Greetings, dearest tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday adventure on www.pink-tutu.com. Today, we’re travelling back to a time when the ballet tutu was just starting to blossom into the graceful garment we know and love today. It's a journey full of historical fashion and dramatic developments that we're going to explore in the delightful Parisian world of 1843!
Let's board our trusty steam train – think a very glamorous and intricately adorned vintage carriage with lace and plush cushions – and journey to a time where the Romantic Ballet was sweeping through the theatres like a captivating waltz. It's all about passion, grandeur, and graceful leaps... a time where a tutu was more than just a dance garment. It was a symbol of artistic expression and beauty.
I must admit, travelling by train is always exciting, but sometimes I long for the glamour of taking a hot air balloon! But with my busy schedule of ballet classes and performance contracts, it's usually more practical to travel by land than air. Today, though, I've taken a break from my own dancing and found myself backstage at the Grand Opera in Paris, the centre of the Parisian ballet scene. The air buzzes with anticipation, whispers of 'grand jeté' and 'fouetté,' the scent of stage makeup and… yes, of course! The ever-so-delicious scent of croissants from the nearby cafe, one of my most adored Parisian traditions.
You might be surprised to know, my dearest tutu lovers, that in this grand and elegant setting, the "tutu" wasn't always the short, multi-layered confection you see swirling across the stage today.
From Dress to Tutu: The Early Days
Imagine, if you will, that ballet dancers in the 18th century wore… wait for it … long, elaborate dresses, sometimes multiple layers of heavy silks! It would be quite a sight to see! The ladies of the ballet wore a skirt, a sort of undergarment of stiff silk that went all the way to the ground, all wrapped and knotted and covered with an overskirt of lace and ribbon. These early tutus didn't show off much leg - it was the era of elegant fluidity and demure movements, like a willow tree gently swaying in a summer breeze. Not as exciting as the graceful leaps and powerful fouettés that are the hallmarks of the ballerina today!
Fast forward to 1832, and we've reached the Romantic Era of ballet, where a change happened. Think shimmering white satin, intricate embroidery and oh, so many, delicate frills. This period saw the emergence of a shorter version of the ballet skirt – still long by modern standards, and often called the "Romantic Tutu".
What made this change so revolutionary? The new design allowed ballerinas to move with a lighter grace and a much greater freedom, allowing for movements and leaps they could only dream of in the previous era!
The Emergence of the Tutu as We Know It
Now, we're heading closer to the "Tutu Tuesday" you love! 1843. What was happening on this date, you might be wondering? Well, on the 30th of May 1843, Marie Taglioni, a ballerina who graced the stage in many stunning performances in the Romantic era, was performing in Paris! She had taken a stage name: *"La Sylphide." * Now this is my kind of "La Sylphide" - ethereal, almost otherworldly, captivating everyone with the power of her artistry and her iconic ballerina look! This marked an era where ballet became not just about elegant steps but also a ballet where ballerinas could showcase their skills in high, graceful leaps and pirouettes. The shorter, lighter, and fluffier version of the ballet skirt emerged from this Romantic ballet era - and it has become our modern tutu. What a history! It’s incredible to think about the evolution of a garment that, quite frankly, makes dancing easier, more expressive and of course, far more stunning to look at.
The Inspiration for My Passion
And now for a little fashion fun! As I meander through this enchanting Parisian landscape of theaters and boutique shops, I'm getting a true sense of the era!
Imagine a vision of delicate pastel silks, luxurious satin ribbons, and ruffles that would rival a rose's petals. It's the colour scheme I absolutely adore and what inspires all my blog posts! Think pale blush pink for a morning ballet lesson, perhaps a cherry red or teal for a performance in a more classical repertoire, or maybe a bright, happy tangerine if we are dancing a more playful or vibrant style like a Spanish Pas de Deux!
And who doesn't love the elegance of the bustle dress - you can feel like a Victorian princess! While not a direct ballet costume, it perfectly embodies the romantic flair that was in full swing around 1843. And how many beautifully designed parasols I've seen here! So chic for that grand entrance and the perfect accessory to shield you from the sunshine!
You might think I'm being a little bit dramatic (perhaps a little "too dramatic," some might say), but it is true: 1843 marks a watershed moment for the tutu! It’s this incredible ballet fashion piece that encapsulates the joy and beauty of a dancer’s performance, and the history of dance!
Remember my dear readers, this isn’t just about fashion or the sheer wonder of watching a graceful, spinning tutu. It’s a reminder of how artistic vision evolves over time, inspiring dancers and fashion designers alike. It is a constant evolution! Who knows what fantastic dance wear will come to the forefront in years to come!
Until next #TutuTuesday, may your tutus twirl ever so sweetly.
Emma, Signing Out.
PS: If you haven't done so already, be sure to share your favorite Tutu moments using #TutuTuesday on social media! And, of course, don't forget to keep checking back on www.pink-tutu.com for more fun, tutu-tastic history. Let's keep the love for tutus and all things beautiful in ballet flowing!
P.P.S. Don't be shy - send your pink tutu questions my way!
