Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where we delve into the captivating world of ballet and its most glorious garment - the tutu! It's your favourite #TutuTuesday blogger, Emma, here, ready to take you on a journey through time with a pink, pouffy, and perfectly twirly adventure!
Today's date is the 15th of January, 1856. Can you imagine, dears? It’s been quite a whirlwind of a trip to get here! The train journey across the channel was quite delightful - a delightful mix of bustle and chatter with so many elegant ladies on their way to Paris for the new season's shows.
Why am I here, you ask? Well, let’s just say a peek into the world of Parisian fashion in the mid-19th century was simply too irresistible to miss, especially when it involves the glorious history of the tutu! And darling, oh darling, Paris in 1856 was all about the Romantic era of ballet - an absolute haven for the tutu!
So, what's happening today? You might find this a bit strange, but one of the biggest ballet news stories is that the beautiful Carlotta Grisi has debuted a new tutu! It’s quite scandalous, you see. It’s so short and fluffy - she must have had yards of tulle stitched into this creation! All I can say is, this is revolutionary, my dears!
The reason this is a big deal is because up until this point, the tutu has been what we'd call a 'knee-length tutu', which is lovely in its own way. Imagine a wispy tulle skirt ending just above the knee. But Carlotta Grisi's new tutu, a tutu romantique they call it, ends just above her ankles! Imagine the swish and twirl as she performs! Simply divine!
Now, this change might seem trivial to you, darling, but it reflects the move away from the rigid, graceful classical ballet styles of the past towards a more emotional, ethereal romanticism. Ballet became much more about expressiveness, freedom, and airy lightness – perfect for the tutu!
Remember, back in the 1850s, most tutus were still fairly modest - they were usually layers of stiff fabric that were designed to make the ballerina’s legs look long and elegant. The tutu romantique embraced the airy softness of tulle!
Now, don’t worry, I’m not saying these tutus are lacking in style! In fact, they're quite the spectacle! All of these amazing layers and tiers - even if they do tend to rustle a little with every pirouette! Just imagine the beautiful detail – you might find little lace appliqués, ribbons, and even tiny floral embellishments on these tutus! Absolutely darling!
This transition in the tutu world was, you see, linked with fashion too! Did you know, dears, that this time period, this era of romanticism, is precisely what influenced our beautiful fashion today? From voluminous skirts and puffy sleeves to delicately lace trimmings, the fashions of this era still charm us to this day!
As I explore the Paris streets in this era, I have to admit - the city is utterly bewitching! Think narrow, winding cobbled streets, elegant boutiques brimming with stylish wares, and lovely Parisian ladies in all their finery - everything from billowing skirts, to dainty gloves and bonnets - they look absolutely exquisite!
Of course, the most glamorous shops sell tutus! Now, here’s a bit of history for you, darling! Before we see these beautiful romantic tutus, the first actual tutus, those magnificent layers of tulle and cotton that make up the image of a ballerina today, were introduced in 1832. Marie Taglioni, a famous ballerina, had quite the fashion moment when she took to the stage in her all-new La Sylphide tutu. That was a truly revolutionary look! But let’s get back to today's story!
Right, back to 1856! As we walk down these delightful boulevards, my dear, we’d find shops bustling with creative seamstresses, each creating their own version of the tutu romantique. Every boutique seems to have its own unique twist, with variations on the color and design. Some use lighter, airy tulle, while others prefer stiffer silk, which gives them a dramatic swish.
Speaking of color, imagine delicate pale pink tulle - perfectly fitting for this ballet season, darling! We find soft shades of blue and yellow, a sprinkle of red for that fiery touch. Oh, and don't forget the embroidery! We have beautiful florals and dainty ribbons! It’s truly breathtaking.
And you know me, darling - always in pursuit of a pink tutu! I’ve managed to find a beautiful shop tucked away in the Marais, just off Rue de Turenne, where they're making tutus that are just so much my style! They've even managed to create pink tulle in a few lovely shades - from pale blush to a dazzling rose - a perfect reflection of my beloved tutu colour! It is everything a pink tutu should be, darling.
Parisian fashions can be daring, darling, but they are certainly sophisticated and full of grace. I wouldn’t mind bringing back a little inspiration from this period. Imagine a touch of lace detailing and ruffles adorning the skirt! Perhaps a tiny ribbon bow for my tutu - an elegant finishing touch! Of course, my pink tulle must be utterly soft and perfectly flowing - I do love my tutus twirling and dancing, don’t you!
I even managed to get my hands on some beautiful antique fashion sketches from a small, delightful shop. There's a gorgeous illustration of Carlotta Grisi wearing the tutu romantique on stage, and I can just imagine the applause and whispers of the Parisian crowds!
As my time here winds down, darling, I’m already dreaming of next week’s #TutuTuesday. And to think, my lovely little pink tutu history blog is turning out to be a bit of a travel blog too! And the adventures will continue next Tuesday - we are heading to England! There's much to discover about the tutus there, as they say that they're going to be big! Just wait and see what I have in store!
Until then, my darlings, keep twirling!
Always with love,
Emma xx
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