Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dear readers! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood ballerina blogger, and it's a glorious #TutuTuesday once again! As the clock strikes midday here in London, my lovely pink tutu feels particularly fitting – it’s positively sparkling under this gorgeous September sun. And talking about sparkles, my darlings, this week’s post takes us all the way to Paris! Buckle your ballet shoes, for today’s historical adventure is all about the burgeoning Parisian ballet scene in 1857!
It’s a strange thing, travelling through time, don’t you think? One minute you’re browsing vintage shops for that perfect tutu on Portobello Road, the next you’re gliding through the Grand Opera House in Paris. It never ceases to amaze me.
This past week, I decided to hop aboard the Orient Express and make a beeline for Paris, a place I’m always happy to find myself in! And what better way to celebrate the arrival of Autumn than by immersing myself in Parisian ballet? I adore seeing how fashions, performances, and indeed, tutus have evolved throughout the centuries! And it seems 1857 was quite a fascinating year for our beloved garment.
I had a simply wonderful time wandering around the city, feeling utterly like I’d stepped out of a romantic novel, perhaps one by Alexandre Dumas himself! The boulevards were buzzing, overflowing with fashionably dressed ladies and gentlemen. My eyes darted everywhere – I’d been studying French fashion for months in anticipation of this trip! The intricate ladies' dresses and dapper gentleman's suits were absolute masterpieces! It's an incredible feeling to be a part of this artistic and elegant atmosphere!
Parisian Elegance and the Tutu’s Evolution
1857 was a vibrant time for ballet in Paris. A new wave of artistic direction, featuring romantic stories of love and beauty, had taken the stage by storm. I was captivated by the grace and delicacy of the dancers, their movements floating as if weightless!
Of course, one cannot mention the ballet without discussing the tutus. Even in those early years, they were a must-have for any aspiring ballerina! Unlike today's often extravagant, layered creations, the tutus of the mid-19th century were simpler, focusing on flowing lines and delicate fabric. I imagine myself as a ballerina in one of these graceful designs – how absolutely elegant! I have a hankering to try to create a similar look with my vintage pieces. My dear reader, watch this space.
The French had this exquisite flair for the whimsical, especially in the world of dance. Their love for the feminine and romantic truly poured through in the tutu styles! Many of these tutus resembled classic dance skirts, featuring flowing chiffon or satin, accented with tulle for a light and airy feel. A subtle shimmer here and there was enough to make those stage lights dance upon the fabric – pure magic!
And just imagine the backstage scene at the Opéra Garnier! It must have been absolutely delightful, with ballerinas flitting around, lacing up their satin shoes and delicately adjusting their tutus before taking the stage. Now that is a time capsule I would absolutely love to be part of!
A Whimsical Dance Journey Through Time
I also discovered that on 29th September, 1857, one of my absolute favourites, Marie Taglioni, made an appearance on the Parisian stage, bringing back memories of her iconic performances. Can you imagine?! Seeing a ballet legend in person! Sadly, I missed it this time. Next time I shall be sure to have my own pink tutu ready! She was a shining star in the ballet world and her contributions were monumental to its history, shaping how we think of tutus and the elegance of a ballerina’s movements. Her iconic performances, particularly the famous ‘La Sylphide’ still enchant audiences around the world – it’s even inspired many modern day contemporary choreographers, myself included. I always enjoy her performances – her moves are incredible and quite elegant. Marie Taglioni's signature move - the pointe - the act of dancing on your toes, became a central part of classical ballet and a defining trait of the graceful tutus, accentuating a dancer's lightness and beauty!
A Glimpse into the Past, a Spark for the Future
And so, dear readers, that concludes our little trip to Parisian ballet in 1857. As I bid you adieu, I’ll leave you with this thought: Fashion is ever-evolving, but tutus have retained a sense of timeless elegance and grace, something I will always appreciate! I have such joy seeing how this garment has been reinterpreted, transformed, and brought back to life again and again, each new era creating its own unique and stylish tutu for ballerinas to wear on stage!
Time Travel Tutu Tips
If you’re considering a time travel trip to the 1850s, here’s my advice for incorporating tutus into your journey:
Opt for flowy fabrics: Lightweight satin, tulle, or chiffon are perfect for recreating those simple but elegant designs. You want something that flows with your movements – it is just lovely!
Simple embellishments: Instead of going overboard, opt for subtle additions – a ribbon, a tiny brooch, or a delicate beading pattern – this will keep the focus on your grace.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! The ballet world loves a little reimagining. Embrace a more theatrical style, especially if you plan to attend a performance. It’s time to have a little fun, don’t you think?
Oh, one final bit of inspiration before we end our post! Next time you're waltzing around town, just remember, dear reader, it’s all about feeling confident, fabulous, and unapologetically you! That's what makes tutus so magical – they help you express yourself, dance with your heart, and truly embrace your unique style.
Stay tuned for next week's #TutuTuesday where we delve into more ballet history, maybe from 1957, a decade where things will have changed even further. As usual, remember to visit our shop, you know it, pink-tutu.com! Until next week!
