Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another dazzling dose of Tutu Tuesday history.
This week, I'm taking you back to 1839 – can you imagine? Just before Queen Victoria ascended the throne. It's a fascinating period in ballet history, and I was lucky enough to be whisked back in time to experience the world of dance then, as only I can. Now, you know I have a weakness for a pretty tutu, and I'm delighted to share some wonderful stories about how tutus came to be so important for ballet dancers and their audiences.
As I stepped off the train at London's Paddington Station (just imagine the grandeur!) I headed straight for the grandest, most dazzling ballet school in town – yes, you guessed it – the Royal Ballet School.
Let's rewind a little. Before we had the beautiful, flowing tutus of today, ballet dancers actually wore pretty plain and bulky clothes. A typical dress was quite stiff and made of thick fabrics like velvet or taffeta. There were several layers, which really did restrict their movement. They also wore elaborate and heavy shoes that weighed a ton (literally!). Imagine trying to jump and twirl in all that!
Now, let's talk about the change. 1839 was a year of exciting change in ballet, and a year that directly impacted the way ballerinas were dressed, and how we understand their costumes even now! In this year, a real game-changer for ballet happened: Marie Taglioni.
This wonderful dancer revolutionised ballet, and she's become known as one of the pioneers of romantic ballet. You know how I feel about this era – romanticism is my thing. I love the elegance, the beauty, the passion, and the lighthearted stories they tell. Imagine ballet telling the story of sylphs, and fairies, and woodland spirits - now that is my cup of tea! Marie Taglioni revolutionised not only ballet performance, but ballet costume as well. She really changed the game for ballerinas and how they moved. She wanted to see and understand their movements. The heavy clothes got in the way of expressing beauty and feeling! And with that she ditched the weighty old styles, the layers of stiff fabric and those big shoes – and BAM!
Marie Taglioni appeared onstage in this new light, elegant and romantic creation made of thin, white tulle, worn over a bodice. Imagine that delicate fabric floating as she moved – the silhouette is beautiful, flowing, and it let the movements of the dancer shine. It truly highlighted her incredible technique. Oh, she moved like a fairy, all effortless and graceful, and the audience just fell in love. This new style inspired countless ballerinas to embrace this lightness and romanticism. You could really see and feel the change – it was revolutionary!
What is even more exciting about all of this is that the tutus we wear today, in their variations, owe so much to the work of this amazing woman. There is this lovely and simple line running from Marie Taglioni's incredible performance and costume change right up to today – which is very exciting for me.
I got so caught up in my historical adventures that I completely forgot what today's date is! Ah yes, today is 5th November – a day for remembering the Guy Fawkes story (did you know they did have bonfires on this date even back then? Isn't it exciting?!). It makes me want to dress up like a firecracker – what an inspiration for a tutu design. I know just where to shop for beautiful, vibrant fabric – there’s this amazing fabric shop just by the London Bridge. So I will go and have a look, perhaps find some inspiration. You never know what you might find when you're out and about in London. The stores here are incredible! I shall get out my journal – one can never be too prepared for inspiration, so off I pop!
For me, seeing the influence of history and seeing its echoes even today, really reminds me of what an amazing journey the world of ballet has been. You can just see those romantic, flowing lines that were inspired by Marie Taglioni still inspiring and captivating dancers of today – and their audience – on a grand scale! Just wait for the tutus I will design inspired by this exciting story of Marie Taglioni – pink tulle and glitter? It’s like a little fairytale to me. Oh, and that beautiful, light weight tulle she introduced – and which so many ballerinas wore and wore… I just have to add some glitter and sparkly sequins!
Until next time, darlings! I leave you with the beautiful memories of Marie Taglioni and her wonderful, revolutionary tutus. Let’s raise a glass to all ballerinas who are, and continue to be, inspired by this exciting chapter of history! And remember, always wear a pink tutu – it makes every day a ballet.
Don't forget to share your own favourite ballerina stories on my blog. I love hearing about your own #TutuTuesday adventures. And, if you haven't already, join the movement – wear pink tutus and bring the magic of ballet into every moment!
With love and sparkles,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu Blogger
