Welcome back, my lovely tutu enthusiasts, to another edition of #TutuTuesday! Today we're waltzing our way back to the grand year of 1842 – a time of gaslight and grace, where the tutu was taking centre stage (pun intended!) in the dazzling world of ballet.
I must admit, it was quite the journey. I was twirling through the cobbled streets of Paris, dodging carriages and dodging those oh-so-serious gentlemen with their top hats, before I found the perfect outfit to embody this historical era. This darling little pink tutu – a blush of silk with a touch of velvet – was found in a charming little antique shop nestled amongst the cobblestones. The shopkeeper was a delightful old lady, who, despite looking every bit like a grandmother, swore she could still do a pirouette! And, oh, did she know her history!
Speaking of history, 1842 was a monumental year for ballet! While the tutu wasn’t brand new (it had actually been introduced in the 1780s, hooray!), it was definitely starting to gain some real momentum in this year. This era was all about the elegance and artistry of movement – you know, just like us tutu-wearing fairies!
The year 1842 saw the rise of la danseuse étoile, a French term for "star dancer". It basically meant the ballerina became the focus of the performance, her talent, grace and beauty shone as the focal point of the show. Isn’t that fabulous? And wouldn't it be marvellous to become a la danseuse étoile someday! A girl can dream! And these star dancers, my dears, they twirled, leaped and floated with those beautiful tutus, showcasing their moves and artistry, creating what we now know as classic ballet!
Think of the exquisite, delicate tutus made of layered tulle, light as air. This allowed the dancers to truly fly across the stage, every graceful movement illuminated by the soft glow of the gaslights. I even witnessed a rehearsal in the legendary Salle Le Peletier at the Paris Opera, the first ballet house, built in the early 1800s – and what a thrill that was!
Of course, 1842 saw its fair share of drama in the world of ballet. There was this incredible, legendary ballet dancer called Fanny Elssler, who became incredibly popular, captivating hearts everywhere! This daring ballerina, she pushed the boundaries with her passionate, dramatic style of dancing. Fanny wore a shockingly shorter tutu, showing more leg, revealing those perfect ankles and that exquisite calf. Now, can you imagine the uproar? And how we wouldn't have any of it today, for it wasn't ladylike in her day! Imagine – a woman’s legs? The scandal!
Back then, it was like the tutu was this little symbol of daring. It showed everyone that the dancers weren’t afraid to break some of those old fashion rules and dance freely and express themselves with abandon. Just like we do, right?
I’ll confess, I had my own adventure during this trip – an absolutely exhilarating ballet class in a traditional studio in the heart of Paris! It was right by the Seine. The floorboards creaked as we pliéd, and I learned some classic ballet moves, even attempting a grand jeté with the help of a supportive teacher (and my own unwavering spirit, of course!). Oh, and I must confess, there were some darling Parisian ladies there – a perfect blend of style and poise. It's hard to beat a beautiful tutu, with perfectly matched accessories and the ever-present Parisian elegance!
My adventures are all very well, darling readers, but we should know, in all of this excitement, I haven't mentioned the famous ballet premiere of "Giselle" – an exquisitely beautiful and emotionally stirring masterpiece! What a day! Imagine: a ballerina as a graceful, haunting woodland creature, twirling in a delicate white tutu! And imagine – what it must have felt like to witness such artistry for the very first time, an art form taking shape! That is just something special. My diary notes for 1842 state that “Giselle’s tutu was exquisitely white and adorned with silver spangles” and “it captured the imagination of the entire audience, not least the men.” Well, darling, the rest, as they say, is history. And such history too!
Now, as you go forth and twirl this #TutuTuesday, remember those incredible dancers from 1842! Their grace and daring will inspire you to be a la danseuse étoile in your own right, so embrace your inner twirl, dear friends!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma xox
P.S. Don't forget to share your own #TutuTuesday pics on social media! Use the hashtag #TutuTuesday and share with me what your favourite part of ballet history is! It's our shared passion!
P.P.S Don’t forget, my darling friends, you can check out all my fabulous #TutuTuesday posts here: www.pink-tutu.com
Remember to check in each week to hear my tales from the past!
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