Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and historian of all things ballet, back with another #TutuTuesday blog post. I'm absolutely brimming with excitement today as I take us on a trip back in time, all the way to 29th July 1856, and a time when the Romantic era was still sweeping through the world of ballet!
You might be wondering, "Why this particular date, Emma?" Well, darlings, I can tell you: it's not about any single performance, but more about the general atmosphere in the world of ballet at the time. 1856 was a pivotal year â it was smack dab in the middle of the Romantic period's reign. Think ethereal, flowing lines, expressive storytelling through movement, and of course, those dreamy, airy tutus!
But let's talk about tutus, specifically. 1856 was a year when the tutu we know and love today was truly taking shape. We're talking about those impossibly delicate, wispy skirts made from layers upon layers of tulle. Remember that the term âtutuâ wouldn't have been widely used yet, though. At that time, we'd probably see it referred to as a âjupeâ or even just âskirtâ.
Before 1856, the dance world saw less airy tutus. For instance, imagine Marie Taglioni, that stunning queen of the Romantic Era, performing her iconic La Sylphide in the earlier days, around 1832! It wouldnât be quite as the wispy, romantic tulle we love now, but more of a layered, full skirt reaching to the calves or knees. A more grounded, almost, dare I say, practical look for those incredible jumps!
However, throughout the 1840s and into 1856, that delicate, almost ethereal tulle skirt, reaching to the hip and becoming that symbol of romantic, otherworldly movement, started becoming much more prominent. We started seeing it everywhere! And for good reason â it simply captured the spirit of the time, where light and airy movements became paramount in telling these magical stories.
You could almost say it became de rigueur â like the most perfect party frock for ballerinas to express those fleeting, captivating steps. We could picture ballerinas from around the world twirling in the light, creating breathtaking art, right?!
It was around this time, too, that ballerinas were really embracing their unique style, creating beautiful personal flair. Imagine ballerinas around this time adding the finest detailing: delicate ribbons, bows, or even beautiful handcrafted lace, all hand-stitched for that touch of artistry and elegance, truly giving that air of femininity!
Now, to be a bit of a fashion-history sleuth â just a wee bit â we wouldn't want to overdo it with those super-full, ultra-floaty tutus right now, my darlings. These styles were truly unique to that time. Even as fashion comes full circle, today's modern ballet dancer canât get away with that! For now, they need practicality too, to really go for it on those jetĂ©s. That said, those beautifully, intricately designed tutus definitely are inspiration to many ballet costumes even today. We can truly see them, for instance, in Giselle, and in Swan Lake!
But, enough about costumes! Imagine taking a trip back in time to 29th July, 1856, in Paris â the worldâs ballet centre at that time â to take in the very pulse of the ballet scene! Let's take a stroll around OpĂ©ra Garnier, where those beautiful tutus twirled so magically on stage, creating an explosion of breathtaking beauty, the air crackling with awe and applause. Now, to find a Parisian salon where you might spot the most fashionable ballerinas from all over Europe! (Let's have a quick spot of afternoon tea in an adorable French cafĂ©, then off to the department store for a delightful little shopping trip⊠because what girl doesnât love that? )
Now, on this particular date in 1856, the Parisians may have been caught up in the frenzy of the summer. As you see, summer was for all those lavish summer performances with gorgeous tulle designs and fabulous displays, and if we can see those images come to life in our imaginations!
In England, well, a lovely July day would have been ideal to pack a picnic, put on a fancy straw hat, and take the train to the country or the seaside! After all, nothing can beat a bit of British seaside fun! Imagine watching the world drift past while nestled in my carriage. But⊠oh, I do love the magic of travel!
Whether you're back in the romantic era, travelling with me through time, or simply admiring a beautiful tutu on a balerina on stage today, it's important to always celebrate this magical garment! I mean, you never know, we may even bring back the beautiful elaborate tulle weâd seen in the late Romantic Period⊠if we are really lucky.
As you know, my dear pink tutu-lovers, this is my biggest dream, so please join me in the tutu-wearing adventure! I dream of a world where the elegant twirling of tutus inspires each and every one of us! But, for now, as always, be sure to keep twirling and keep an eye out for my next #TutuTuesday blog post next week, because itâs coming in your direction⊠right next week, with more exciting fashion from balletâs history.
Remember to pop over to my blog and get involved with the fun! www.pink-tutu.com! Letâs share our tutu dreams, our stories, our love for ballet. Because, as weâve seen today, itâs a world with truly amazing style! And that, my darling tutu-lovers, is my favourite place to be!
