Hello my lovely tutu-loving darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving, ballet-obsessed blogger, Emma, here! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we delve into the glorious history of tutus.
Today’s date, September 25th, 1838, may not seem immediately significant on the calendar, but for the world of dance, it marks a most exciting milestone! It's a Tuesday, so it's #TutuTuesday - and what better time to travel through time with me to discover how the ballet tutu as we know it, came to be?
Now, picture this: a beautiful Parisian theatre, glittering chandeliers casting their glow on elegant ladies and dapper gentlemen. Onstage, the prima ballerina dances with a newfound freedom – her skirt no longer trailing, it’s a light, airy, and frankly quite sensational tutu that allows for movement that was impossible before. It's all thanks to the ingenious mind of Marie Taglioni, a ballerina who dared to dance differently, to be bold and beautiful in a revolutionary garment!
In the late 1830s, Taglioni captivated the world with her graceful artistry, especially her signature role in "La Sylphide." This, my darlings, is where our tutu journey truly begins.
Until this point, ballerinas were constrained by heavy, long skirts. You can imagine how much that restricted their movement – hardly the flowing grace and intricate steps we associate with ballet today! Imagine trying to do a pirouette with a heavy, layered skirt dragging at your ankles – a recipe for disaster, I assure you!
However, La Sylphide, inspired by Scottish folklore and staged with airy and light scenery, demanded a lighter, more flowing garment – and with that need came a revolution in dance wear.
It was Taglioni's daring choice to wear a knee-length, almost diaphanous skirt, a mere wisp of white, that created a revolution in the world of ballet. Gone were the heavy layers; in its place, a swirling cloud of airy elegance - a tutu.
You might wonder what inspired such a bold choice? Well, in 1838, the Romantic era in art was in full bloom. It was a time for a sense of wonder, a longing for the ethereal - and these ideas were beautifully woven into Taglioni's "La Sylphide". Think wispy tulle, airy fabrics, ethereal movements, and a connection to the fantastical, supernatural world. It was the perfect time for such a breathtakingly bold and daring design to appear on stage.
And guess what? Taglioni’s decision sparked a trend that we are still enjoying today! The iconic shape, the delicate fabrics – these elements, sparked a revolution that redefined ballet for decades to come!
Think of it: a white tulle tutu and a gentle breeze – how utterly romantic! This, my dears, is the epitome of what we consider the ballet tutu even to this day, inspired by that revolutionary move by a truly iconic ballerina, Marie Taglioni.
I have to say, as I journeyed back through time to see the very beginning of the tutu era, my inner ballerina squealed with excitement. It felt as though I was dancing alongside those legendary ballerinas! To stand witness to the first magical swirl of a tutu, to see the beauty of its ethereal shape, truly encapsulated the evolution of ballet, itself.
I even found myself tempted to grab a white ribbon and try on a ballerina’s light dress (well, let's just say it was very close to being a tutu, almost!) just to get a sense of that revolutionary movement and joy that defined this era in ballet!
The thing about travelling to the 1830s, my lovely readers, is that even if it wasn't full of elaborate, structured tutus like we have today, it had something that captivated the hearts and eyes – the magic of movement, of freedom, of a story being told through a garment. The ballet was a breathtaking visual artform!
Now, before I go, I must mention an extraordinary piece of news:
Did you know that on this very date, September 25th, 1838, in London, Charles Dickens presented his new play “The Village Coquette.” I do love me a bit of theatre – how about some tutu-inspired outfits, to pair with a play like this? Maybe some tulle ribbons in our hair, and flowing chiffon dresses – all with a touch of Victorian flair, wouldn’t that be a beautiful pairing for a grand night at the theatre?
Well, darlings, I must take my leave, but I hope you enjoyed this whirl through time with me! Remember, keep a little bit of that 1830s romanticism in your hearts, and never be afraid to twirl and spin in a delightful tutu. Because, you see, a tutu is more than just a garment, it's a symbol of joy, freedom, and a little bit of magic! Until next Tuesday, keep on twirling!
Don't forget to leave a comment below and tell me what your favourite type of tutu is! And for even more tutu inspiration, you can follow me on Instagram at @PinkTutuEmma!
With love and a pink-tutu,
Emma x
PinkTutu #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #MarieTaglioni #LaSylphide #1830sFashion #BalletLove #TimeTravelingEmma #DerbyshireBallerina