Post Number: 426
Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back for another delightful dive into the captivating history of our beloved ballet attire. Today, we're hopping aboard the time machine and travelling all the way back to February 25th, 1840. Buckle up, darlings, because this trip's going to be absolutely enchanting!
Now, I know you might be thinking, "Emma, why that date? What's so special about February 25th, 1840?" Well, let me tell you, my dear tutu-friends, this particular date is absolutely packed with historical nuggets waiting to be uncovered!
Before we jump into the details of our journey, I must say, travelling through time is quite the adventure. One minute I'm sipping tea in my little London flat, the next I'm in a horse-drawn carriage, waving at passing ladies in their delightful crinolines! It's all quite the spectacle, really.
Right, back to the topic at hand: tutus! In 1840, tutus were already making their presence known on the stages of Paris. The first version of the tutu, a calf-length, frilly skirt called the 'tutu Ă la Romantique,' was just beginning to steal the show, capturing hearts with its playful grace and newfound freedom. You see, in that era, the ballerinas were confined to long, restricting skirts which made it very difficult for them to move and perform gracefully.
The 'tutu Ă la Romantique' however, changed the game altogether. Its shorter, more flowing silhouette enabled the dancers to showcase their talent and movement, paving the way for a more athletic, yet refined ballet style. The dancers were ecstatic about this liberating change. Suddenly, they were allowed to explore a whole new range of movements! It was like they'd finally spread their wings and took to the skies. The air of freedom was intoxicating!
Speaking of freeing, this date happens to be the birthday of Auguste Maquet, a French author who had a strong passion for history. Although Maquet is not known for his ballet connections, we can celebrate him here. His commitment to history aligns well with our quest to unveil the intriguing stories of the tutu's development. After all, every detail is crucial in understanding our ballet attire!
You know, the ballet scene of the time was simply brimming with excitement. New choreographers were challenging convention with their innovative work, pushing boundaries, and taking audiences on thrilling adventures through dance. There was a real sense of revolution brewing in the world of ballet, and you just had to be a part of it!
And to think, it all began with the desire to express beauty and elegance in new ways. The birth of the shorter, more graceful tutu in the early 1840s was just the beginning of a fantastic evolution! And here we are today, standing on the shoulders of those groundbreaking pioneers, continuing to push the boundaries of artistry and movement with our modern interpretations of this iconic ballet costume. We canât forget to take a moment to acknowledge the wonderful creations by ballet costume designers such as Mme. Carlotta Grisi (a famous ballerina at that time), who popularized the tutu, along with the famous dancers of the day like Fanny Cerrito, Maria Taglioni, and Carlotta Grisi.
It really makes you wonder, doesnât it, how far the ballet tutu has come? From its humble beginnings as a shorter, more liberating form of attire to the breathtaking and sometimes incredibly elaborate designs we see on stages today, itâs quite the journey!
Of course, one of my favourite aspects of ballet is its ability to weave magic and transport us to different worlds. As I travel through time, I get to experience the enchantment of those bygone eras first-hand! Imagine being swept away to the royal courts of Paris, to a performance filled with beautiful music and dancers effortlessly gliding across the stage in their graceful tutus. Isnât that just heavenly?
It's incredible how much the tutus have evolved, isn't it? Imagine: no more tight corseted dresses for ballerinas. The freeing designs opened doors for a plethora of daring dance moves and brought the beauty of graceful movements to a whole new level. And oh, that frill! The 'tutu Ă la Romantique' made use of rows upon rows of tulle, each one as soft and light as a feather, adding a delicate touch of fantasy to every performance. The tulle creates an air of romanticism, allowing each movement to create an enchanting ethereal illusion that seems to float in the air. It's a sight that takes my breath away every time!
But tutus arenât just confined to the stage, you know! I often see delightful glimpses of modern ladies embracing this magical style on the streets! A little pink tulle here, a playful twirl there, and voilĂ , you've got yourself a fairytale come to life. In the end, the power of a tutu lies in its ability to bring a touch of enchantment into everyday life! So remember, my dears, when you're donning your own tutu, you're embracing a heritage steeped in elegance and a timeless dedication to art.
That brings me to another reason for todayâs post! Not only does the date fall in the Romantic period, but today's date also celebrates The Royal Ballet, which was founded by The Sadler's Wells Theatre Ballet! Such a historical significance, wouldnât you agree? This amazing company, established in 1931, continues to enchant the world with their stunning ballets and impressive talents. What an accomplishment to be celebrating this year.
Speaking of talent and beauty, I am reminded that tomorrow I am heading to see the Russian Ballet Theatre perform âLa Fille Mal GardĂ©eâ at the gorgeous Victoria Palace Theatre. I can't wait! The costumes are always spectacular and so very elegant! I am sure that I shall be snapping numerous photos and then writing a detailed review, because after all, a little trip to the theater is not complete without a post! Perhaps I'll even indulge in a cup of Earl Grey tea after the performance! Nothing beats watching ballet, catching up with fellow tutu-lovers at a tea party, and then relaxing at home with a wonderful ballet magazine.
But as much as I adore attending lavish theatrical events, it's not just the ballet scene that makes these time-hopping journeys so exciting. Just wandering the bustling streets of Paris during this era is a thrill! Youâve got all these fabulous carriages whooshing by, elegant ladies with parasols fluttering in the breeze, and a feeling of anticipation as you head into a cozy bookstore, perhaps browsing for a book about fashion trends. Fashion magazines are a must-have for any tutu-lover!
And just to add to this exciting day, today also celebrates the birthday of my all-time favourite tutu designer! A fellow Derbyshirian, like myself. A true legend, a shining star of the fashion world! No, not Christian Dior. Although I must admit I adore Christian Dior! I adore them all really, all the great designers who inspire us to express our passion for style. Who am I thinking of you may wonder? Let me give you a clue â a truly talented lady and designer of fine gowns â think âa truly enchanting ballgownâ â what was the title of her film?
... You got it! Iâm thinking of Dame Vivienne Westwood. How lucky we are to have this amazing icon! Not only did her talents bring us such glorious gowns and a plethora of bold styles, but Vivienne Westwood was also instrumental in helping to define London's iconic Punk subculture â what a legend!
For now, I bid you adieu! Keep on twirling, and Iâll be back next Tuesday, with another scintillating trip down #TutuTuesday Lane! Donât forget, you can follow my time-hopping adventures by visiting www.pink-tutu.com.
And remember, the best way to embrace a little magic in your everyday life is by wearing a pink tutu! Itâs guaranteed to make you feel like a dancing queen, ready to take on the world!
Until next week, darlings!
With love and twirls,
Emma đ
