Welcome, darlings, to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! I’m Emma, your ever-so-pink tutu-loving guide through the fascinating world of ballet history. This is Post #414 in my Ballet Tutu History series, and today we're venturing back to the enchanting year of 1839, a time of elegance and innovation, especially in the realm of fashion and dance.
I just returned from a delightful trip back to Paris - oh, how I adore the city of lights! There’s simply nothing quite like the bustle of the Champs-Élysées, the whisper of silks and the twinkle of lights at the Palais Garnier Opera House. You can practically smell the history in the air, a heady blend of champagne, perfume, and, of course, the exhilarating thrill of a grand ballet.
Now, 1839 is particularly special because it was the year Marie Taglioni made her triumphant debut in “La Sylphide”, a revolutionary ballet that set the world alight. It’s a tale as old as time: love, loss, and the enduring spirit of freedom, but in a new form - the tutu, my dears!
Yes, the “Romantic Tutu”, as it's often called, became the symbol of the ballet of that era, and a truly pivotal moment in our tutu-loving history. It was a radical departure from the restrictive, full-skirted gowns of earlier ballets, celebrating a newfound freedom of movement. It flowed like a whisper, making it easier to see the ballerina's graceful limbs as they flew across the stage. A breathtaking vision!
I tell you, there's nothing more beautiful than a dancer pirouetteing in a fluffy tutu, her movement echoing the wind, her body defying gravity. Pure magic! Think of the thrill of watching Marie Taglioni glide across the stage, like a sylph dancing amongst the moonlit clouds. It’s no wonder it captivated audiences everywhere!
While the Romantic Tutu still featured layers of tulle and net, it was shorter and airier than its predecessors. Gone were the elaborate hoops and stays! Instead, we had soft, floating fabrics, a delicate symbol of ethereal grace, making it possible to move with a lightness that was impossible in those previous styles.
It was a turning point, darlings, and from then on, the tutu continued to evolve, becoming the icon of ballet we know and love today. And that, my friends, is why this date holds a special place in my tutu-loving heart.
But my travels haven't only taken me to France! Just the other day, I found myself on the dusty platform of a quaint railway station in Derbyshire, England. Yes, you heard right, back in my home county! What an experience! Trains were all the rage in the Victorian era, making the world a bit smaller, allowing us to see all sorts of wonders. Imagine me, in my pink tutu, hopping aboard a steam train for a grand tour of the English countryside!
As you can see, darlings, travelling back in time has its challenges. One simply has to be clever! For instance, I usually perform a few extra ballet pieces for extra income. It’s a good way to keep those time-travel expenses covered, don't you think? But, as a true fashion devotee, I always make time for a bit of shopping on my journeys.
I was amazed by the fashion trends of the Victorian era. Such beautiful gowns and bonnets, exquisite materials, and delicate details. Perhaps a pink dress or two will make their way into my collection...
Of course, my biggest passion is bringing the magic of the ballet to everyone, in every time period, wherever my travels take me! I've even been known to try and spread the love of the pink tutu…though I do get the occasional sideways glance from the local townsfolk. "A pink tutu in Derbyshire? Surely, the young lady must be a little mad!" They cry.
Well, dear friends, sometimes a little madness is exactly what the world needs! I say, let’s embrace the whimsical, embrace the extraordinary, and let the pink tutu be our guiding light. The more, the merrier, I always say!
That's all for now, darling. Remember, you can find me every Tuesday, right here, for a new installment of *Ballet Tutu History. Let’s twirl into another magical adventure next week. Until then, stay sparkling! 💖
