Bonjour mes chères amies! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday! This week, we're whisking ourselves back to the glittering halls of the Paris Opera in January 1843. Can you imagine? The air would have been thick with the buzz of anticipation, a heady blend of perfumed silks and whispers of intrigue.
1843: The Dawn of Romantic Ballet
As a dedicated tutu enthusiast, I’m particularly fascinated by this era! This is where ballet began its transition from a courtly dance to the beautiful art form we know and adore today. You see, dear readers, it wasn’t until the Romantic period that the tutu began to take its rightful place as a symbol of feminine grace and airy freedom! It’s hard to imagine the dancers of the day swishing through their intricate steps in anything else, right?
Before the 1840s, ballerinas wore heavy, restricting costumes. But in 1841, Carlotta Grisi took the stage in a shockingly new ensemble - the very first recognisable tutu! This masterpiece was the brainchild of a brilliant designer named Eugène Lami. It wasn't just any old skirt, my dears, this one was a gloriously airy creation of white tulle with layers and layers of carefully crafted ruffles, designed to enhance the lightness of a ballerina’s movements. The length? Well, it barely touched her knees, a scandalous but stunning revolution in dress!
Think Pink, Darling
And let's talk about the colours! This new wave of romantic ballet, where our ballerinas twirled and leaped, needed colour. Can you imagine, in this era, the excitement when pink first arrived on stage? This colour is, in my opinion, the perfect embodiment of romantic femininity, of course. Pink was a revolutionary choice, one that captured the light and delicacy of a flower in bloom!
The sheer elegance of it all is breathtaking, don’t you think? I picture ballerinas twirling through the air like delicate snowflakes, their pink tutus swirling in an intoxicating whirlwind. Ah, those were the days, my loves. What dreams of beauty were captured within that simple but daring garment!
On January 17th 1843...
What was happening on this specific day in 1843, you ask? Why, dear reader, this very day the illustrious Théophile Gautier penned his Introduction au Traité du Ballet. His profound words illuminated the art of ballet, providing insightful and beautiful prose that ushered in the glorious Romantic ballet period, bringing to life our most favourite ballerinas with grace and depth. What a wonderful contribution to ballet, especially in that vital year where the tutu came to be.
I, of course, had to take in a spectacular ballet performance on this very day to celebrate! As a bit of a tradition, I always travel back to Paris, its iconic buildings so grand and impressive. And, on this specific day, we enjoyed the sublime elegance of the Paris Opera Ballet, dressed in their beautiful pink tutus. This beautiful, historic building is always abuzz with life, and it’s absolutely packed with history and theatre. We could not help but marvel at the graceful artistry, a symphony of movement and music that set my soul on fire!
A Little Fashionable History
Did you know that fashion at this time, darling, was just as dazzling as the dancers? In London, the Queen herself was setting fashion trends, wearing elaborate dresses made with stunning fabric like silks and velvet. Fashionistas on both sides of the channel were embracing elaborate trimmings, sequins and bold patterns - oh, it was a true explosion of visual creativity! You just had to be part of the exciting world!
Travelling the Romantic Way
To experience the world of ballet, the fashion, and all the glorious sights of the time, I often take the train! Think of it – the clattering of wheels on steel, the soft clickety-clack on a well-polished floor! My dearest travel companion is a luxurious vintage carriage – the seats are plush, the windows spacious enough to see the bustling cities and towns zoom past! It's the perfect place to daydream, pen notes, and observe the world in the company of a beautiful new pink tutu, of course!
Remember, darlings...
There's a certain magic in history. As a time-travelling tutu enthusiast, I adore discovering the roots of ballet and appreciating the timeless artistry of the past. If you’re a fan of ballet or just want to escape into a world of beauty and imagination, do journey with me. It’s such a delight!
Let me know where you'd like to travel with me on #TutuTuesday in the comments below, and tell me how you embrace ballet in your life! Don't forget, we are a worldwide community, so feel free to let me know about any exciting ballet happenings in your part of the world.
Until next Tuesday, darlings, keep dancing!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
