Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, and today on #TutuTuesday we're taking a little trip back in time. Now, settle in with a cuppa, grab your favourite fluffy pink scarf, and prepare to be whisked away to 19th century Paris!
As a time travelling ballerina, I've always been fascinated by how tutus have evolved, so it's a joy to share this journey with you all! This week we're stepping back to the 19th of August, 1845. A big day for fashion, if I do say so myself!
The Rise of Romantic Ballet
Back then, the world of ballet was just bursting with excitement, especially in France. We were knee-deep in the Romantic Ballet period, where dreamy, ethereal tales were the stars of the stage. It was a time when we weren't just dancing about; we were celebrating fairies, nymphs, and other whimsical creatures with delicate and flowing movements. You know the type, darling! Think ballerinas with long flowing skirts twirling gracefully across the stage – pure poetry in motion.
And you can't talk about Romantic Ballet without mentioning Marie Taglioni, a ballerina so dazzling she pretty much redefined the meaning of 'grace' for a whole generation. It was Marie, you see, who is credited with pioneering the tutu we know and love today.
The Birth of the Romantic Tutu
But the early Romantic tutu wasn't your typical frothy pink, oh no! This was a far more practical affair. Imagine a flowing skirt with several layers of tulle, held up with a single strap – it was practically an art form in itself! And let me tell you, this was revolutionary for ballet.
For the first time, we had ballerinas with real freedom of movement, their legs unbound and capable of truly expressive gestures. Ballet went from something a bit stuffy and heavy to a symphony of graceful leaps and airy pirouettes! You can only imagine the buzz! The world of dance had never seen anything quite like it.
A Fashionable Affair
But, oh darling, don't let the word "practical" fool you. These tutus were still exquisite. Think silks and satins, adorned with elaborate embroidery and ribbons. We're talking delicate floral patterns and sparkling embellishments - real head-turners for the ladies and gents of the day. They wanted their ballerinas looking like celestial creatures, and these Romantic tutus, I tell you, truly did the job!
You might be wondering: why the move away from the bulky, tiered skirts of old? It all comes down to lightness, you see. Imagine those flowing tulles in soft pink, delicate white, or vibrant cerulean - these hues emphasized the dancer's ethereal grace and brought to life that Romantic sensibility. This move toward lightness was the very embodiment of ballet as a whimsical escape.
Paris, Paris, Paris!
Speaking of "Romantic" sensibilities, 1845 in Paris was simply the place to be! Imagine cobbled streets overflowing with shops selling exquisite silks, the air fragrant with pastry, and every corner abuzz with artistic inspiration. You can practically hear the waltz! It was here, at the Paris Opera House, that these new tutus became iconic! They swept away audiences with their enchanting beauty and perfectly encapsulated that feeling of magic and whimsy. It's no wonder everyone in Europe was head over heels!
And me, my dears? Oh, I couldn't be happier to be transported back to such a fascinating era! I even found myself at a glorious performance on that 19th of August. Can you believe it? Ballet by gaslight, the scent of perfume mingling with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, and the stage sparkling like a field of fireflies. My fellow Derbyshire girl, Marie Taglioni, was as ethereal and graceful as ever in that breathtaking Romantic tutu! The crowd was practically holding their breath during each pirouette and arabesque - you could feel the collective gasp every time her tulle swirled.
But of course, as a fashion-conscious time-traveller, my biggest pleasure is finding the perfect outfit for every historical occasion. And 1845 did not disappoint! I have this delightful little gown, all silk and lace, with a delicate pink-tulle bustle, you know, a little nod to the tutu trend, of course! It was perfect for enjoying the Parisian delights that evening – strolling along the Seine with a creamy café au lait, gazing upon the opulent boulevards adorned with gaslamps. Ah, memories!
Back to Our World
Okay, darling, time for me to take off! I'm always a little melancholy after my trips, but at least we have the magic of fashion to keep us connected to the past.
What do you say we pay homage to the history of the tutu with a pink dress, a dash of lace, and maybe even a ballet class? It's all about bringing that Romantic spirit to the present day! And, of course, always remember to wear pink. The world is just a much happier place when we're all united in tulle!
Till next Tuesday!
Emma xxx
