You may even catch a glimpse of a vintage ballet tutu on stage! If I'm there, that is. 😉 And don’t forget, my beautiful dance-loving darlings – you can find your perfect ballet skirt and join in on the Tutu Tuesday fun. It's what this little blogger is here for!
Keep dancing and keep dreaming, my little swans!
Until next week!
Love,
Emma. xx
P.S. As always, be sure to catch my #TutuTuesday posts each week, right here at www.pink-tutu.com ! And if you ever have a question about tutus, the ballet, or my time-traveling adventures – don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. And do make sure you check back for more history, fun, fashion, and tutus! 😉 💕
