Hello my darlings!
It’s Tuesday, which means it's time for another exciting installment of my Ballet Tutu History! You know the drill - put on your favourite pink tutu (I'm rocking mine as we speak, a delightful shade of bubblegum!), grab a cuppa, and settle in for a whirlwind journey through the history of the most fabulous garment known to womankind.
Today, we're stepping back in time to the 12th of September, 1854. Imagine cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and the ever-so-slight aroma of coal smoke in the air. We're in Paris, my dears! The City of Lights is the absolute centre of all things fashionable and today, ballet is no exception.
As I step out of my time machine (a rather glamorous steam train, wouldn’t you know it?) and onto the bustling streets, my eyes immediately seek out the majestic Opéra Garnier. This grand opera house is the ultimate symbol of ballet's growing popularity and, truth be told, it's almost impossible not to feel the buzz of excitement in the air.
So what's happening in the world of ballet on this very day, you ask? Well, prepare yourselves, my lovelies, because the story is truly thrilling!
On this September day in 1854, the legendary Marie Taglioni was dazzling audiences across Europe with her iconic performances. Can you believe it?! She’s absolutely revolutionised ballet, introducing this revolutionary, swirling, expressive style known as “The Romantic Era”. Remember the name, dear reader! This is one ballerina who’s shaped the world of ballet in an extraordinary way.
"La Sylphide," a work inspired by Romantic literature, and starring Marie herself, is already a sensation! Think of flowing, wispy dresses, captivating choreography and of course, that unforgettable "ballet tutu" with its full, romantic skirt! I just know if I was in the audience watching her pirouette and jeté with those heavenly lightweight tutus, I would be captivated by her every graceful move.
But back to 1854! What’s making Marie’s performances so groundbreaking? The answer is – The Tutu! This fabulous creation is starting to reshape how ballerinas express themselves through movement, highlighting their beauty and grace. Before this period, ballerinas danced in stiff, heavier fabrics and bulky skirts that hid their movement! Can you imagine? Thankfully, the times they are a-changin' and this revolution in tutu design is completely altering what audiences see and what ballet performances become.
Even as a time traveller with access to all the glorious styles of tutu throughout the years, I have to confess my love for the simplicity and delicate grace of this classic romantic tutu. The white muslin material that was a trademark for Marie Taglioni and this era still moves me!
It’s this exquisite blend of beauty and technical brilliance that makes this period of ballet history so exciting and the influence on how the tutu evolved over time so clear to me. As I make my way towards the Garnier, I envision what awaits me. A majestic performance, a touch of history and the unmistakable elegance of this revolutionary tutu. And a pink tutu, my dear reader, was definitely a must-have, wouldn’t you agree?
We shall be back next #TutuTuesday with a fabulous new story to share from our journey! Until then, keep spinning, my dears!
Emma
Pink Tutu
#1185
www.pink-tutu.com
