Oh, darlings, hello from Paris! I’m Emma, your pink-loving, tutu-wearing travel blogger, and I'm so thrilled to be whisked back in time to 1854 for this week’s #TutuTuesday post! Now, this may not be the era we typically associate with the tutu we know and love, but I’m here to tell you that even the early 19th century had its own exciting story to tell. Buckle up, lovelies, we’re taking a train through history to delve into the tutu’s roots!
The 4th of July - A French Fashion Moment!
Yes, I know what you’re thinking - the 4th of July is American! And you are absolutely right! But we’re in Paris, so we’re taking this as our opportunity to embrace the French celebration of July! Just like in America, where the Fourth is about parades and festivities, France is just beginning to really embrace their ballet at this time. The dancers are just starting to transition from cumbersome costumes into the beautifully graceful, flowing styles we’re now so accustomed to.
I have to admit, though - no tutus just yet, at least not in the way we would imagine them! These early “tutus” were a long way from the tulle we adore. Imagine the dancers of the Paris Opera – some of the world's finest, you know, like the likes of Marie Taglioni and Carlotta Grisi - performing in beautifully flowing, light skirts, a precursor to the tutus we know and love. Just imagine these incredible women moving across the stage with grace and lightness! This look was still much more romantic, very, very full, a huge, full skirt, made of layered fabric - gauze, silk and muslin.
But Why Are The Skirt Changes So Important?
So why, you ask, were the dancers making this huge shift in how they dressed? Think of it this way: for centuries, dancers wore costumes that weighed them down! And they were very, very hot - remember that ladies wore several layers of clothing and long heavy dresses. Not only would a ballet dancer have a lot of heavy, thick fabric underneath those gowns, but they also had thick corsets and the heavy material used in the dress. So these ballet greats – we can thank them for our beloved tutus! This revolution of fashion, a movement for lighter and easier, allowed for movement and performance - how exciting! It brought the beauty of ballet, the expression of the dance, to the forefront!
The French and Their Influence on Fashion.
French culture, like British, is truly so intertwined with the ballet - we are all very much influenced by them! It seems to me this style of dress was part of the shift towards lightness, a celebration of the dancer’s beauty! This is especially evident in their ballerina tutus - how utterly lovely! As soon as this shift in dance fashion emerged in France it was very, very quickly taken up by the rest of Europe. And by the end of the 19th century the Romantic tutu as we know it was emerging – in London, St Petersburg, Vienna! All influenced by these gorgeous French ballerinas.
The Influence of Fashion and Performance.
For our ballet loving friends – do you ever stop to think that these changes have to do so much with the world around us? As an avid observer of history and fashion – we can see that styles of clothing were greatly influenced by changing world events! Fashion, dancing - it’s such an integral part of the social commentary - it gives an insight into what is important and valued in any one period of time. And with the dance world constantly changing – a more playful approach to performance led to a more celebration of fashion and more importantly how the clothing the dancer wore impacted her performance - they became an expression of her emotions as well as her athleticism!
How To Take Inspiration From the Ballet Fashion Trends
Do you know, my lovelies, one of the things I love most about the Romantic style ballet dress is how airy it is. The fullness allows it to really flow when a dancer turns - think of a ballet dancer on point – that perfect pose - it is quite breath-taking! I was shopping in Paris just yesterday and I discovered the most divine tulle fabric, with just the slightest shimmer and the lightest texture – and imagine - it is a light baby pink colour – I just knew this fabric would inspire me and so I purchased it - I can't wait to make my own ballet tutu - with this light and delicate fabric it will just swish as I twirl.
And don’t you think, lovelies, the tutu, in its essence, embodies this airy spirit – this sense of movement and liberation? It represents all that we want to be - strong, independent, feminine and free to express ourselves – oh, it just really touches my heart
Tutu Tips
Think about it, darlings, the early days of the tutu represent an evolution in dance, a chance for dancers to shine brighter! If this incredible story inspires you to create your own tutu, well, I can give you a few tips! Let’s go!
- You don't need to buy special tutu fabric – just think about finding some lightweight fabric that will move with your movement – even some cotton can work, perhaps something like an old bed sheet! Or maybe have fun with the look of an organza and go for an exciting patterned fabric to show off your love for dance and colour!
- Just think about the structure you would like – perhaps a layered effect with two tiers is more simple to put together – and there is no need for perfect, clean edges! A good tutu has a layered and very full skirt with pleats and even fringing! Just get creative with what you already own and just add your own creative touch, even add an exciting belt and your new creation is a great dancing outfit!
- A classic tutu requires just a few simple stitches but a lot of gathering! Just stitch fabric with an abundance of gathering at the waist – be it a long length or a short and elegant skirt - just find a size you like.
Now that is what I call a little piece of dance history for you, darlings! Join me again next #TutuTuesday – when we’ll be discovering yet another exciting tale from the enchanting history of the tutu. And do share your own tutu tales, whether they’re about a special performance or the fun you had creating your own. Until then, I'll be twirling in my pink tulle dreams, spreading a little sprinkle of magic with each pirouette!
Love,
Emma
Remember to visit my website, www.pink-tutu.com for more adventures in the world of dance and tutus.
- #TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #EmmaTheTutuQueen #PinkTutuDreams #DanceHistory*
