Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink-loving ballerina, back with another post for my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! I'm currently tucked up in a darling little Parisian apartment, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with a view of the Eiffel Tower – yes, you read that right, I'm time-travelling again! This week, we're going right back to 1839, where the tutu story takes a lovely, swirling turn.
Now, I'm sure you've all heard the phrase "it's the little things that count." Well, darling, this is absolutely true when it comes to the tutu's journey! You see, today's date holds a particularly important event in ballet history. The year is 1839, and the Royal Opera House in London is abuzz with anticipation! You wouldn't think a little tweak could change everything, but a ballet called Giselle makes its grand debut featuring Marie Taglioni – and this time, she's not wearing a heavy, cumbersome, long skirt. No! This is the first time ever a ballerina takes centre stage wearing the revolutionary new shorter, romantic tutu. It was so scandalous in the day, like a new fashion era had just arrived! Can you imagine, having to be seen in that much leg?!
My dear reader, imagine being one of the lucky spectators in the audience that night! Could you believe your eyes? The ballerina was a vision! I mean, seriously, if you're in Paris around this time you simply MUST go see this performance. The city is obsessed! You'll catch everyone buzzing about it on the cobblestone streets. Everyone is whispering and debating whether this is "too scandalous" or a delightful step in the right direction (hint: most folks prefer the latter). Even my little Parisian grandmother – and she is strict! – says the show was "breathtaking". Now that's high praise from a woman who would know.
Anyway, this groundbreaking costume was crafted by Taglioni herself – a truly talented ballerina and fashion icon. It made such an impact because, before this, ballet skirts were heavy and long. Think 10-12 layers of silk and tulle and tons of elaborate adornments. The ballerina couldn't really jump very high, they'd trip all over themselves, and let's be honest, there's nothing appealing about a long skirt for a pirouette, is there? You simply wouldn't get the lovely flow, the enchanting swirls! So the Giselle tutu – all those lovely airy layers that reach to her ankles? Revolutionary. They made a statement.
I can practically see her dancing in my mind's eye! She was a real trailblazer! Taglioni's tutu set a trend for ballet dancers for years to come, becoming the new classic. It’s even a standard even in our times! Don't you love when one person, like Taglioni, creates such a powerful movement for others to follow? Now every dancer out there has a fabulous silhouette to showcase! And if we’re honest, those pretty delicate lines in the design made for an absolutely perfect opportunity for that magical ballet performance feel!
And if you’re reading this from Derbyshire, darling, imagine your great, great, great-grandmother at this performance. Would she be saying "Goodness me, look at the young missus with the legs showing! That’s scandalous" – or, "Well, well, well! The legs look absolutely beautiful! I’ve never seen something like that before! "
My goodness, isn’t history just fantastic? What would a dancer in Victorian London wear during those snowy days in January? Well, a ballet costume from this period wasn't really made to be practical for cold weather, but back then, you'd just wear your warmest shawl to go to the theatre, a long coat with fur lining or even a fur coat to keep warm, and of course, a nice hat – or in our case, maybe even a little knitted pink ballet hat!
Of course, nowadays we have our delightful, super warm long-sleeved tights and ballet-appropriate layers for colder weather that can still make you look pretty and elegant! And don't even get me started on those stunning wintery-themed costumes from Russian ballet! I have a couple I've purchased at various time periods, especially a gorgeous Russian "Snow Maiden" costume I’d happily be seen wearing on a shopping trip around Derbyshire – the silk embroidery! Oh my!
Anyway, darling, thank you for joining me today on my Giselle adventure through the time-tunnel! Next time we’ll delve a bit more into 1839 – the ballet world was just getting into the flow of a whole new aesthetic that we are still inspired by now, centuries later! Let’s face it, everything is simply more charming when the dancer’s leg comes up in a stunning line, just waiting for a spectacular leg-hold with a partner!
If you enjoyed this journey through time, I’d be delighted to hear from you in the comments below! Please remember to leave a little comment for me – let’s start a delightful conversation! If you've been inspired to try your hand at a little ballet, a dance class, or even want to look up Giselle, I encourage you to have a go! Or perhaps simply start your week in a delightful pink tutu, which of course you will only find on my new website: www.pink-tutu.com – your online source for the perfect pink tutu and other pink dance gear! I do ship to the whole world!
And remember, my lovelies, to stay radiant, dance your way through the week, and always embrace the pinkest version of you. See you next #TutuTuesday!
