Hello my dearest tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina! Welcome back to another exciting edition of my Ballet Tutu History blog! This week, we're stepping back to 5th January 1858, and oh darling, the world of ballet was absolutely buzzing with excitement!
It was the time of grand theaters and glittering chandeliers, the era where even the simplest carriage ride in Paris felt like an adventure straight out of a fairytale. Oh, the drama, the glamour, and those incredible costumes - sigh!
As for our darling tutus? Let's just say they were experiencing their own whirlwind of a renaissance.
Tutudom: It's all about that flow!While tutus were definitely still in their "youth" in 1858 - you wouldn't see a proper tutu like the ones we adore today for another couple of decades - there were major changes happening! They were shedding their stiff, bulky, rather 'overstuffed' image and were starting to embrace lightness, flow and fluidity. This shift in style coincided beautifully with the rise of Romanticism in ballet - can you imagine the delicate ethereal beauty?!
From stiff layers to airy grace - A tutu taleYou see, before 1858, tutus were often quite elaborate! Layers and layers of stiffened, ruffled fabric made for a quite a dramatic, even majestic look, perfect for those grand ballerinas of the past! Imagine, literally mounds of tulle, each one individually wired for stiffness and grand stature. Not exactly "swirling" if you get what I mean!
Then came the era of tutus which weren't quite ready to shed all the structure just yet, but started embracing softer fabrics and more "relaxed" layers, think delicate silk or fine cotton with a dash of strategically placed tulle, perfectly allowing for some controlled 'movement'.
This shift reflected a new spirit in ballet! Not just about "grand" but also about "expressive" and "ethereal."
Parisian Whispers: Where Tutu dreams are born...Speaking of dreamy! Today in 1858, Paris is bustling, and not just because of the carriages, oh no! They are especially excited for an upcoming premiere! A production at the legendary Opéra de Paris, you know the place, the theatre where ballerinas first truly found their legs and tutus their true essence - and in this world, that's the ultimate fashion inspiration!
Paris in 1858? Imagine: ladies strolling along the Champs-Élysées with their silk parasols and frilly petticoats, men in their polished suits, everyone eager for a glimpse of elegance! And, oh, let’s not forget those glorious theatrical performances... they are absolutely brimming with artistry!
Tutues and fashion in 1858, a time to be seenParisian women loved a good gown - I’m not sure they’d actually think "tutu", because that’s more of a "ballerina thing"! - and a statement fashion piece that showed they had good taste - well darling, the new wave of tutu designs for ballerinas? They were quite the sensation! A sign of artistic daring! Imagine seeing them flitting and twirling on stage, the grace and artistry... so enchanting!
And yes, it's a testament to just how much ballerinas inspired women everywhere! Fashion and dance... a match made in sartorial heaven.
Fashion inspiration for everyday, 1858 Style!You know what they say, dance is the most expressive art form. But guess what darling, in 1858, dance was also the ultimate source for fashion! You know I'm always inspired by ballerinas... and oh, the outfits they wore in 1858 were just fabulous. So I had to do my usual time traveller’s spree, a dash here, a dash there - shopping is simply part of my work, and well darling, who's complaining?!
The fashions of this era were so lovely! Ladies loved the lightness, the flow of fine fabrics... you see, that is the essence of the tutu spirit, even then - even without them fully knowing it!
I actually came away with some gorgeous fabrics! We’re talking silks with tiny, dainty flower motifs, some sparkling, glittering threads for that special touch, and some beautifully draped gauze - ooh, I just have to experiment!
A journey in time: tutus, fashion and railway linesOkay, gotta wrap this up - you see, darling, there is nothing I love more than catching a train. Especially when it's a journey through time! I'm currently enjoying a leisurely trip on the great, glorious, iconic Grand Trunk Railway, the way to travel around Canada, especially if you are after the ultimate experience of railway romance! It's been a whirlwind!
There is a magic to travel... especially when your destination is a new fashion era - don't you think so darling?! It's all about adventure and inspiration... which makes travelling on trains so perfectly enchanting
Oh, one more thing: do you know what a fabulous time traveller I am, darling? Well I made sure I stopped off in London and collected an absolutely magnificent ballet programme from The Royal Opera House! You see, it has the complete list of performers... who knew, I actually discovered a grand gala that very night! You just can't imagine what a magical affair it was... and of course darling, a tutu was the main event of the night - a symphony in tulle and sparkle!
I do love those grand ballerinas - and the exquisite designs... like dancing works of art!
Anyway darling, I must jet, lots to see and tutu shop! Keep an eye on my blog, because there are more #TutuTuesday treasures just around the corner, and lots of fashion inspiration coming up... after all, it’s my duty to inspire everyone to embrace the pink tutu - just like me!
See you next week, my darlings!
All my love,
Emma xx
