Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller! 🩰💖 This week's #TutuTuesday takes us way back to August 15th, 1848, and you're not going to believe what we discovered... tutus are EVERYWHERE! 🤯
Okay, so maybe not exactly the modern tutus we know and adore, but it's the era when the concept of the tutu as we know it was REALLY beginning to blossom! We're talking Parisian stages, a heady mix of Romanticism, and lots of tulle.
Picture this: The air is filled with the chatter of excited patrons as they hurry to the theatre. They're about to be swept away by the enchanting world of ballet. Remember, dear readers, this is before the reign of the petit tutu, the tiny, gravity-defying creations we see on our modern ballerinas. Back then, it was all about romantic flounces and dramatic swirls.
Let me tell you, Paris in 1848 is the epitome of fashionable extravagance. Think silk, lace, and yes, plenty of tulle! Now, our dear tutus are starting to look more like fluffy, full-skirted costumes, but don't let that fool you, they're incredibly captivating. The layers of tulle, so billowy and romantic, seem to embody the emotions of the dancers themselves.
The ballet world was going through a HUGE transformation, darling. From the Romantic ballet, where ethereal ballerinas seemed to float on stage, to the beginning of the Classical era, we're seeing a revolution in technique and artistry. This evolution meant tutus became a major focus, highlighting the dancer's elegant movements and the breathtaking lightness of the dance itself.
Speaking of ballerinas... imagine a Maria Taglioni, gliding across the stage in a tutu that barely grazed her ankles. Now that's a true dream! Her choreography is legendary, blending classical movements with Romantic sensibility. Those moments of graceful pirouettes and effortless leaps, punctuated by the delicate swirling of her tutu, became instantly iconic.
Let's delve deeper into the fashion of the era, which is what you all know I LOVE to do. Those gorgeous tulles weren't just draped about – they were painstakingly crafted. Each layer, perfectly stitched and arranged, gave the tutu that dramatic shape and movement, transforming dancers into ethereal figures on stage. It was quite a labour of love, believe me!
I know you might think, "Tutus back then weren't quite our tutus", but trust me, they were a vital ingredient in shaping the ballet as we know it today. Think of them as the foundations, the essential building blocks! And we must give props to all those clever seamstresses and costumers who created those first tutu-esque wonders!
I must say, it was quite an exhilarating journey through time. While the Parisian streets were bustling with horse-drawn carriages and the air filled with the chatter of eager theater-goers, the inside of the theatre was pure enchantment! You could feel the magic brewing. The anticipation in the air was palpable, the lights dimmed, the curtain rising, and the stage transformed into a beautiful dreamscape.
The dancers themselves were truly remarkable. The way they moved, the grace, the poise, the emotional storytelling, simply left you spellbound. You could feel the passion pouring out from every movement! The romantic and tragic stories brought to life through the art of dance – a true marvel!
Oh, and it's worth noting that on this very day, August 15th, 1848, there was a performance of a truly magnificent ballet by Jules Perrot - "The Demon of the Ice-House." Can you imagine, my dear readers! I almost didn't come back to the future for this one. What a night to remember. Just thinking about the icy atmosphere, the breathtaking music, and the captivating story of love and magic gives me chills...
But remember, we're talking 1848. There were no social media posts or endless pictures on Instagram, so we can't share those moments of the show with you. You can, however, find plenty of vintage photos and etchings of ballerinas wearing those iconic romantic-style tutus online! (Do take a peek at a few and let me know your favourite!).
Back in our own time, it's so inspiring to see the modern-day ballet dancers who honour those early tutu styles. Those dancers who incorporate those classic, romantic movements in their contemporary pieces – there's so much elegance and heart! It just shows how far we've come, and how our love of tutus remains constant!
Okay, my darlings! Remember, this blog post is just a peek into the world of tutus in 1848, a time when a certain kind of “tutude” was just beginning to take flight. You just have to love those early inspirations that set the stage for everything we know and adore about the tutu today!
Until next Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling!
Love,
Emma
P.S. I can't resist sharing my newest tutu find from a recent vintage clothing store trip! (See below - it's divine, don't you think?) 😍 I simply can't wait to wear it on a trip to the ballet! Oh, the endless possibilities! 🩰✨
