Hello my darling tutu-loving lovelies! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back for another #TutuTuesday! Today we're waltzing our way back to 1842, a time when tutus were truly coming into their own on the grand stages of Europe!
This week, I hopped on the Orient Express (imagine, travelling in style!) to find myself in Paris, the heart of ballet, ready to discover the sartorial delights of this bygone era!
Before I delve into the exciting developments of tutu design, a little something about this specific date - August 23rd, 1842! Imagine, it was a Monday! Now, my lovelies, this particular date was absolutely buzzing with ballet excitement! The Paris Opera Ballet was performing La Sylphide by none other than the legendary August Bournonville. A captivating performance featuring the beautiful ballerina, Fanny Elssler, who, as I discovered in my historical research, was famed for her airy and light dancing.
But let’s get back to what truly interests us – tutus! The romantic era of ballet, as this period is known, brought forth a new aesthetic, one where airy elegance met dramatic flair. This time saw a shift in the design of tutus, making them even more billowing and romantic! The iconic "Romantic" tutu came about! And guess what, darling? This was made up of layers of tulle, floating and flowing, all the way to the knees! Just the thought of all those beautiful tiers of tulle, my lovelies, makes my ballerina heart flutter with delight!
So, why this sudden shift in tutus? Ballet dancers like Fanny Elssler weren't just pushing the boundaries with their breathtaking movements, they were changing the whole idea of what a ballerina could be. Their ethereal grace and captivating steps demanded a garment that would enhance their graceful, flowing movements. This new design did just that, letting their legs and every beautiful gesture shimmer and sparkle for the world to see!
Oh, and did I mention the popularity of white tutus around this time? They became the ultimate symbol of a ballerina's purity and innocence on stage, don’t you agree? Oh, it was so beautifully dreamy and romantic. It was a time of grand tutus with dramatic silhouettes, all crafted to complement and magnify the skill and artistry of these exceptional ballet stars. The impact of this design revolution on the stage was truly sensational!
Of course, Parisian style always held an enchanting allure for the whole of Europe. As this new trend trickled across the continent, everyone started paying closer attention to ballet, and the exquisite grace and captivating movements on stage, especially when enhanced by the romantic tutus.
Speaking of European charm, I'm thrilled to have met the sweetest seamstress here, Madame LaFleur! Her workshop, brimming with fabrics in soft, romantic hues, is absolutely delightful. I simply had to share a few of the secrets behind her tutus with you all.
Firstly, darling, these tutus are meticulously crafted from multiple layers of softest tulle! This lightness allows the ballerinas to perform breathtaking movements, their legs gracefully skimming through the air! And what’s even better, the tiers create this delicate sense of ethereal beauty!
She uses an assortment of ribbons and lace, making the costumes both enchanting and feminine! Imagine delicate flower designs woven onto tulle or stunning ribbon trimmings adorning the bodices. What could be more enchanting, don’t you agree? These touches are not just pretty embellishments, but carefully placed to accentuate every curve and create an almost mesmerizing effect on stage!
While she shared all her lovely secrets, it did give me the inspiration for a few new tutu designs! I simply can’t help it, darling! I’m constantly trying to find new and unique ways to show my love for all things tutu. You know what they say, "Every woman deserves to feel like a princess at least once in her life!" and my motto is: "Every day is a day for pink tutus, darling!”
Before I bid you adieu, let me remind you all that it’s always Tutu Tuesday somewhere in the world. Keep sharing your tutu-filled adventures with us using #TutuTuesday. Remember to stay tuned for my next blog post, where we will explore the history of tutus even further, taking you to some fascinating ballet venues!
Until next week, darling, dance and sparkle with joy,
Love, Emma.
www.pink-tutu.com
Blog Post Number 556
