Hello lovelies! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back with another fascinating #TutuTuesday instalment from my ballet tutu history blog! Today, we're taking a trip back in time to 17th March, 1840.
This date, you see, marks a pretty special moment in the history of ballet! It's the birthday of the one and only, the utterly fabulous Marie Taglioni, a ballet legend! 🩰✨
You might be thinking, "Emma, Marie Taglioni, I've never heard of her!" But believe me, my darlings, she was absolutely the queen of the ballet world in her time! Now, imagine if someone said today, "This ballerina, this Emma, is a true inspiration, her grace is unparalleled, her talent breathtaking! She is absolutely a legend!" That is what they were saying about Marie! Just like her tutus! And speaking of tutus...
This is where things get truly fascinating. Because while 1840 is still quite early for the iconic classic tutu shape, it's the very era in which the foundation of the tutu as we know it was being laid! Imagine the anticipation! It was a thrilling time to be a ballet fan! Think all those grand costumes they would have been sporting! Just before we see those famous layered, tulle tutus starting to take their elegant form.
I have it on good authority that Marie, who had already revolutionised ballet with her lightness and aerial grace, started to wear significantly shorter skirts, which meant that her legs were often on full display during her performances. That must have been revolutionary in 1840! I can only imagine the gasp and murmurs that filled the theatres as they watched! It must have been a glorious sight to behold, so much to see and appreciate, as always happens with a bit of ballet excitement, and what can be more glamorous than leg action!
And that darling, is where the foundation for the modern ballet tutu was laid! Shorter skirts meant movement, lightness, and freedom - the core tenets of classic ballet. You know I love the classical tutu, and even in 1840 they were realising its power to make the movement on stage look amazing. I would have been glued to my seat at the edge with my little tutu head shaking! It’s just the sort of thing I'd do! Just like we’d still be doing today at our local theatres watching the dancers with all their lovely elegant grace.
To give you an even bigger idea of the impact Marie had, imagine a world of ballet where the women were shrouded in heavy, cumbersome costumes. Can you imagine how the movement, the beauty of the steps would be hidden? Such a pity! Fortunately for the ballet world and our own eyes, the shorter skirts allowed for fluidity and expression! I bet they all felt so much more liberated and beautiful! Ballet and elegance truly began to take off as art.
Of course, the early tutus of 1840 weren't exactly the ones we see today. Those graceful layers of tulle didn't emerge until much later, a true testament to the evolution of design and technique in ballet.
This day in 1840 marked the birthday of a true icon who played a huge part in the evolution of the iconic ballet tutu we all adore! If you've never heard of Marie, consider it your homework for this #TutuTuesday! Do some research - and trust me, my darlings, you'll fall in love with her just like I have! 💕
Now, it's time for my own bit of travelling in time! It’s not the most direct journey this time but this #TutuTuesday calls for more ballet research in the theatre of my hometown, lovely Derbyshire!
And with that, I'm off to see a beautiful new production. My funds from last week's performances need to be used up, naturally. Oh, and I just need a new pair of pink ballet shoes to match my tutu. My favourite store on High Street always has some lovely designs! Don't forget, dear darlings, to wear your own favourite pink tutu today, share it with the world and tag it #TutuTuesday.
Until next time, stay stylish, stay fabulous, and always believe in the magic of tutus.
Yours truly,
Emma x
P.S. You can catch my blog each Tuesday over on my site, www.pink-tutu.com, where we share all things pink, ballet, history and tutu-tastic! Don't miss out on any of the fun! This is post number 429 by the way, it is so exciting to see that I have written so many!
