Bonjour, my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, ready to take you on another exciting journey through the history of the most glorious garment ever invented: the tutu!
Today's date is July 28th, 1857, and believe me, there's a lot to unpack! As you know, I adore a good train journey, so imagine my excitement when I found myself arriving in Paris. This city, my dears, is a true haven for everything fashionable, especially when it comes to dance. Think opulent ballrooms, swirling waltzes, and of course, the ballet.
Now, 1857 wasn't just any year in Parisian history; it was a year when dance took a dramatic turn! And by dramatic, I mean… a shortened skirt! Gasp The tutu as we know it today was starting to emerge. Imagine a shorter, lighter skirt, made from layers and layers of tulle, allowing the dancers to leap and twirl with a grace and freedom never seen before! Can you picture it? Whispers They're almost ready to twirl through time.
Now, the stars of the Parisian ballet world were Carlotta Grisi and Marie Taglioni, two iconic ballerinas whose performances left audiences speechless! Grisi, known for her passionate style, was a master of drama and grand gestures. She often favoured the tutu à la romaine, which had a looser, more flowing form. Then, we had the incredible Taglioni, who was renowned for her delicate, ethereal elegance. Taglioni popularized the tutu romantique, a form-fitting, shorter tutu with more layers of tulle. Her movements, like a whisper on the wind!
Oh, and speaking of fashion trends, did you know that 1857 also saw the arrival of the iconic crinoline? Imagine this massive, bell-shaped skirt creating an illusion of grandeur. Think Marie Antoinette on the dance floor! Talk about an ensemble perfect for a night at the Opera! Such grandeur, such drama! My head is practically spinning.
Today, my journey took me to the Salle Le Peletier, home to the Paris Opera Ballet where I witnessed a performance by the legendary Grisi herself. My goodness, she was incredible! The energy in the theatre was electrifying, the music a whirlwind of passion and beauty, and every movement she made was captivating. The audience was enraptured! This, my friends, is what ballet was meant to be!
After the performance, I wandered through the cobbled streets, captivated by the elegant architecture, the bustling cafes, and of course, the most delightful shops bursting with Parisian finery! Imagine it: silks, satins, lace, and ribbons all vying for your attention. Every woman I passed seemed to have her own unique style. I could hardly contain myself from raiding the shops for more tutus!
But, my dear friends, there was something more important happening on this day that has influenced fashion, particularly the art of ballet, to this day. It was on July 28th, 1857 that the Imperial Ballet School opened its doors in St. Petersburg. This institution went on to shape the history of ballet, churning out legendary dancers like Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky, who later redefined the art of ballet across the world. What an amazing moment to be a part of!
Of course, this entire adventure is a whirlwind! Tutu heaven!
I can't wait to continue exploring this fascinating time period in the world of ballet, so be sure to check back next week for more adventures in the history of the tutu! And remember, my loves, there's a little pink tutu waiting inside each and every one of you! Until next time, keep on twirling, darling!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday
