#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1839-02-26

Hiya, darlings! It’s Emma, your Tutu Queen, back again with another slice of ballet history for your Tuesday treat.

Today, we’re whisking you back to February 26th, 1839! It’s a particularly exciting date for the world of ballet, as it’s the very date Marie Taglioni took to the stage in La Sylphide, a production that’s still credited as the defining moment for the tutu as we know it!

Now, I might be a tad obsessed with tutus, but it’s hard not to be captivated by their story, and this is where the tale truly takes flight!

Remember those fluffy, full, tiered skirts we’ve all seen in paintings? Imagine those, but dramatically shortened to just below the knee. Now, replace those rigid layers with airy, gossamer-thin fabric, giving us a glimpse of the dancer’s delicate legs, showcasing those incredible pirouettes and leaps like never before. And boom, the tutu was born!

This groundbreaking ballet, with its wispy, flowing fabric and groundbreaking choreography, shocked and thrilled audiences at the time. It was all about highlighting the graceful lightness and agility of the female dancer. Think of it as the ballet equivalent of taking your corsets off and wearing your most breezy, comfortable summer dress - but with even more grace!

But what makes the rise of the tutu so special is it goes far beyond simply showing more leg (although let's be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of leg?!). It was the whole idea of movement and femininity that took centre stage.

Gone were the stiff, restrictive costumes of previous years. Taglioni's tutu was about ethereal lightness, free-flowing movement, and ethereal beauty. Think delicate wings of a butterfly, dancing on a moonbeam, with a touch of magic sprinkled in!

Now, I must admit, I am deeply biased – I have a secret love affair with tutus. From the sheer tulle and dainty bows to the playful swirl as you twirl - the impact is irresistible!

So how have we landed here, you ask? My trusty Time-Tutu, of course! It's not all about tea parties and bonnets (though I do enjoy a good cuppa!), my friends. You wouldn't believe the places it's taken me - Paris, St. Petersburg, Vienna! It's quite a ride, with endless possibilities! You wouldn't believe the fashion, darling! They even have a different kind of tutu that's just beginning to emerge...

But of course, it all comes back to the heart of ballet. From the grand, opulent Ballet du Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Musique to the cosy village studios, there’s a thrill I get seeing these ballets come alive - every step, every spin, every emotion painted onto the stage.

Of course, you can't just talk about tutus, can you? You have to see them in action! Here’s a secret: I’m just about to see “La Sylphide” in Paris. I can’t wait to witness the tutus twirling, to hear the music, and be mesmerized by those incredible dancers - just as those first audiences did all those years ago!

And of course, there’s no shortage of #TutuInspiration in Paris, just like there is here in my favourite spot, Derbyshire, darling! I’ll be sharing my Parisian adventures, and my inevitable tutu-related purchases (the colour pink, you know!), next Tuesday. Don’t miss out!

Now, I must dash, my little loves! The world of tutus awaits! And if you see me on the streets of London, do come and say hello! I’m sure I’ll be sporting something fabulous - possibly a little extra pink, even. After all, spreading tutu love is my life’s work!

Stay radiant, darlings!

Your Tutu Queen, Emma 💖