Bonjour, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back for another whirlwind trip through the history of our beloved tutus! Today, we're taking a trip back to 29th June, 1858 – a time when ballet was taking centre stage, and tutus were just starting to blossom!
I've just arrived in Paris, the beating heart of fashion and, let's face it, the best place for ballet! I’ve got my pink tutu in tow, naturally, as well as a gorgeous new parasol with frills to match – a perfect Parisian accessory! This year, I’m hoping to see a new piece by the great Marius Petipa, a true pioneer in ballet choreography. The Parisians are going mad for him, and I’m no different!
Now, where to start? As always, the story of the tutu starts in the realm of theatre! Before ballet, dancers wore long, billowing gowns – think Princess Leia, but, you know, not quite so fabulous. Ballet was growing as an art form in the late 1800s, demanding a different look – something light and graceful, a sartorial match for the dancers’ amazing skills! Imagine being stuck in layers of fabric while trying to perform a perfect arabesque! No, no, thank you.
And then, like a breath of fresh air, came the tutu! No more hiding those legs under tons of cloth! Instead, dancers started sporting shorter, flowing skirts made of layers and layers of tulle, the softer and more delicate, the better! In our journey back to 1858, I imagine it as a gorgeous swirl of airy fabric! You can imagine it – just picture ballerinas pirouetting in that frothy, dream-like tulle, their legs reaching out in long lines. Magical!
So, what’s happening in the world of fashion in 1858? Well, let's just say it's a real period for fashion.
Crinoline is all the rage – think voluminous, gigantic skirts, creating shapes so grand you’d need a small team just to push them around. It’s certainly a statement, darling, but a little bit too grand for our dancing darlings, wouldn't you agree?
For daywear, we're all about bonnets, dainty lace gloves, and corsets, as though we're constantly going to a ball! I love it! The colours are absolutely sublime, with florals and pastels taking centre stage. Now, for my favourite part: The footwear! There’s so much inspiration to be found. Imagine elegant, delicate boots, some with silk trim and buttons that could make even a sparrow sing! Imagine pointed slippers with embroidered bows. A little more subtle than our beloved ballet pumps, but with the same grace, wouldn't you agree?
Let’s go back to our tutus for a moment. Today marks a special moment in the story of the tutu: 29th June, 1858! Can you imagine it, the sheer excitement? And I must say, Paris seems to be bursting with tutus today! It’s the first showing of 'La Source' at the Théâtre Impérial de l’Opéra! Imagine – the world's biggest stage, and dancers showcasing the new, light tutus for the first time. I imagine a hush, a sigh of excitement and delight, then… an eruption of applause, an absolute storm of ovations. I have to get myself to the theatre. Now!
Now, to get ready for a soirée, and of course, a dance! This evening’s ballet performance will be spectacular. It is the performance of 'Le Papillon' at the Palais Garnier! Such exquisite artistry - the swirling figures of dancers under a cascade of chandeliers… I think it would move even the Queen to tears.
Back home, in Derbyshire, everyone’s talking about the Queen’s ball! Imagine the spectacle of all the ladies in their bonnets and their corsets, swaying to the music and holding hands with their dapper men, while I'm in Paris with the real, authentic Parisian ballet stars. Not a bad life, is it?
Now, my darling dears, go forth, grab that pink tulle, tie that ribbon, and embrace your inner ballerina! We’ll be back next week for more tutu history!
Until then,
Your favourite pink-tutu wearing time traveller,
Emma.
TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #TimeTravel #Paris #Derbyshire #QueenVictoria #LePapillon #LaSource #MariusPetipa #FashionHistory
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[Author's note] This is not real history. The invention and popularization of the ballet tutu is a long and gradual process. The focus here is to entertain and inform, so I have fictionalized some details to help with the storytelling.
