Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, bringing you another exciting installment of my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! Today, we're stepping back in time to May 8th, 1855. Let's whisk ourselves back to Paris, the capital of fashion, the heart of ballet, and where the magic of tutus began!
Today's post is special, for today we travel to a moment where the tutu is truly taking shape, as we know it! You're all aware that the tutu has gone through many changes, but can you imagine a world without the flowing, frilled, and downright fabulous tutus we love today? 🤯 Well, my darlings, this date is part of a revolution for the tutu!
Today's news in Paris centres around fashion, because well, this city is the absolute epicentre! Our Paris is vibrant, a beehive of activity, with shops displaying the latest styles. It's all about the bustle, with the finest fabrics and designs vying for attention, especially for the ball gowns that were the centrepiece of a social season!
Can we imagine what those glorious dresses looked like? Do you picture the soft silks and exquisite satins cascading in layers, with delicate lace and vibrant embroidery? Imagine, ladies, an elegant, sweeping ball gown with perhaps a tiny flounce here or a subtle ruffle there? Well, if you're a budding ballet dancer in the mid-1800s, there is something new about the look on stage! This is an era when the ballet skirt was not a delicate cascade, but much, much longer! Think layers upon layers of frilly fabric sweeping the floor as the dancer takes her elegant leaps. Now picture it as a very full and structured skirt ending mid-calf, just above the dancer's ankle. Today marks a step closer to the tutu we all love today!
Just a quick flashback, remember Marie Taglioni, that gorgeous, petite, and iconic ballerina from back in 1832 who started this whole movement towards shorter skirts! She truly brought the tutu into its own, a game-changer in the world of ballet! The Romantic tutu changed the ballet world - it brought the feminine side of ballet to the forefront, celebrating the grace of the dancers! Today in 1855 we take another giant leap toward the more recognised shape, towards the classical tutu, we know!
As I stand here watching rehearsals at the Opéra Garnier, it is exciting to see the evolution of dance, the artistry, and of course the sheer beauty of this magnificent, romantic ballet! I love how tutus accentuate movement, just like a good friend accentuate our own best features! The tutu adds a visual elegance and romance to this already enchanting world of dance. Think of how a ballerina’s flowing tutu creates swirls and twirls, bringing to life the most elegant ballet pieces. Oh! Can you just imagine being a dancer performing on the glorious stage at the Opéra Garnier, the grandeur of it all! Just incredible. I wouldn't have it any other way! 🩰
Back in my own time, in Derbyshire, we don't have theatres or opera houses but we have our own wonderful local dance halls where they're beginning to offer classes. Our Theatrical Dancing Society, held classes in a little hall on Bridge Street! There was an old gentleman who took our group and his steps, he'd say " are quite fancy but rather difficult." Our dear dance society was more for local dances! Oh, and a trip into Matlock Baths for a little fun. You should have seen me gliding in my tutu in the elegant ballroom for their events!
Speaking of tutus, today's date isn't the only time travel escapade for my tutu collection. Recently, I journeyed back to the era of Giselle and found a stunning black and white striped tutu from 1841 that was created for a production in Berlin. Did you know Berlin was becoming a hot spot for fashion, particularly at the royal court of Prussia? This tutu is made of white cotton with black stripes of grosgrain ribbons woven in with exquisite accuracy, just perfect for a quick jeté or an arabesque, oh so grand! But now it sits in a museum. But I did snap a photograph of course and then came home with my own new tutu to make for myself!
The power of fashion and dance to transport me across time! And that brings me to today's theme of time travel and fashion. Remember I told you I finance my adventures by dancing in time? You could say that it's a life dedicated to tutu!. When I am in London or Paris, I've been known to catch some fabulous ballet performances. But here's a little tip, did you know, it's actually possible to join ballet classes almost anywhere! In every city, you'll discover at least one local school that offers dance classes.
While Paris holds a special place in my heart, you could find me exploring other fabulous places too. This week, it is Prague! My goodness, Prague is bursting with elegant cafes and quaint shops on each cobblestone street. But for a true fashion enthusiast like me, I head straight for the Vieux-Marché which is overflowing with designer boutiques! From haute couture gowns to exquisite shoes, every corner seems to promise a delightful new discovery. Did I tell you? A local tailor here created me a lovely dress inspired by ballet – a simple design in soft rose fabric, with just a touch of white at the collar – perfect for a ballerina with a love of colour! Just like a rose opening its petals in the sun, it will have that gentle *grand jeté feel*.
Well my lovelies, my travel-filled diary needs to close for today. But I will be back next week with another dose of Tutu Tuesday history and travel. So, get out there and twirl with happiness and remember: It's always a good day to wear a pink tutu. Love you all and until next week, keep dancing and have a wonderful time exploring! 💖🩰
