Bonjour mes amies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-obsessed time traveller, and today I'm taking us back in time, right to 1840-11-03, a glorious day in the history of tutus, and trust me, you won't want to miss this one!
You've probably heard me mention how much I adore a good train journey, but nothing beats the excitement of leaping onto a train bound for a different era, especially when that era features an incredible leap forward in the evolution of the tutu! Letâs set the scene - Iâm here in Paris, France where tutus reign supreme. Think shimmering silks, delicate layers of tulle, and that classic, billowing silhouette that every ballerina dreams of. I've traded my modern-day Converse for a pair of elegant silk slippers, my phone for a feather fan (the social media of the 1840s, wouldn't you say?), and, of course, donned my very own pink tutu for the occasion. Itâs the perfect pink shade, naturally, a shade that would have every belle in the room swooning - especially paired with a lace-trimmed shawl!
But before we delve into the fabulous tutu trends of the day, a little historical context. Weâre on the cusp of a very special time in dance history. Romantic ballet, a movement celebrating emotion and dramatic narratives, was blooming! Think intricate ballets based on myths and legends, where the characters, oh my goodness, they expressed themselves! Their ethereal movements and romantic storytelling were a perfect pairing with the burgeoning romantic fashion, full of ruffles, lace and, of course, the piĂšce de rĂ©sistance - the tutu.
This is what you need to know. The Romantic eraâs ballet demanded a new, lighter look for ballerinas, a costume that allowed for more freedom of movement and enhanced their feminine silhouette. The classical "pas de basque" steps, pirouettes, and grand jetĂ©s required something flowing, graceful, and undeniably stunning. That's where Marie Taglioni, a legend of her time, enters the picture. She took the conventional shorter skirt, used primarily in âLa Sylphideâ, a dance considered a turning point in Romantic ballet, and pushed the boundaries. Her idea was brilliant, she wanted a new silhouette, longer and lighter. This was the dawn of the *tutu as we know it today! *
This day in history, 1840-11-03, wasn't just any ordinary day, dear friends. It marked a milestone, the grand premiere of Taglioni's La Sylphide in Londonâs Covent Garden. It was a landmark not just for ballet history but for the tutu's place in the fashion world. Imagine the buzz surrounding that performance! I'd say the roar of the crowd could have been heard all the way from Derbyshire, just where I'm from, believe it or not! Itâs moments like this, this spark of genius in costume design, that make my heart beat a little faster.
But back to Taglioni's new design. Forget the tight, corseted outfits of the past. The ballerina's silhouette was now one of unfettered grace. This new style, with its* layered, swirling tulle, became a symbol of the *romantic aesthetic, a whisper of feminine power and freedom. Itâs no surprise that women across Europe were enamoured with the new style and fashion designers rushed to embrace the tulle and layered skirt silhouette. I dare say that Parisian women started wearing them out and about in society! Talk about a successful trend!
Now, let's fast forward to the late 19th century, and oh my, the tutu becomes even more extravagant. The silhouette expands and takes on even more dramatic volume! Think billowing layers, flounces, and a dash of embroidery! It was pure delight! If the Romantic era embraced the ethereal, the late 19th century took it to the extreme. Think Edwardian glamour, that exquisite sense of romance mixed with a dose of sophistication that Victorian elegance brought to fashion! This was a time for grand balls, opulent soirées, and, of course, for ballerina costumes that took their cue from the high society ladies. Imagine intricate embroideries, lavish trimmings, and fabrics that whispered with extravagance. This period, in its grand, lavish fashion, almost overshadowed the delicate artistry of the early Romantic tutu, yet the heart of the movement was still very much alive.
As time whizzes by and we arrive in the 20th century, the tutu finds its rightful place in the heart of classic ballet. It continues to evolve and adapt to changing trends and choreographies, yet, the fundamental principles of the original silhouette - that airy lightness and elegance, a danceable freedom - they remained.
I've had such a delightful time revisiting this momentous date! I hope you enjoyed taking this journey back to 1840, right in the heart of Romantic ballet, where Marie Taglioni made ballet history with her revolutionary tutus! I canât wait to see how these timeless creations will continue to dance their way into our hearts and onto stages around the world.
And for those who've already joined the pink tutu movement (and if you haven't, what are you waiting for? Just a sprinkle of pink can do wonders!) I invite you to continue to join me every Tuesday, right here, as we explore the captivating history of the tutu. Let's continue to embrace this little piece of magic that defines so much about our shared history.
Keep those tutus twirling,
Emma!
P.S. Just a quick peek at the upcoming schedule:
Next Tuesday, get ready for a French fling as we explore the tutus of the French Ballet! Iâve got a special treat planned: A look into the elegant costumes of the famous French dancers of the 1800s, including La Camargo and Mademoiselle Lafont. Make sure to visit pink-tutu.com and follow me on all the usual social media! Donât forget the hashtag #TutuTuesday - Let's keep spreading that tutu love!
