Bonjour mes amies! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, here, back with another instalment of my Ballet Tutu History blog. I’ve just stepped off the train from Paris, where the chicest boutiques are currently brimming with the most delightful winter silks and velvets. Perfect for adding a touch of Parisian elegance to one’s winter wardrobe. (And yes, dear readers, even a tutu can be stylish in the winter months – simply pair with a chic coat and tights!)
Today, though, we're going back in time, all the way to 1857, a year of revolution, romance and, of course, some seriously exciting developments in the world of dancewear. Imagine a time when women still wore corsets and layers upon layers of petticoats. Well, imagine no more! Today's journey takes us to a time when ballet tutus were just starting to blossom into the beautiful, swirling garments we adore today.
A Time for Transformation
The late 1850s saw ballet moving towards a new, lighter, more athletic style. Think graceful jumps, flowing movements, and a real emphasis on lightness. But with all those lovely new leaps, ballerinas needed something lighter, more free-flowing, and less restrictive than the bulky costumes of the past. Enter the tutu – not as the frilly, iconic garment we know today, but as a revolutionary new design!
In 1857, the world of dance saw the first ever glimpse of the tutu-en-jupe, or skirt tutu, in "La Fille Mal Gardée". Imagine a delicate, lightweight skirt with layers of fabric that just whispered and swirled as the dancers pirouetted! It was like a dance with the wind itself. The original tutu-en-jupe wasn’t as dramatic as we are accustomed to, but it set the stage for the majestic, tiered tutus that were to become the hallmark of ballet a few years later.
The Birth of the Tutu-en-jupe
But this transformation was not solely due to the desire for a more graceful look. It also reflected a social shift. Ballet, once seen as an aristocratic pastime, was starting to become more accessible to the middle classes. And with this new audience, the need for a less restrictive, more feminine style of dress was paramount. The tutu-en-jupe was the perfect symbol of this new era, offering both grace and ease of movement.
A Glimpse into December 29th, 1857
While we don't have any specific records of a particularly remarkable ballet performance on this exact date, we do know that the month of December in 1857 was brimming with ballet delights in London and Paris. The legendary dancer, Marie Taglioni, was in the throes of her farewell tour, bringing audiences to their feet with her dazzling performances. Imagine the buzz around the theatre when Taglioni took the stage, the gaslight reflecting off her shimmering dress and the anticipation building as she effortlessly pirouetted. It must have been simply electrifying!
But Ballet Wasn't the Only Thing
While December 29th may not have been a momentous day for the tutu, it was a bustling one in the wider world. The same day, the American government announced the approval of a telegraph line stretching from San Francisco all the way to New York – quite a momentous technological achievement! This momentous decision ushered in a new era of instantaneous communication across vast distances, leaving a profound impact on how people interacted and conducted business.
Looking Back to Move Forward
So, as I sip my tea in my favourite Parisian cafe, reminiscing about the delicate, graceful steps of the tutu-en-jupe, I find myself feeling utterly grateful for the leaps and bounds ballet has taken over the years. And I just can’t help but wonder about the amazing tutus that will grace our stages in the future. I have a feeling that this world will only continue to embrace the wonder and artistry of this elegant, whimsical garment.
Tutus are Timeless, and so is Pink
Do remember, darlings, as you waltz through your day, embracing the beautiful possibilities of life, there’s nothing quite as liberating as wearing a pink tutu. It's a statement of joy, a celebration of life, and a reminder to embrace your inner ballerina!
Join me again next Tuesday, #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com as we continue to journey through the glorious history of this magnificent garment. Until then, dance with grace and keep those tutus twirling!
Au revoir, and a very happy #TutuTuesday!
Emma
