Hello my darling dears! It's Emma here, back again with another #TutuTuesday blog post from my whimsical travels through time! This week, I'm whisking you away to the 20th November, 1849! Oh, how I adore travelling through time, especially to witness the origins of all things fabulous, like, you guessed it - the tutu!
This week I'm back in Paris, oh, how I love the city of love! You can practically feel the romance swirling around the cobbled streets. It's certainly more sophisticated than Derbyshire, but hey, what girl doesn't love a bit of Parisian charm? But today, I'm here to talk about the most iconic piece of a ballerina's wardrobe – the tutu! This little twirling wonder has captivated hearts and sparked imaginations for centuries, and believe me, I've witnessed the entire journey!
This week, it’s not just about any tutu; it’s all about the Romantic tutu! The year is 1849, and it's an absolute game changer! Now, let's dive into a bit of history and discuss what makes this style so spectacular!
Before 1849, ballerinas were decked out in weighty, voluminous skirts that weren’t ideal for those leaps and pirouettes. Oh my, imagine! I just shudder thinking about all that fabric swishing and flapping! So cumbersome, heaven forbid! It's no surprise ballerinas had to focus more on posing and pantomime back then. Thank goodness for progress!
Enter Marie Taglioni, the absolute icon of the Romantic era in ballet. Imagine someone who embodies elegance and grace… think of Audrey Hepburn with a hint of pixie dust, but instead of the little black dress, it's the tutus! This is the woman who introduced us to the beauty of the Romantic tutu. Think ethereal and flowy, but with that little something extra, a hint of dramatic flair! Imagine sheer, delicate layers, like the softest silk wisps. They practically danced along with the ballerina! Isn’t it just the most delightful vision, so charming and effortlessly beautiful? It’s a perfect vision of romance.
My darlings, Taglioni was all about lightness, airiness, and showing off those incredible leg extensions! Imagine what a spectacle those grand jetés must have been!
She introduced this dreamy style in her world-famous performance of La Sylphide, and trust me, the world was captivated! People were talking, and, to be honest, my darling, they’re still talking about it today! It sparked a revolutionary shift in the way dancers dressed and, even more important, in the way audiences perceived ballet. This revolutionized what ballet meant and the freedom of movement. This is when ballet as a pure art form came into its own, not just a series of diminuendoes and pas de bourrees. No, my darlings, we are talking true artistry, about stories being told with every leap, with every twist and twirl!
The Romantic tutu changed everything – the movements were bolder, and the grace more poignant, and the costume was simply divine. That era had it all, it captured our hearts. I wish I had been around for the 19th-century, my darling, the romantic period in fashion… the bustle skirts and the high-necked dresses – imagine all the wonderful materials to create gorgeous couture! The panniers and corsets had a dramatic effect, it was a glorious era, my darlings.
But I am, alas, just here for the tutu. The Romanic tutu is all about layers, light layers, and flowing gracefully and beautifully. It was made of tulle (of course), sometimes gauze and lace, with a close-fitting bodice. So beautiful. So graceful! And you know, even back in the 1840s, they weren’t all white! We’re talking a range of colours – like pastel pinks (of course), a stunning light blue, even a deep rich gold… stunning, and such an elegance, my dear!
It was, quite simply, revolutionary! And, oh my dear, this is where we see the tutus as we know them take shape, like the beautiful blossoms on the most gorgeous blooming flower! You know, that very essence of beauty, and lightness – it's a breath of fresh air, darling! I am *totally captivated, darling*.
So today, I find myself standing in front of the Theatre de l'Opéra, imagining Taglioni stepping onto that stage with a little pink tutu of her own. I’m ready for an epic, twirling ballet journey!
My outfit today, in celebration of the Romantic tutu? Well, of course, I’m dressed in pink! I’m sporting my custom-made blush pink tutu, layered with tulle that swishes with each movement, a stunning embroidered silk bodice that cinches me in. A pink ribbon wraps my hair, keeping my unruly red locks away from my face. I’ve got my sparkly ballet flats and my little charming bag (it even has a mini, pink ballerina holding a tiny pink ballet bag inside).
I can't wait to slip into the theatre, darling, and see Giselle, another romantic masterpiece! And just to cement my admiration for all things tutus, I shall be having my favourite after-show indulgence— a gorgeous slice of pistachio and almond cake – just heavenly! My dear, this truly is the way to celebrate! Just make sure you order your piece of cake with an extra generous portion of *almond slivers – you’ll never regret it!*
It's going to be such a grand evening, darling. Make sure you keep an eye out on www.pink-tutu.com for next week's post. Until then, keep twirling!
