17th October, 1848
Darling readers,
It's Emma here, back for another #TutuTuesday journey through ballet history! Buckle up your bonnets and put on your dancing shoes because we are about to take a spin through the 19th century, darlings. Today's topic: The humble tutu! How did it come to be the icon of ballet it is today? Well, my darlings, let me take you on a tour of the evolution of the tutu, and see just how it's graced the stage for centuries.
As a self-proclaimed tutu enthusiast, and let's be honest, all-around girly-girl, I find the history of the tutu absolutely fascinating! We all love seeing those swirling, romantic layers onstage, don't we? They bring such an air of whimsical grace to each dance, showcasing the beautiful strength and elegance of the ballerinas.
Now, you may be surprised to hear, but back in the day, our beloved tutu looked quite different from its contemporary cousin. Imagine a dancer in a flowing, calf-length skirt! That was the initial shape of the tutu - long, layered, and even perhaps embellished with delicate embroidery or ribbons. Yes, darling! It was like a dress, only less structured! Can you imagine trying to pirouette in a long skirt? Not exactly ideal, now is it?
And so, dear readers, begins the tale of the tutu's transformation! As dancers embraced more intricate footwork, it became evident that they needed a shorter, more dynamic costume. It was the great Marie Taglioni, a dancer who became a true icon of ballet, who embraced change and helped reshape the future of the tutu. It was she, with her incredible artistry and grace, who first graced the stage with the shortened skirt! It revolutionised ballet, providing the dancers with freedom of movement! Can you imagine that first gasp from the audience as the world watched a shortened, form-fitting skirt flutter around the dancers? I am just SO jealous, but at the same time thrilled! It was this shortening of the skirt that started the transformation of the tutu as we know it today.
The 19th century brought even more changes. The traditional, longer skirt became progressively more streamlined. Gone was the ornate skirt. The skirt morphed into shorter and shorter designs! A new fashion emerged, the romantic tutus! These new styles of tutus were created using more ethereal and wispy fabrics. It allowed for more airiness and movement in every step.
Let me tell you, my dear friends, it was truly the dawn of a new era in ballet costume design! They even started using tulle to add even more delicate layering to the tutus. The tulle created such ethereal lines, giving the dancers the look of heavenly figures!
So let's rewind to today. I find myself transported back to 1848. The air is buzzing with excitement. Imagine, a huge carriage travelling from London to Paris. Can you imagine all the fine fabric and tulle flowing on its way, headed to Paris? The theatre, filled to the brim, every seat sold. We're heading towards the final moments, and as the curtain rises... we see a glorious scene! This year’s Ballet spectacle will be like no other!
The music starts to play. The lights shine on the ballerinas in their glorious tutus. Their movements are flowing, and you feel swept away by the spectacle. A sigh sweeps across the audience as we all revel in the wonder of the performance!
And then… it strikes me! That's it! A revelation! Why must we simply observe? Where is my tulle, my ribbons and my lovely pink hue? My time traveling suitcase holds everything I need to step into my very own, 1848 tutu! It’s going to be pink! Imagine that, me on the stage in 1848 with my fabulous tutu and all of Paris in the audience!
This journey through ballet history makes me feel so, well, girly! That's what we love about the tutu, right, my dears? Its whimsical charm is hard to resist! And even if it has changed over time, that beautiful element of graceful fluidity has remained consistent throughout the ages! We will never tire of the magical feeling of the dancer on stage in that incredible swirl of silk, lace and tulle!
Speaking of the fabulous tutu, let me take you back to Paris. We are all just getting over the wonderful opening night of the new Opera Ballet in Paris! So thrilling! Imagine a whole new opera ballet house designed to host the most magnificent, breathtaking performances ever seen in Paris! The Paris Opera Ballet opened with La Esmeralda in its glorious newly designed opera house! I hear it was even the best show to date in this fabulous and lavish house! It truly did add another layer of elegance and glamour to Paris and, let’s be honest, ballet itself! How incredibly fabulous is that, darlings? Oh my, this amazing performance is the one reason why I ventured back to the 19th Century!
And speaking of Parisian magic, one simply cannot mention the Ballet at the time without including the one and only, Carlotta Grisi! A graceful vision of femininity! What a phenomenal ballerina! It was an honor, truly an honor, to watch her performances. To be mesmerized by the beauty, fluidity, and strength that this one ballerina possessed was truly a magical event. And, oh, how I wish I could own a few of those lavish tutus! They are, without doubt, some of the most amazing I've ever seen! Imagine the detail on them. Delicate florals and tulle! All for the ultimate graceful look for dancing! The 19th century really knows how to work a ballet costume!
But hold onto your tutus for next week, my darling friends. The history of the ballet tutu is a continuous, ever-evolving story. I’ve a date to attend the next show at The Paris Opera Ballet (this year it’s a fabulous dance by Giselle!) and I shall give you a wonderful #TutuTuesday update of this amazing spectacle! It’s going to be dazzling, darlings, with gorgeous designs, exquisite costumes, and, oh, that perfect, romantic air! And of course, it will be my pleasure to share it with you! Let’s meet here same time next week for an amazing tour of dance fashion! Until next week!
Yours in tulle and pink,
Emma
(Emma travels around the world by train from her home in Derbyshire England she often is seen at major Ballet performances and Theatre Shows as well as going to dance and ballet classes. Emma finds ballet street performances and flash mobs inspiring and writes about her adventures and shares images and photos with her large online fan base! )
Follow Emma for more fabulous tutu adventures and a pink perspective on life. Let's wear tutus for every occasion. Remember, every day is a #TutuTuesday!
www.pink-tutu.com
