Bonjour mes chéries! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and twirly! It's Tuesday, which means it's time to delve into the wonderful world of ballet history - specifically, the history of that magical garment: the tutu.
Now, today's journey takes us back to October 16th, 1855 - a date that might not be ringing any bells for you, dear readers, but for us tutu enthusiasts, it's a bit of a milestone! It's the day, believe it or not, when the "Romantic Era" of ballet was just beginning to blossom. Picture, if you will, swirling skirts, ethereal movements, and an emphasis on the feminine, all set to beautiful music. That's what made this period so utterly delightful, and why tutus became such a key element!
I'm already practically vibrating with excitement to be transported back to this glamorous era! You see, 1855 saw a change in the way we danced, a shift from the heavy, ornate costumes of the earlier centuries, towards something far more lightweight and graceful. Think of a blooming flower - that's what ballet became in this period, delicate, graceful, and captivating.
Now, I'm always happy to admit I'm a bit of a shopaholic (in a tasteful manner, of course!). But in 1855, going shopping for a new tutu was, well, not quite as easy as a trip to Selfridges! A lot of work and a lot of skill went into crafting these magnificent dance garments, but the end results were just phenomenal! Think fine tulle, carefully draped and layered, resulting in the ultimate expressions of ethereal grace. It's no wonder tutus were hailed as "the embodiment of romanticism".
This period is all about dancing "on your toes", both literally and metaphorically, expressing delicate feelings and emotions through movement. The tutu's lightness and airy structure truly supported this romantic ballet style, allowing ballerinas to dance with unparalleled grace and freedom. It's almost as if the tutu itself became a symbol of artistic liberation, breaking free from the restrictive costumes of the past and becoming a symbol of all things whimsical and beautiful.
To travel to this period I journeyed all the way from Derbyshire, taking the train down to London, to catch a breathtaking ballet performance at the Covent Garden Opera House, and I must say, London's excitement about ballet is a lovely thing to witness. They've actually just recently completed renovations and now there are two lovely sets of "Grand Tiers" offering incredible views of the stage - it’s perfect for taking photos of all the tutus (as you know, it's absolutely essential for #TutuTuesday!), which was quite challenging back then. I had to sit with a few of the ballet school ladies so I didn't look out of place. However, I had my eyes fixed on the stage. It was glorious! Just to be amongst people who appreciate tutus like me was a delight.
I actually have some quite lovely "Parisian Style" costumes myself which are from this very period! Imagine! So lovely and elegant.
1855 in the Tutu Timeline
Ballet Redefining Femininity: The Romantic Ballet era embraces femininity, with tutus playing a vital role in showcasing delicate and airy movement.
The 'Tulle Revolution': Forget restrictive fabrics, it's all about lightweight tulle. Ballet costume design enters a new age.
London, a Ballerina Paradise: London becomes a hub for the ballet, showcasing a delightful variety of ballets and tutu designs!
What I'm Loving Now!
As I write this post, London is buzzing with ballet performances and it's almost time for the Royal Ballet's latest season. It's such an incredible experience watching skilled dancers grace the stage, but seeing them from a designer's perspective is a special joy! There are so many different tutu designs, styles, and lengths that each reveal a fascinating story. You simply cannot miss the tutus at the "The Nutcracker"! They are quite something. It really gets you in the Christmas mood.
And now, let's embrace our own inner ballerina and remember that it's never too late to twirl. A tutu can be anything you want it to be, a symbol of freedom, elegance, and joyous expression. Let your own creative spirit soar, experiment, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey. Until next week, darling, stay twirling! And, as always, keep an eye out for my next #TutuTuesday. I can't wait to take you on another fascinating journey through the world of ballet history!
Lots of Love,
Emma (The Pink Tutu Blogger)
*Don't forget to visit my website: www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu delights, styling tips and travel advice. *
