Post Number 417
Greetings, dear Tutu-Lovers!
Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, whisked back in time once more to delve into the delightful history of the ballet frock. It's #TutuTuesday and as usual, we're exploring the wonderful world of tutus â how they evolved, why we adore them, and of course, how to wear them with a flourish!
Today, we find ourselves on the 24th of December, 1839. A very merry Christmas, indeed! As the crisp winter air carries the scent of pine needles and freshly baked mince pies, the cobbled streets of Paris hum with the joyful energy of the festive season. Imagine, dear readers, the magnificent spectacle of this Parisian Christmas! Can you picture yourself strolling through the city, mesmerized by the glittering shop windows and the charming Christmas markets bustling with life? The sound of carolers fills the air, their voices adding a touch of magic to the festive atmosphere.
It is on this day that the world, and specifically the dance world, is a little bit brighter. We see a flurry of tulle, as one of the worldâs first ever "tutu" costumes debuts at the esteemed Opera Garnier in Paris! It's called âLa Sylphideâ, and it was composed by the illustrious composer, Hermann Severin Løvenskiold. But more importantly for us, itâs designed by the equally esteemed designer, Eugène Lami. It marks the debut of a new type of costume, one which would redefine ballet dancing for decades to come.
You may not think it a tutu as we know it now - the romantic ballerina of the time would certainly disagree! The dancer is decked out in what could be seen as a much longer and more traditional skirt (with a slight bit more tulle volume) but nonetheless, the "tutu" style as we know it is beginning. There's that beautiful, lightweight billowing tulle. There's the danceability, the flouncy ease of movement!
Imagine the delicate billowing as the dancer twirls, the layers of tulle catching the candlelight and casting dancing shadows!
To put the debut of "La Sylphide" in context, it is important to consider the wider trends at the time. The 19th century saw a strong embrace of "Romantic ballet" and this type of design in particular - featuring a billowing light, airy design (rather than a stricter court dance-inspired ballet) was to be quite revolutionary. In a sense, you could see the design and it's new freedom as a symbol of artistic expression and evolution.
However, dear Tutu-Lovers, the romantic styles wouldnât remain long. It wasnât just in "La Sylphide" that you were beginning to see the start of what would come to be the classical tutu style. There is something a little different here, more refined, a bit of Parisian elegance, which is truly exquisite and exciting for the history of ballet - because while we all love those iconic tutu designs with that voluminous poofy, ballet length of the mid-20th CenturyâŚthey all start with the elegant airy simplicity of a light romantic design like âLa Sylphideâ which allowed for beautiful flowing dance movement. The tutu - for all the fun, glamour, and froth - truly had to begin as something quite a lot simpler!
Of course, darling readers, you wouldnât be able to truly say the design would continue into the âclassicalâ tutu style unless there was another dance style and fashion design to influence it. I mean, letâs just admit - dance wears have always evolved through necessity of form and expression, right?!
WellâŚIâll leave you in a little cliff-hanger! We shall explore that transition next week, my lovely Tutu-Lovers - Iâll have a whole blog on the style and design evolutions (because there are truly so many different beautiful versions of tutus out there!) of the 19th century.
I must dash! There is so much festive shopping to do! But for now, as I journey back to the safety of my own time, may you all enjoy a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I am always so happy to hear your thoughts, your own tutus you love - even your best outfit ideas! Donât forget, you can reach out on the comment section of the website www.pink-tutu.com - you can share any and all thoughts on my #TutuTuesday blogs! Until next week, darlingsâŚKeep dancing!
Emma
P.S. To make a trip like mine back to Paris, just before Christmas in 1839⌠I had to save up by performing all over the English county side this summer in Derby! We held the largest local production of the English ballet "The Sleeping Beauty" for the festival. OhâŚthe excitement of that crowd. And the cheers! To hear the appreciation for our performances was such an inspiration to carry on dancing and performing - especially with such beautiful costumes, don't you think? It's moments like these that make you truly feel connected to the artistry of dance - even back in those times. I truly wonder if the dancers in Paris, the first to wear this new âtutuâ style, felt this passionâŚthe magic of creation? swoon The fashion truly takes center stage with the costumes in ballet!
