Welcome back, lovelies, to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! This week we're whisking ourselves back to the 15th of November 1853! It's me, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood time-travelling tutu enthusiast, back with another peek into the wonderful world of ballet's most iconic garment. I'm in the heart of the action - Paris! The birthplace of ballet itself, what could be better?
This is blog post number 1142 (can you believe it? That's a lot of tutus!). And just like every week, my mission is clear: to inspire every one of you, from London to Melbourne, to embrace the sheer delight of wearing a pink tutu! 💖
We’re already in November, the nights are drawing in, but don't think that means things are slowing down in the ballet world! The season is in full swing with new ballets premiering all over Paris, London and beyond. I've even caught a glimpse of a magnificent production of Giselle that sent shivers down my spine! Just divine, my dears!
But before we chat about today’s ballets and fashionable Parisian ladies, let's take a quick spin through the world of tutus! This week’s history brings us to the early days of the Romantic era. 1853? Imagine a world where tutus are still pretty new! Yes, it is hard to believe.
So, rewind the clock, ladies and gents, to the early 1800s! Back then, ballerinas weren't wearing those glamorous fluffy tutus that we all know and love today. Instead, they were wearing long skirts, the classic demi-cou-de-pied * that was very similar to a *court ball dress - very graceful but, let’s face it, a little unpractical for pirouettes.
But times were a-changing. There was a growing passion for lighter and more elegant designs for the dancers! A yearning for more expression, for lightness and movement, something that allowed for a more fluid, expressive movement. That's where our darling the Romantic tutu comes in! It was like a revolution in the dance world – and what a wonderful one! Imagine the sheer excitement! Suddenly, dancers were freed to soar!
I just have to tell you, lovelies, about my first ever experience in the theatre in Paris when the Romantic Tutu started to bloom! Imagine this: a young Marie Taglioni, graceful as a willow, dancing a solo – a floating ballerina in white chiffon. It's as if her movements defied gravity. I'd have swooned on the spot, if I wasn’t already so thrilled at being here at the heart of this fashion-forward moment!
Remember, it wasn't just the tutusthe romantic tutu was all about embracing movement and flow, like a soft cloud in a beautiful storm. We can't forget the long and soft, billowing, silk skirts of the period that created such a dream-like movement. Such magic!
Of course, we couldn't forget the other huge element of the ballet world - the colour! I love my pink, but the Romantic era was very much about the delicate, ethereal hues, like a morning mist on a crystal clear winter's day, think a very light pale pink, lavender, blue, white! You might also see hints of gold embroidered detail - a true vision!
To say it transformed ballet would be an understatement. It brought a whole new level of femininity and expression. Imagine that, all of you – a world without tutus? I think I'd burst!
So, let's get back to our Parisian adventure on November 15, 1853. I’m here in a stunningly grand theatre, filled with the sound of the orchestra tuning up. The stage is draped in elegant, opulent velvet, the chandeliers are ablaze with candlelight, the theatre's already alive with excited whispers. And yes, my lovely, the ladies of Paris are adorned in their most exquisite fashions! Think luxurious silk dresses with elegant embellishments - and remember those dramatic wide hoop skirts. It's all so fashionable.
I have my eye on an especially fashionable madame, whose silk gown seems to glow under the soft light! And yes! She's wearing a gorgeous white lace tutu under her evening gown - an exquisite hint of what’s going to be onstage! Oh, what a thrilling scene, wouldn't you agree?
The air is electric with anticipation, my dear! It's a time of immense energy in Paris, with the whole city abuzz about the latest ballets and new fashion trends, and let’s be honest - the dancing itself is breathtaking. I just want to twirl and twirl!
This is where the tutus truly become part of the magic, a statement of fashion that echoes across Paris and London and the rest of the world, making a real impact on dance history.
Don’t forget that fashion and tutus have always gone hand-in-hand - a fabulous connection, don’t you think? Imagine how excited people would be about that first glimpse of a ballet tutu on stage, how everyone must have gasped at its lightness and its charm.
We can talk forever about the impact that the Romantic tutu has had on dance. It changed everything! It was the perfect combination of lightness, elegance and freedom for the dancer - and to me, the symbol of an incredible fashion revolution. You have to remember, fashion was so very much more limited in those days – for women and men alike. The ballet tutu - that simple bit of fabric made such an amazing difference!
I can only imagine what these lovely ladies and gentlemen think of me in my pink tutu here in Paris! Of course, we’re so far into the future – they don't have any clue!
And how do you think those tutu styles would have evolved since? I love to hear your thoughts, dearest friends! Do tell me in the comments below, I love to read your ideas!
It’s time to close this chapter of the #TutuTuesday journey, but I want to leave you with this: Tutus aren't just pieces of fabric - they represent an evolution of ballet history!
For now, I must say goodbye - and of course, I leave you with one final thought! Don’t ever be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve and make a fashion statement! Pink tutus for all! That’s my message for the week!
See you next week for another wonderful #TutuTuesday. Until then, I'm off to explore some of Paris’s fantastic boutique stores – to shop for more tut inspiration! 💖
* Emma*
www.pink-tutu.com
(Please don't forget to leave your comments! And don't be afraid to share your favourite ballet memories! )
