Hello Darlings! Welcome back to another fabulously frilly #TutuTuesday! I'm Emma, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, and today, we're taking a trip back to 1841, a year where romance bloomed and so did our beloved tutus! Oh, darling, the 1840s! They were an absolute whirl of a time for dance, fashion, and yes, of course, tutus!
Just picture it! You’re standing on a crisp September morning, surrounded by the scent of freshly cut hay, the gentle clinking of horses’ hooves on cobblestones, the chatter of elegant ladies with parasols… And then, from the grand ballroom comes a waltz so graceful it sweeps you off your feet. It's the essence of Parisian sophistication, of waltzing under glittering chandeliers with gentlemen in top hats, all while wearing the most divine creation known to womanhood: the tutu.
Paris, my darlings! Oh, Paris was where tutus reigned supreme in 1841, truly the epicentre of dance and fashion. It was in this beautiful city where Marie Taglioni, our dance idol, was captivating audiences with her elegant leaps and pirouettes in a tutu that defied the fashion standards of the day.
You see, the early tutus were less about frills and more about fluidity and grace, like a wispy cloud that danced around the legs. Imagine a ballet skirt made from just a layer of soft tulle, clinging to the form like a whisper of air. It's all about simplicity and highlighting the beauty of movement, something I just adore.
Imagine a tutu so light it feels like you’re gliding on air, every movement as delicate as the petals of a flower. And that’s what was so revolutionary about Taglioni’s tutu! She moved with freedom, her skirts barely grazing her knees, offering an intimate glimpse into the athleticism of the art form. It was revolutionary, a total change from the long, restricting gowns of the previous era! No longer did women have to hide their graceful movements behind layers and layers of heavy fabrics!
I just picture it - my oh my, the tutus must have just shimmered and swirled in the grand ballrooms of the era! The atmosphere - the music, the laughter, the scent of lilies - It's enough to make this tutu-obsessed time traveler a bit envious, isn't it?
You can see this new type of skirt taking shape in the theatre productions too. Just imagine the crowds erupting in thunderous applause at the elegant grand leaps, the smooth jetés, all perfectly framed in the lightness of the tutu. The grace of the movements was enhanced, almost like they were floating on air! It's simply divine!
Now, if we talk about colours, we’re likely looking at delicate pastels, soft blues, maybe some dainty whites. Not yet the vibrant hues that became popular in the next century. And no shocking pinks like yours truly might prefer, but don't you worry my dears, I'll make sure a splash of pink gets into this story eventually!
On the subject of pink, do you know the story behind why this enchanting colour became so popular for ballerina tutus? Let me tell you... it’s all about Carmine.
This particular shade of pink wasn't just any shade. Carmine, my dears, was the vibrant pink hue extracted from the cochineal insect, which is indigenous to Mexico! The tiny insects were crushed to obtain this magnificent color, and from there, the glorious blush-like shades took the world by storm! Imagine - from little insects, came the shade that we still associate with tutus today!
The journey of the cochineal insect's pigment is quite remarkable! In 1841, it was in high demand, arriving by ship to Europe, traveling from the tropical climes of Mexico to the elegant ballrooms of France. It truly makes you think about the vast networks and intricate global trade of our ancestors! And the shade itself became the must-have colour of tutus for the decades to come! I'm telling you, darling, this is fashion history right here!
Speaking of fashion history, can you believe it, 1841! What a magical year to visit!
Let’s fast forward to September 14th. This particular day in 1841 was an exciting one - you could practically feel the buzz! The Opera of Paris, in the heart of the city, was about to unveil its newest production - and can you guess what the stars would be wearing? Of course, it's our favourite! The delicate tulle and chiffon, the wisps of a tutu... They'd be flowing gracefully across the stage, reflecting the gas lights illuminating the audience’s mesmerized faces!
But darling, the theatre wasn’t the only place to catch a glimpse of the ballet’s magic. This era was one of waltzing under gaslit skies in beautifully decorated ballrooms! Can you picture it? A shimmering ballroom, candlelight reflecting on elegant silk gowns and... of course, graceful tutus. It's an image of beauty, elegance, and just pure magic! And it wouldn't be a grand waltz without some fashionable, flowing tutus. You can just imagine all the whispering and admiring, the compliments being thrown around for these breathtaking, fluttering skirts!
Oh, how I would have loved to have attended one of these magnificent events, to feel the excitement of a ballroom and be surrounded by the ethereal elegance of the tutus!
Well my loves, it's time to conclude this #TutuTuesday with a little homework for you. Since the 1840s was so passionate for romance and the grace of the waltz, have a little listen to Strauss!
You can also find an inspiration on the street - the cobbled avenues and busy cafes - look for people in a whirlwind of fashion - for there is magic even in the mundane, as long as you choose to see it!
Remember my lovely darlings, you can add that touch of magic to your lives. Don't forget - put on your tutu, go outside, dance, twirl and twirl again! Just like we learned from Marie Taglioni. This era's magic and those graceful, dancing tutus are still out there, just waiting to be discovered!
So put on your most frilly tutu, grab a cup of tea (it was just about invented at the time!) and let your imagination flow as we journey back to the magic of tutus through history!
Keep your tutu sparkling, my dears! Until next Tuesday!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
