Greetings, my dearest fellow tutu-lovers! Emma here, your trusty pink-tutu-clad guide to all things ballet! Today we're taking a grand journey through time, a journey back to 20th April 1858, the very date that we shall find some tantalising tutu history!
Now, I must admit, it's been a rather whirlwind week! Just last Thursday, I found myself strolling through the bustling streets of London. Oh, how I adored seeing the carriages and the men in top hats! Then, on Friday, I was mesmerised by the incredible La Fille mal gardée at the Théâtre de l'Opéra de Paris, all whilst being delightfully confused by the fact that they were serving champagne and macarons mid-show! It's a wonderful, delightful world!
And here I am again, back in my little flat, pink tutu flowing about me, writing my weekly #TutuTuesday blog. But, this week's topic, my darling dears, is a rather momentous one. You see, the year 1858 marked a shift in the history of ballet – a shift that directly influenced the very tutu you're likely wearing (or dreaming of wearing!) Right now! I can feel my heart beat faster when I think about it. It's a real ballet-tastic turning point. Let's dive into the fascinating history together, shall we?
The Birth of the Romantic TutuThink back to 1858, my lovelies. Imagine, if you will, a world of elaborate gowns, billowing layers, and heavy fabrics. Not ideal for, let’s just say it, pirouettes. Our ballerinas had a bit of a struggle with their dresses!
But Enter Mademoiselle Marie Taglioni, a true legend! A woman who redefined how ballerinas moved and how they were perceived. In 1832, she danced a revolutionary ballet, La Sylphide. Can you imagine the gasp of the crowd when they saw her grace the stage in a skirt barely skimming her knees? This wasn't your ordinary, floor-length ball gown! It was revolutionary, daring, and stunningly beautiful.
Taglioni's tutus, lovingly nicknamed 'romantic tutus', paved the way for the next evolution of dancewear. We're talking lighter, flowy, and most importantly, free-moving fabric! Think flowing layers of silk, tulle, or even (gasp!) white cotton, if you can believe it! They emphasized the beauty and grace of the dancer's movement— and helped revolutionise how ballerinas expressed themselves!
Imagine being able to soar through the air, twirling and leaping, without the burden of a massive dress! It’s a true joy for our eyes to see, even though the trend wasn't universally embraced at the time.
The revolutionary beauty of Mademoiselle Taglioni’s Sylphide tutu did face some criticisms, of course. Imagine it, those Victorian folks with their stiff morals, thinking a skirt a tad bit shorter than the ankle was, well, "unconventional!"
Oh, the times! How I do love seeing what trends they’d find shocking now.
The tutu – More Than Just Clothes! 🩰It’s more than just fabric, my dears. It's an expression, a statement, a story, and most importantly, it's pure, unapologetic fun! And 1858 was a big step towards that pure, fun look we all love. Let me tell you, a woman in a fluffy tutu always attracts a crowd!
It's almost like a symbol of freedom, of lightness, of grace. A graceful symbol of beauty and art! We just need to make it a thing for everyone. A pink tutu a day, keeps the grumpy frown away!
But why the pink you may ask, dearest readers?Well, that’s a secret that is for a special #TutuTuesday, you’ll just have to stay tuned! Let’s just say it's very dear to my heart, just as pink and tutus are.
This, my darlings, is the power of a simple skirt. A garment that allows for fluidity and freedom. A garment that encourages a playful spirit, a desire to dance. This, my friends, is what makes ballet tutu history so captivating! It is a visual language, whispering tales of freedom, grace, and above all, that unbridled joy of movement!
Now, excuse me while I get back to the glorious joy of ballet, and practice some graceful piqués myself! Oh, perhaps after, I’ll indulge in a delicious cup of tea, maybe a small scone... a girlish delicacy that compliments my ballerina spirit, no?
And do come back next week for a whole new Tutu Tuesday, brimming with fascinating tales of tutu fashion and the magical history of ballet!
Until then, may your tutus be pink and your hearts full of joyful spins!
Your ballet-obsessed, pink-tutu-loving friend, Emma 💕🩰
