Hello my gorgeous tutu-loving lovelies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another fabulous Tutu Tuesday, where we journey through the shimmering history of ballet tutus and uncover the stories that brought us these exquisite garments! 💖
Today, I've decided to travel back in time, all the way to 11th September 1838! I'm standing right here, on the stage of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, feeling that electrifying, anticipatory hum that only happens before a ballet begins. Can you believe this incredible theatre, built in the 1870s, still exists today? It feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted fairytale - chandeliers sparkling, velvet seats, and a grand stage, waiting to showcase the magic of dance.
But what's a ballet without a tutu? Well, on this particular date in 1838, a momentous event in ballet history happened. Now, you might think this is where the tutu got its name - Tutu, the star ballerina of the evening - but hold on to your tiaras, dear readers! We'll dive into the mystery of the "Tutu" origin a little later... 😉
Firstly, this performance on the 11th September was no ordinary show! Imagine, for the first time, the captivating beauty of the ballet La Sylphide taking flight! Marie Taglioni, known for her ethereal, almost-floating grace, is gracing the stage in a daringly short, single-layered tulle skirt. This groundbreaking design, created by the esteemed designer Eugène Lami, shocked and delighted audiences in equal measure. It became a pivotal moment in ballet costume design.
The short, billowing tulle skirt offered Taglioni an unprecedented level of freedom to move. She seemed to effortlessly leap and spin, creating an illusion of otherworldly lightness. This new style contrasted sharply with the voluminous, heavier, floor-length skirts that dancers had worn before.
Before Taglioni, ballets were grounded. Now, with the debut of La Sylphide's short, breezy tulle skirt, a new era of aerial ballet blossomed! We can still feel the echoes of that historic moment today, in every twirling, leaping ballerina who graces the stage in their graceful tulle skirts.
The name 'tutu'? It wasn't attributed to Marie Taglioni or her captivating skirt until around 1847! The origin is shrouded in mystery, with whispers of French slang or a possible nickname, who knows?* I can't help but imagine a secret meeting at a Parisian salon, with swirling cigarette smoke, lively discussion, and a shared glass of champagne while the 'tutu' term for these skirts was coined.
And now for the truly exciting part... I'm travelling back in time to experience a magical trip around Paris! Let's go see La Sylphide! Oh, and we're taking a private carriage with a beautiful black horse (don't forget my feather boa, darling!), because walking around this historical Paris simply won't do!
Think about it, darling: La Sylphide debuted in 1838! Just think of all the exciting innovations that occurred in the following decades, from the romantic period, which celebrated flowing lines and the beauty of the human form, right up to today. This truly is the golden age of dance!
What I adore most about the Romantic Period in ballet, you ask? It's the elegance! It’s a ballet where tutus weren’t just for dancers but were also an exquisite part of the ladies’ fashionable attire. Ladies couldn’t get enough of their voluminous tulle, lace and feather trims for ball gowns, even in everyday life. This love for tulle seeped its way from the dance world into society itself! How incredible!
I find it remarkable that something that began as a groundbreaking fashion choice in ballet transitioned to become an everyday trend!
To you my sweet tulle-lovers: remember, history repeats itself. Like the beautiful ballerina fashion trend from 1838 that inspired this look for both the stage and the everyday street. Today, we’re experiencing the return of the short tutu skirt.
Do you think the mini-tutu trend is here to stay? Let me know your thoughts! Leave a comment, share this post, and make sure to tune in next week for another installment of my Ballet Tutu History!
Remember, it's not just about dancing, it's about finding the beauty in the movement, the grace in the leap, and the sparkle in the twirl! 💖
Until next Tuesday, keep on twirling!
Emma xx
