Post Number 1256: January 22nd, 1856
Dearest Tutu-loving friends,
Happy Tuesday and a very warm welcome to another #TutuTuesday journey through time! Today we're heading back to the heart of the 19th century, specifically January 22nd, 1856. Why? Because this day marks a very special occasion, a veritable triumph for ballet history! Oh, and trust me, you’re going to want to whip out your fanciest tutu for this one, darlings.
Today we're waltzing back to the enchanting city of Paris, the epicentre of the dance world and the home of those magnificent tutus we all adore.
The year is 1856, a time when tutus weren't the ubiquitous, darling symbols of dance they are today. Imagine, my loves, a time when ballet wear wasn't considered the epitome of elegance and beauty! Shocking, I know.
Before we delve into our history lesson, let’s pause to acknowledge the delightful travel experience I enjoyed on my way here. Just imagine, hopping onto a glistening train from the misty peaks of Derbyshire to the heart of France – a sheer pleasure, my loves, every journey is a magnificent adventure in its own right.
However, back to the big reveal! 1856 is a landmark year for dance history, because, darling, it is the year the Russian Ballet, spearheaded by the dazzlingly talented Marius Petipa, first graces the Parisian stage.
Let’s take a minute to appreciate just how monumental this event was. These artists brought with them their phenomenal skill, their groundbreaking techniques, and a captivating theatrical flair unlike anything the Parisian audience had ever seen.
What did they wear? That’s where our little history nugget comes in, my loves. This first tour of the Russian Ballet saw them showcase their prowess in the magical world of dance, but it wasn't just the skills of the ballerinas that captivated the Parisians. It was their costumes. They introduced what became the foundation for what we consider "the tutu" today – that dramatic, romantic and effortlessly flowing garment which embodies everything magical about dance.
These innovative dancers arrived in Parisian salons sporting full-length tutus, these garments draped magnificently from shoulders to ankles. The look? A flurry of delicate, gossamer tulle, cascading in beautiful layers, radiating a soft feminine aura - think clouds swirling into something magical and dreamy, only more dazzling and sparkly!
Let's imagine it for a moment: a theatre lit by flickering candlelight, the expectant hush falling as the curtains draw back to reveal those exquisite tutus in all their glorious glory. The dance begins, the fabric flutters and glides with the ballets' moves. This was truly groundbreaking and set the standard for years to come.
And, what better time to explore the glorious world of Paris itself than 1856? Imagine cobblestone streets teeming with life, shops overflowing with elaborate designs and delicious patisseries radiating the most tempting aromas. This city is alive with culture and passion. I spent my mornings admiring the architecture - every detail, every carving on those magnificent buildings! In the afternoon I savored delicious macaroons in enchanting Parisian cafes while soaking in the atmosphere.
And naturally, I just had to explore the fashionable stores - oh the fabrics, the trimmings, the glimmering buttons! It was a feast for the eyes. I discovered some truly exquisite fabrics and beautiful, handcrafted flowers which I have no doubt will be adorning my upcoming Tutu Tuesdays.
While the French were very fashion forward at the time, it was the Russians who had captured the heart and soul of fashion by innovating a completely different style. They used their own particular fabric techniques to create lightweight, flowy garments, that not only flowed beautifully as the dancers moved but looked absolutely heavenly and divine on stage. It was revolutionary for dance and fashion and captured a certain je ne sais quoi.
After taking in the beauty of Paris, and a wonderful performance by the Russian Ballet, I am already in love with 1856 Paris! The architecture, the coffee, the clothes, the ballet, oh my! It really is like stepping back in time and into an enchanting tale.
Don't forget to check back in next week for another magical #TutuTuesday journey through time, my dears.
Until then, may all your steps be light and graceful, and your hearts filled with the joy of dancing in a pink tutu!
Yours ever so romantically,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
