Bonjour from Paris! I know, I know, I haven't been to Paris in a while, but I can't resist the allure of this dazzling city when it comes to tutus. This week I've been lucky enough to transport myself back to May 12th, 1857! Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, why the 19th century?" And, well, you'd be right to be a little confused because tutus as we know them today? They weren't even a thing!
But this trip, my lovelies, has been all about exploring the history of what led to our glorious tutu today, and, trust me, it's quite a tale. The dance scene of the mid-19th century was still finding its own style, but the seeds for the tutu explosion were firmly in the ground!
Before we get into the details, let me tell you about this incredible city! Paris is brimming with life, especially if youâre a budding fashionista like myself. This year, the colour pink is absolutely everywhere, which, naturally, fills me with glee! Think soft, rosy shades and pretty pinks, it's absolutely delightful! The Parisian ladies have a way of carrying themselves with such confidence and flair. The fashion trends? We're seeing lots of flouncy gowns with romantic lace and beautiful flowing sleeves, just imagine the grace of a dancer with these airy materials!
Now, back to our journey to 1857. You might know that at this time, ballets were usually based on a classical form called the ballet blanc â think flowing white dresses. These dresses were quite elaborate, with a long train and intricate layers, which might sound gorgeous but wouldnât exactly suit a high-energy ballet. They were so grand and impractical that they actually hampered movement!
However, the ballet world was shifting. Leading up to the middle of the 19th century, there was this fascinating evolution taking place. Dancers started looking to express a more expressive style. They were looking for clothing that didnât just show off grace, but really enhanced it. Enter... le pantalon, the first glimpse of a tutu-like concept. Now, the word âpantaloonâ may sound a bit strange when thinking about tutus, but this is where the history gets interesting! This dance element incorporated a form-fitting, knee-length, almost-leggings kind of attire.
This is where we see the roots of the tutu. By this point in history, it wasnât all just about extravagant ball gowns. They were using this pantaloon-style garment for its light, more natural and practical approach. It wasnât as constraining as the massive gowns, and dancers could actually move!
Imagine the impact this had on choreography! This opened up opportunities for all sorts of energetic jumps, graceful movements, and captivating ballet performance techniques. This more practical style for the female dancer was an absolutely thrilling advancement, and we see the early steps of the evolution of what would become the glorious, captivating tutu!
Just a bit of fun about my Paris travels. Of course, when in Paris, one must go to a ballet performance, and oh my, it was quite the show! Imagine all the excitement, all the artistry â itâs such a privilege to be a witness to the spectacle. And of course, I made a point of popping into the grand salons of Paris. The exquisite silk and fine fabrics, and a whole kaleidoscope of colour⌠I swear, some of these designs are a dream for a ballerina! I just know a tutu would look spectacular made from those glorious colours.
So, while my trip wasnât quite about finding the modern tutu itself, it was such an enlightening journey into how the dancing world started transforming. Seeing these earlier ballet garments is fascinating. These innovations really laid the groundwork for what the tutu would eventually become. Itâs such a privilege to see this evolution â and we still haven't reached the full flowering of the tutu in this trip, we're just scratching the surface! I am so curious to see what I'll discover in my next time-travel trip. I'm planning to visit London for a special visit to the world of ballet at the start of the 20th century, because, let me tell you, that was an absolutely monumental turning point. And the pink tulle? Oh, just you wait, I can practically see those luscious pinks taking centre stage!
Donât forget to check back next Tuesday for another Tutu Tuesday blog post â because until then, wear a pink tutu!
With lots of love and sparkles,
Emma
*P.S. Be sure to keep following me for the latest updates, and tell all your friends about Pink-Tutu! I am spreading the message, one tutu at a time! *
