Hello, darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday here at www.pink-tutu.com! Today, we're stepping back in time, all the way to the 13th of May, 1845. Can you believe it?! Such a long time ago, yet fashion and ballet were already flourishing. Now, as you know, I absolutely adore travelling (and what a splendid invention the railway is!). But, to be able to travel to the past and witness how ballet and the tutu evolved...thatās something special, wouldn't you say?
Now, before I get all excited and go rambling on about what I saw today, I do have to say that this was a very special journey because 1845 is particularly significant for tutu history, wouldn't you say?
The Romantic Era's Whirlwind of Beauty
Remember, the 19th century saw the rise of Romanticism in art and fashion. This era, my dears, was all about celebrating the ethereal and beautiful. This time period also coincided with the flourishing of the ballet world in Paris - that beautiful city of lights, my loves!
We were at the Salle Le Peletier opera house - which I believe still stands to this day! ā for the premier of "Giselle". Can you imagine the excitement in the air?
Oh! The atmosphere! My dress - a lovely soft pink taffeta (so much prettier than a stiff satin) with lace flounces on the bottom, of course - swayed as I followed the excited crowd. The whole scene felt like something out of a fairytale - think shimmering gaslight illuminating sparkling gowns and sparkling eyes.
Marie Taglioni's Revolutionary Tutu
And speaking of fairytale, just picture Marie Taglioni in her tutu. She was dancing "Giselle", a ballet that captured everyone's heart back then. Can you just imagine the sheer, airy perfection of her movements!
Marieās tutu wasn't the full skirt tutu we're accustomed to today. It was actually a tutu romantique, a bit like a bell-shaped skirt. This new type of tutu - with its short skirt allowing freedom of movement, my loves - was nothing short of revolutionary! It was made of fine white tulle and gauze and stopped at the knees, revealing dainty slippers. I bet she made the room gasp in awe, especially as the gaslights caught those layers and twirls! It wasnāt just about looking glamorous but was essential for her beautiful graceful moves, the leaps, and the tours ā it would make even my own tours look graceful, though I doubt I can be as light and graceful as her, although I have tried many times!
And that, my dears, was the beginning of the famous tutu we all love today. The little dancers of Paris would look so proud of the beautiful tutus that became popular!
More Than Just A Skirt
Did you know that this new shorter style also symbolized a move away from the more traditional corseted style? Remember, this was a time of romanticism, of naturalism. Itās interesting to see how even ballet skirts echoed the prevailing ideas in the wider world! The tutu romantique became so influential that it quickly took centre stage (excuse the pun) as the symbol of feminine beauty in ballet.
I must confess, that although I find full-skirted tutus are beautiful - and perfect for an evening of Swan Lake! - this new style allows for even greater flexibility. My own tutu (yes, a delightful pink, naturally) is inspired by this, you see. Itās slightly longer in the back than in front - the ideal mix of romanticism and fashion, and of course a bright, fabulous pink!
I canāt imagine what it would be like to have a short, flowing skirt that dances with my every turn, like that legendary, lovely Mademoiselle Taglioniās did. I shall get mine altered in the coming weeks. I think itās the perfect look to celebrate my passion for this gorgeous dance form.
Tutu Trends in 1845
While weāre talking about fashion and history, don't forget about the amazing clothing!
In 1845, it was all about frou frou. Long skirts were definitely still in style, with tiers of fabric and ruffles! But I just loved seeing ladies wear hats that had silk ribbons cascading down their shoulders - very dramatic! Imagine how beautiful it looked, especially in contrast with the delicate beauty of a dancerās tutu!
A Trip To Covent Garden!
On the subject of trends, here at pink-tutu.com, we all adore beautiful fashion in ballet! After my Parisian trip, I ventured across the channel back home and travelled up to London to the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, one of my favourite venues. The building itself is something else! All marble and intricate decoration... and it has that special kind of magic that only historic places have.
After my travels and seeing āGiselleā, the lovely Parisian ballet was even being performed there! Oh, I could just watch that elegant and romantic performance for hours! The dancers, though maybe a little stiff in the way they moved, captured that classic, beautiful atmosphere with their graceful movements.
A Pink Tutu For Everyone
I canāt wait to explore even more history on the next #TutuTuesday. We have much to learn about the evolution of the tutu and, dare I say it, all ballet costumes. And remember, my dears, I dream of a world where everyone wears a tutu! It's more than just a costume; it's a symbol of joy, elegance, and creative expression. Until then, let us continue to celebrate our love for tutus!
Do let me know your thoughts on this wonderful trip to 1845 in the comments section below and be sure to follow me on all of my socials! What was your favourite tutu in this blog post? Tell us all! Do check back next week for more from #TutuTuesday here at www.pink-tutu.com
See you next week, my lovelies!
Emma xx
