Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! Welcome back to Pink Tutu's #TutuTuesday blog, where we take a trip down memory lane to uncover the history of the iconic ballet tutu! Today, we're whisking you away to November 12th, 1839 - quite a different era from the one where I call home, wouldn't you say?
Today's post is extra special, for it takes us right to the very beginning of the tutu story!
It feels so wonderful to be back in the theatre. I arrived here just a few days ago, and the moment I stepped off the train into this charming city, it was like I had walked right into a Jane Austen novel. The atmosphere is filled with the clink of teacups and the genteel rustle of petticoats - simply delightful! And you know what I love? The theatre scene here is truly bursting with life. From grand operas to lively plays, this place is simply humming with entertainment!
And the fashion! Oh, the fashion! Just yesterday, I popped into a dressmaker's shop and discovered the most exquisite lace, ribbons, and silks. Such lovely materials to work with! But my love, of course, is the dance itself, the artistry of the human body, captured in those swirling, delicate movements.
You wouldn't believe it, my lovelies, but this week marks the birthday of the ballet tutu! Imagine - a garment as iconic as a pink tutu didn't always exist.
Imagine my astonishment, my lovelies, when I stumbled upon a copy of La Sylphide in the city's library. This groundbreaking ballet, premiered on this very date, November 12th, 1839, introduced the world to the tutu as we know it. Yes, dear readers, that’s right – this revolutionary garment, which now defines the graceful world of ballet, was barely more than a century old. Can you believe it?
The choreographer, Filippo Taglioni, decided to use a new form of dress for his prima ballerina, Marie Taglioni (Filippo’s daughter!), and he took inspiration from the romantiske ballet style of dancing that was taking the world by storm. To highlight her ethereal movements, she wore a white, very light and airy skirt, just a single layer of fine, translucent gauze. It clung close to the body above the knee and was puffed up at the hem by hoops, just like a hoop skirt in a ballgown.
I must say, seeing pictures of Marie in her white tutu made my own heart flutter! It was pure, feminine grace. The movement was elegant, effortless. It truly brought the fairy spirit of La Sylphide to life, which was perfect because she was playing a beautiful fairy!
From that point forward, tutus have been a vital element of ballet costumes. The "Taglioni tutu", as it is often known, started a dancewear revolution, opening up the world of ballet for a new generation of female dancers! The design has changed throughout the decades, with different lengths, fabrics and designs. Sometimes it’s frilled and flowing and sometimes its tighter, but the heart of the ballet tutu remains the same – to give us graceful freedom of movement!
This journey through ballet history truly reminds me of the power of innovation. Imagine – in just over a century, the tutu has evolved from a radical, almost daring, new costume into a global symbol of femininity and grace!
Now, it’s time for a little indulgence in pink. I’ve been eagerly looking forward to seeing The Sleeping Beauty this evening. A classic story, and one that always has the most stunning costume designs.
My, oh my, how I do love this city. The fashion, the performances, and the incredible food! It's no wonder my heart feels happy here. But my heart also feels happy when I know that my #TutuTuesday blogs have given you a little glimpse into the rich, swirling history of ballet. Until next time, keep twirling in style and spread the love of pink tutus!
With much love and grace,
Emma xx
Don't forget to check out Pink-Tutu.com for more ballet-tastic content and let's make the world a pink tutu-filled place, one dance step at a time!
