Hello darlings! It’s your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed blogger, Emma, here with another trip through the time-warp of tutu history! Today, we're venturing back to December 29th, 1846, a date ripe with ballet history and style, just begging to be explored!
Now, grab your most charming bonnets and prepare yourselves for a little jaunt through the captivating world of early ballet tutus. Because, trust me, there’s no shortage of twirl-worthy tales to be told about this most beautiful and empowering garment.
Imagine yourself stepping off the train in the heart of Paris. The air is abuzz with a lively energy, the cafes are filled with the murmur of excited voices, and the shops are a treasure trove of dazzling fabrics and frocks. The Palais Garnier, with its grand facade and promises of exquisite performances, stands proudly on the boulevard. You've come here, of course, for a grand evening of ballet.
Oh, my darlings, ballet in the mid-19th century was an event unlike any other! Think dramatic stories of love, tragedy, and triumphant leaps woven together in a symphony of grace and elegance. We are talking Giselle, La Sylphide, and Paquita, just to name a few of the dazzling productions that graced the Parisian stage. And what would a grand ballet be without a dazzling display of tutus?
Now, don't be fooled, my dears! Back in 1846, these weren’t the billowing, romantic tulle creations that sweep us away with modern interpretations of classic ballets. The tutus of the day were quite different - more modest and practical. You see, the “tutu” wasn’t even an established term back then! What we know today as a tutu was often simply called "le panier", meaning basket.
Why? Well, because these early versions of the tutu were constructed around a rigid framework - imagine a combination of hoops and corded frames that supported the skirt, giving it a decidedly voluminous shape. They were more structured and less billowy, compared to the graceful wisps of tulle that are popular in today's modern ballets.
I'm sure you're thinking, "Oh Emma, it sounds very stuffy and restrictive!" Well, you’d be half right! Whilst they weren't exactly ideal for high-flying fouetté turns, they allowed for elegant steps and beautiful lines in adagio. Think of it as a grand, flowing statement of artistry. They were all about conveying the beauty and grace of a female dancer, especially as a woman's femininity in 19th-century Europe was held as sacred and the dancers were expected to maintain their modesty.
Think graceful arabesques and elegant port de bras - the early tutus allowed dancers to showcase a certain grace and fluidity, which was highly valued in the art of ballet. A perfect visual metaphor, really, for the refined and intricate movement, the ethereal quality of ballet performance, and its elegant, artistic sensibility. It truly was a perfect symbiosis between art, form and fashion.
While we may not see these elaborate hoop skirts on today's dancers, the origins of the tutu - its essence of elegance, its commitment to creating the impression of fluid and effortless movements, remains the heart of the tutu and has informed so many developments of this timeless, elegant garment.
Now, you’re probably wondering - what on earth was I wearing back in the mid 19th century? Well, for this journey back in time, I made a bespoke trip down memory lane (or shall I say, a custom-made time warp) to a shop right here in the heart of London's thriving West End, on Cavendish Street. My new creation is inspired by that classical style - the elegant layers of lace, a bodice accented with a subtle, dainty neckline and, of course, those majestic hoop layers that would have delighted dancers and audiences of that era. My personal touch? A delicate dusting of pink feathers and sparkling rhinestones adorning my bodice!
Of course, no trip to 1846 would be complete without a visit to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. And wouldn't you know it? The Grand Theatre is preparing a spectacular production of the classic ballet, “Paquita!” It's the epitome of grand ballerinas and sweeping choreographies, making this tutu, my darlings, the absolute perfect costume to transport me right back into the magic and majesty of the 19th-century ballet scene.
So, my fellow tutu-lovers, how are we all styling up for the end of December? Will you embrace some of that historic hoop-inspired style with your new, dramatic tutu creation? Remember, I want to see all those stylish and vibrant tutus! Be sure to share them on the #TutuTuesday hashtag across social media, and tag www.pink-tutu.com! It's a tutu-tiful day to share our passion for this most elegant of garments!
Until next time, dear friends, I'm off to enjoy this enchanting ballet spectacle!
With love and twirls,
Emma x
