Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, your trusty guide to all things tutu-rific, and today we're whisking you back to the year 1840 for a peek at what ballerinas were twirling in, back when tutus were starting to really take centre stage!
From my time-travelling perch in Derbyshire, England, I hop onto the London train every Tuesday to visit the past (a tad less chaotic than your typical commute, I can tell you!). This week, Iāve landed in the vibrant theatre scene of 1840 Paris. Imagine the cobblestone streets, gaslights flickering, and the bustling chatter as theatregoers head towards the Opera. Itās a magical sight!
Today, Iām focusing on tutus, of course! Though I wouldn't call this time "the tutu era" per se, things were shifting in the ballet world. You see, my darlings, up until the mid-19th century, ballerinas wore rather restrictive outfits. Think long, flowing dresses, and corsets, which weren't the most graceful for dancing. It wasn't until the arrival of a pioneering dancer called Marie Taglioni that tutus started to emerge as a trend!
Now, 1840 isnāt exactly a tutu explosion, but the seeds were being sown! Think of this time as the ballet tutuās chrysalis stage. Thereās a touch of romance and elegance, just starting to embrace freedom.
Marie Taglioni is one of the biggest inspirations to me. As a young dancer, I studied her every move, she wore gowns designed to create a fluttering effect on stage, all billowy and delicate, like a dream. You can almost picture the whispers of gasps as the stage lights hit these new designs! I even brought my trusty sketchbook, sketching the style in my travel journal ā every detail from the graceful folds to the soft hues (because even then, my darlings, pink was a favourite, especially for those romantic, girly designs!).
Imagine my excitement when I finally landed a spot to see a show. I waltzed in with my pink tutu, trying my best to avoid gawking stares. Even then, I must have looked like I had fallen straight out of a storybook ā a whimsical vision in pink with an old-fashioned sensibility! Luckily, Parisian crowds were well-versed in outlandish fashion, so I fit right in!
The performance that evening was 'La Sylphide', a tale of romance and, well, sylphs, (dainty creatures that dance through the air)! Can you guess what the central character, the ethereal Sylphide, wore? A white tutu! I swear, even the orchestra started playing in a brighter rhythm when she floated onto the stage, her movements fluid, her form like a feathered dream. The whole place seemed to breathe with her every move!
Yes, those early tutus, while different from the modern masterpieces, they were more than just clothing, they were a symbol of movement, a story woven into fabric, a touch of fantasy brought to life! It's these little snippets of history that make the modern tutu even more special!
Now, here's the interesting bit: Even with tutus beginning to gain popularity, there was no "uniformā design in the ballet world! Think of it as a fashion explosion! Every costume reflected the individuality of each dancer. I had a little chat with one of the seamstresses backstage at the Opera. Apparently, these early tutus, or shall I say 'proto-tutus', were mainly based on designs from the opera and court, often a layering of silk and satin in soft colours, with maybe a hint of tulle. I spotted one especially lovely outfit; the ballerina had a long silk underskirt peeking from beneath a cascade of gauzy white tulle. Itās a hint of drama and sophistication, perfectly showcasing both tradition and a new world of expression.
You could say this period of ballet history was a blossoming! A lot of what we associate with the tutu wasn't fully explored yet! No dramatic stiff tulle, no tiered, fluffy shapes, and no sequins and feathers! But there was something in those long silk skirts with flowing tulle, that spark, that feeling of anticipation for the coming tutu revolution! Itās what I call the āPre-tutu eraā, full of the subtle charm of silk and whispers of the future.
But now, letās travel back to the present and explore today's world. Itās exciting because todayās tutu fashion reflects a dazzling tapestry of design. There are dramatic, layered tutu skirts in neon hues that practically vibrate! There are classic and elegant styles, echoing those early inspirations! We even see tutus used for everything from everyday fashion to street wear, even incorporated into bridal gowns (such a beautiful touch)! And my personal favourite - pink tutus! So many variations of my favourite hue - from bubblegum to dusky rose to almost lavender! It's a testament to how the world has embraced the tutuās incredible potential to convey grace, beauty, and individuality!
So, my lovelies, even as a time traveler with an undying devotion for pink, even I must acknowledge that this Pre-tutu era was a stepping stone! It wasnāt about just fashion; it was about dance and performance. I think even in 1840, everyone recognized that the tutu was much more than fabric. It's about unleashing your inner grace, dancing with passion, and expressing your unique personality. Now, it's time for me to rush back to the present to work on some fun tutu-themed creations, ready for next week's #TutuTuesday blog post! And remember, every day can be #TutuTuesday if you put your mind to it! Stay twirling!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
