Hiya lovelies! It's Emma here, back from another whirl through the exciting world of tutu history! Today we're going all the way back to 1842, to a date that might not be so instantly recognisable – 27th December - but I'm going to tell you all about why it's important! And as ever, get your pinkest tutu at the ready, because I've got an absolute cracker of a story for you!
As always, I'm whisked back through time thanks to my favourite method of travel - by train, of course! Now, you may think "Emma, surely trains didn't exist back in the 1840s!" And you'd be absolutely right, but I have my little ways, let's just say that. The thrill of the carriage swaying as it barrels along the tracks – even in a bygone era, nothing quite beats that!
Stepping out of the station and onto the cobblestone streets of… well, actually I can't tell you where exactly. This particular trip isn't to a famous city or a well-known ballet house, but I can tell you, I landed smack-bang in the middle of the ballet scene. I mean, honestly, where else would a tutu-loving blogger like me be on a day like this?!
This little snippet of ballet history was just too exciting to miss. Let's go back to that date, the 27th December, 1842. The exact location isn't important (although trust me, I did have a little peek at some amazing costume shops and picked up the most gorgeous little brooches, I'll show you them all soon!) What IS important is what was happening on that day: the very first performance of "Giselle".
Hold the champagne, darling! You're thinking "Giselle? Isn't that one of those stories about a poor peasant girl who falls in love with a prince in disguise? I've seen that one before!'' You're thinking of a version a bit more "Hollywood," trust me. "Giselle," my dear, is no mere prince-and-a-damsel, oh no! This was the very first staging of this beautiful ballet, back when it was brand new!
Think of it: the very first audience to witness this groundbreaking story unfold! What would have they thought?!
Now, this was ballet. And this was why I decided to time-travel on this particular day, to step back into those cobblestones, sniff the smoke and candle wax of the theatre, and feel that tingling excitement in the air!
Can you imagine being in that audience, waiting with bated breath to witness "Giselle?"
Just as the music swells, Giselle steps out into the spotlight and she looks stunning in that diaphanous white tutu (it had that flowing, billowing silhouette, you know, so delicate, so dramatic). The tutus weren’t quite as we know them back then – they were quite a bit fuller, maybe with a few more ruffles and a sprinkle of sparkles. Oh, but how I wished I could have worn a hot pink tutu right then and there! I reckon I'd have set the place alight, don’t you?
Oh darling, "Giselle" just captivates you, whisking you away into a whirlwind of emotions. Giselle, oh Giselle, how can one be so tragically beautiful?! Her passion for the "prince" in disguise was, well, so heartfelt you just couldn’t help but fall in love with her right there and then, right?!
Oh, the dancing! The jumps, the turns, the grace of it all! It truly was magical! Imagine it: No dazzling effects or technical gadgets. It was all pure, raw talent and passion that carried the story. It left the audiences speechless, and quite frankly, still does!
Now, let's talk a little bit about those tutus. Back then, tutus were just starting to become a ballet staple, still relatively new, don't you know. But they were quickly becoming all the rage! Ballet had such a strong impact on fashion, as it does now, especially when it comes to those billowing tutu silhouettes. Every lady of the age wanted a taste of the magic of "Giselle," with its wispy gowns, romantic looks, and yes, those elegant tutus.
Just imagine: The thrill of seeing a "Giselle" performance and the urge to grab a needle and thread, grab that white fabric and get those needles humming. We all get the inspiration, don't we?
I may have spent the day watching dancers in their stunning white tutus (I think those pale, off-white tones were all the rage!), but this is what truly inspired me on that day: seeing the effect that these elegant garments had on fashion at the time. Just like how I'm trying to get you lovely ladies wearing pink tutus today!
Back in 1842, it was a big step for "Giselle" to be so dramatically different. But we can't just have a post without a bit of fun, can we? The fashion that emerged out of it wasn’t as “edgy” and wild as I might wear these days - but hey, times are changing. Remember how I've mentioned before that those ballet dresses from the 1800s (the ones with that billowy, “flowy” look) ended up shaping the look of those fashionable Victorian dresses, even for a “tea party?”
Imagine, for a moment, if tutus, these iconic garments, hadn’t emerged? We wouldn’t have those gorgeous shapes we see on stage today. So when you go to see your next ballet show, try to spot what kind of silhouette each tutu takes!
Speaking of silhouettes - oh, it's just not possible for me to go through time without shopping. The streets here are overflowing with stunning clothes! Think velvet, satin, silks, bonnets... I practically wanted to carry half the shops back to my own time!
Imagine the fabrics! Think beautiful silks, exquisite lace and of course, that timeless satin, just perfect for all the amazing gowns. Oh darling, and the colours: bright colours, deep colours, subtle colours! And yes, I even snagged some pink fabric. I had to! It's never too early to find those treasures and ideas, wouldn't you say?!
Back then, fashion was truly exciting. I felt a pang of longing for that era of artistry! Oh, but don't worry, my time travelling isn't just about shopping! It's all about soaking up those beautiful designs and colours and getting the inspiration for today's style. (But the shopping definitely doesn’t hurt!) I was so lucky to stumble on a ballet performance in such an amazing era!
Speaking of inspiration, it’s time for you to go forth and rock your favourite tutu! It can be a pink one, naturally, but any colour you feel fabulous in.
Remember ladies: You can do ANYTHING you want to in a tutu. We may be living in different eras, but the power of ballet, the joy of a tutu, the beauty of dance, well, it remains the same through all of time.
Right, I better go! I’m feeling very inspired to practice my pirouettes, wouldn't you say?! See you next Tuesday, and don't forget to post all your #TutuTuesday photos, loves! Until then, let’s all remember to twirl our way through life, and of course, wear those fabulous tutus.
Stay chic!
XOXO
Emma.
