Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, back with another #TutuTuesday history blog. Today, we’re taking a trip back to the wonderful world of ballet in 1855! Now, grab your teacups, darlings, as we're about to take a journey that will have you twirling in your seats!
A Dance Back In Time
Ooh la la, 1855 was a simply smashing time for ballet! Just picture it: beautiful ladies in billowing skirts, grand stages with elaborate sets, and thrilling choreography that made hearts skip a beat. Now, whilst tutus were definitely a key feature of ballet fashion by this time, they weren't exactly the fluffy, romantic creations we adore today. Imagine a shorter, more fitted skirt, often made of stiffer material - a world away from the wispy tulle wonders we've grown to cherish.
A Quick Glimpse at History
But before we dive into the world of 1855 fashion, let’s rewind a bit! As a time traveller, it’s my duty to provide the tea, darlings, and we're definitely having some tea this week! You see, before tutus truly took flight, ballerinas were swirling around the stage in something called the romantique dress, which was actually pretty darn fabulous.
Now, this romantique number had a loose, flowing shape that kind of resembled a long tunic. Imagine silk, lace, and layers, all flowing about, like the skirts of a ballerina doll!
But things were a-changing. In 1837, a brilliant Italian choreographer called Carlotta Grisi shook things up, introducing something called the crinoline for ballet, which, let’s be honest, changed things dramatically.
The crinoline was all about giving ballerinas that beautiful bouffant silhouette - think big, round skirts, very much in vogue during this era. And honestly, it made them look like beautiful, puffy clouds, drifting gracefully around the stage. But you see, the crinoline was bulky, a tad unwieldy for serious dance moves.
But that, darlings, is where our tutu ancestors started taking shape.
Enter the tutu-ish Era
By 1855, the tutu had started to develop its own distinctive style. It was no longer that rigid, flowing shape of the crinoline. We're starting to see the development of shorter, tighter, and more elegant tutus, designed to accentuate the dancer’s body, allowing for greater movement and artistic expression.
Now, remember, darling, this is a long way away from the full tutu skirts of later ballet history. In fact, 1855 is what I would call the tutu’s tweener stage! You see, there’s a lot still to come, including all the amazing creativity that gives us the tutus we know and adore today.
A Glimpse into Ballet of 1855-03-06
What’s special about this date, you ask? Well, darlings, on 6th March 1855, we had the world premier of “Giselle," the tale of a young girl who loses her mind after her lover betrays her and, oh dear, transforms into a mystical spirit, but not before she is seen in a very beautiful white tutu in the second act of the ballet! Can't wait to go see that one soon!
It is the perfect date to get us excited about the evolution of the tutu and all the amazing moments in the ballet world! I wonder if Giselle even thought about her outfits during this traumatic experience! After all, what can be more heartbreaking than having a terrible dress fitting before a big debut!
A little tutu inspiration for your day
Now, before we leave the 1850s world, darlings, let's take a minute for inspiration. What does this era of tutus remind us of?
Elegance: Remember, our beautiful tutus started out as graceful silhouettes meant to emphasise the movement. It's about the grace of movement. Let that elegant feeling shine through, in your outfit choices, in how you approach the world!
Change: Tutus weren’t always as whimsical as we love today. They went through phases, shapes, evolving into something simply beautiful. So go on, be daring with fashion. Try a new trend, break away from the norm! Embrace change!
Freedom: While those 1855 tutus may have been a tad constrained, they also reflected the growing sense of freedom of movement within the world of ballet. Take that inspiration with you today! Be free to be YOU! Express yourself boldly and express it in pink!
And of course, you already know the third thing to take inspiration from. Tutus were born out of ballet. It's a dance style that pushes boundaries, explores beauty and movement. Don't we all deserve a little dancing in our lives? It’s time to find your rhythm, whatever it may be, and enjoy life!
Off to my next tutu-tastic adventure, darling!
See you next Tuesday for another edition of #TutuTuesday! Until then, be sure to share your own love for tutus with the hashtag #PinkTutu!
Stay stylish!
Lots of love,
Emma
(Emma-Jane Roberts. Ballet Blogger and Time Traveller extraordinaire)
www.pink-tutu.com
(The ballet obsessed site where fashion and time travel collide. Tutus forever! )
