Welcome back, darling dears, to another delightful #TutuTuesday! It's your girl, Emma, here, your pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed time traveler, and we're back in the enchanting world of ballet history! This week, we're waltzing our way to December 4th, 1838, a date filled with enchanting discoveries about our beloved tutu!
Oh my goodness, the excitement! My train journey through time this week has been absolutely splendid! Not only did I have a divine cup of tea on the train (did you know they serve crumpets now on some trains?! Oh, the joys!) but the views were breathtaking - rolling green hills and quaint villages whizzing past. Makes me feel like I'm in a ballet myself, leaping from one breathtaking scene to another.
This time travel is a dream! Especially when it comes to exploring ballet's fabulous evolution! As I always say, my love for tutus is fuelled by the knowledge that they've always been a symbol of artistry, elegance, and feminine strength.
Now, on to the historical delights of December 4th, 1838! Imagine this: Parisian opera houses are buzzing with excitement, the scent of perfume and anticipation hangs heavy in the air. This was the era of Romanticism in ballet, a time when dancers were seeking a newfound freedom of movement and expression. It was all about fluidity, lightness, and of course, grace - exactly the things a well-constructed tutu embodies, don't you think?
This particular date marks an important event: Marie Taglioni performed "La Sylphide" in London for the first time. It's important for ballet history, and an essential step for the evolution of our dearest tutu!
Marie Taglioni was a ballerina who practically defined the romantic era of ballet. This beauty had everything! Stunning figure, captivating dance skills, a divine presence on stage... oh, she could command a room with the flick of a wrist! Her iconic "La Sylphide" performance, choreographed by her father, was one of the earliest to use the short, layered tutu that is the inspiration for the "romantic tutu" that we see today. It's amazing to think how she's influenced what dancers wear all over the world.
Why did she change the tutu so dramatically? You see, the tutus they used in those days, called the "bell-shaped tutu" or the "long tutu," were heavy, often made of many layers of stiffened fabric, making it difficult for dancers to move freely. Now, Marie and her father envisioned something more flowing, more ethereal, that would accentuate the grace and flexibility of a dancer.
Think of it, dear readers: before the "La Sylphide" tutu, you might say they looked less "dancing" and more "ballerina costume." But Marie wanted movement and flexibility, to see the body flowing, as beautiful and expressive as the ballet itself. And she got it! In comes this new design that, although much shorter and layered than the past, it was a huge change! Suddenly, dancers were spinning, leaping, and pirouette-ing in a way that was previously unheard of! Imagine a graceful, weightless, wisp of a creature floating across the stage, and you've got "La Sylphide"! The revolution was upon us! And from that moment, the short, lightweight tutu began its journey to becoming the iconic costume it is today!
Just think: the beautiful tutu we associate with ballerinas today was born from this iconic ballet performance. The new form captured the attention of the public, creating a style that became an intrinsic part of classical ballet. Talk about history being made in a tutu, right?
Speaking of fashion, this trip is turning out to be a fashion haven! London, 1838, is a whirlwind of exquisite gowns and gentlemen sporting hats that look like something from a painting. And you know I couldn't resist picking up a few charming trinkets myself, for inspiration, naturally!
On a more personal note, I find it quite poignant to watch dancers perform in "La Sylphide," as I truly believe we owe much of what the tutu means to us to that ballet and to Marie Taglioni! They didn't just change fashion; they altered the entire world of ballet. As a dancer, as someone who understands how a tutu helps bring a performance to life, I have nothing but immense respect for what Marie and her father did! And wouldn’t it be grand if every single girl wore a pink tutu someday? Imagine the dancing, the graceful elegance, the playful energy it could inspire!
That's all for this week, darlings. Remember, "La Sylphide" performance in London marks a turning point for the ballet tutu! It marks the shift from rigid, long gowns, to our beloved airy tutu! Isn't it lovely? As a bonus, if you want to know more about “La Sylphide”, I encourage you all to read a lovely, illustrated booklet called "Sylphides" by Alfred Perrot (he choreographed several versions of “La Sylphide” too).
Be sure to check out my new vintage "La Sylphide" inspired tutu on the website, it’s in my “Historical Inspired Collection!” Let’s all try and bring some fairytale charm into our lives with beautiful tutus! Oh, and make sure you have a browse of my new arrivals in the "Tutu To Go" collection on www.pink-tutu.com - new colors, styles, and designs every week!
Now, I shall leave you with a charming thought, dear readers. Dance on, twirl on, and may your tutu adventures always be filled with grace and magic!
See you next week!
With much love and a twirl, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com Post Number: 362
