Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It’s Emma, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time traveler, and I’m back for another #TutuTuesday adventure!
Today, I’m whisking you all the way back to the 19th century, a time of waltzes, romance, and dazzling ballerinas, with Paris, of course, at the centre of the dance world. We’re heading back to 29th April, 1845, and oh, what a treat I have in store for you!
This week's trip is thanks to a generous commission. I'm being paid for a performance at the Opéra Garnier, one of Paris’ most celebrated opera houses. Think glittering chandeliers, plush velvet seating, and breathtaking stagecraft, and you'll have the picture.
Speaking of breathtaking, this date is a little extra special. It’s the birthday of the legendary Marie Taglioni, one of the most iconic ballerinas of the Romantic Era. Taglioni is often credited with helping the tutu evolve into the airy, lightweight masterpiece we know and love today! She was an absolute whirlwind on stage, a ballerina who embodied the essence of the era's fascination with ethereal, whimsical beauty. Imagine a ballerina with an air of otherworldly grace, flitting across the stage with almost supernatural lightness – that was Marie Taglioni!
Now, before you imagine her in a super short, sparkly, pink tutu (I can dream!), she was renowned for her graceful performance in the iconic ballet, La Sylphide. Back in the day, the “tutu” wasn't quite the tutu as we know it. It was more like a Romantic period “jupe”, a full skirt reaching to the calf, made from fine layers of white gauze or muslin. This light, flowy fabric gave an impression of fluidity and freedom of movement, perfectly encapsulating the Romantic ideals of fantasy and nature.
It was, however, an evolution from previous costumes! Think long, heavy satin skirts with hoop frames and heavy layers of petticoats. The Romantic Ballet embraced movement, freedom and nature. They ditched the hoops and petticoats and went for lighter, airier clothing – the “jupe” with its floating lightness perfectly capturing the changing trends in fashion and art.
If I could turn back time and find myself in a Parisian salon, wouldn't I be mesmerised by the vision of these graceful ballerinas? Picture them whirling across the stage in their white gauze "jupes", the fabric swirling with their movements. The beauty and grace were the stars of the show. Imagine that lightness, that femininity, the elegance, the sheer elegance... a true dream to be seen!
Speaking of elegant… the world of fashion was changing during this time. Corsets were still very much in vogue (and thank goodness, because those tight bodices were seriously sculpting those curves!) but more flowy fabrics, and brighter, bolder colors were being embraced. They embraced natural elements in fabric patterns such as florals and ribbons – much like my lovely ballet dresses!
What’s fantastic about Paris in 1845? The elegance of the fashions, the captivating allure of the grand Parisian theaters, and, of course, the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing dances of Marie Taglioni! Now, how could I possibly be missing out on an opportunity like that?!
Sadly, my journey has to end here!
But remember, you can keep the **#TutuTuesday spirit alive wherever you are.
Embrace your inner ballerina, dance with your heart, and, of course, wear your pink tutu with pride! Until next week my lovely tutu-loving friends,
With all my love, Emma xxx
