Post number 1457
Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tulle and twirling! This Tuesday, as always, weāre taking a trip back in time to delve into the history of the tutu, that iconic garment that encapsulates everything wonderful about ballet!
As a Derbyshire lass, born and bred, Iām always so excited to travel across time, especially by train (my favourite way to travel, after a long drive, of course). This week, weāre stepping onto a stage in Paris, where, in the heart of the 1850s, the ballet scene was truly booming.
Now, I know what you're thinking: 1859... Wasnāt it all petticoats and heavy skirts back then? Well, yes, in a way! But, ballet was experiencing a transformation, and so were its costumes. The grand and flowing romantic era of ballet was starting to evolve, bringing in new techniques andā¦ drumroll pleaseā¦ a whole new attitude to dress!
Can you imagine dancing in a thick, cumbersome gown, darling? I shudder just thinking about it! Thankfully, a visionary costume designer, Marie Taglioni (you'll see her name everywhere when you delve into ballet history!), realised that less was actually more, creating a light, airy silhouette for her iconic role in "La Sylphide" back in 1832. Now, that is a revolution in dress!
That innovative creation was only the beginning, though. By 1859, ballerinas like Carlotta Grisi and Fanny Cerrito, were stepping into the spotlight wearing lighter, shorter tutus, embracing their movements and adding even more grace and lightness to the ballet world. You might be wonderingā¦ were they scandalously short for the time? Maybe a tad shorter than some might like! But they showed off the ballerinas' beautifully sculpted legs and their fluid grace, and honestly, darling, how can you argue with beauty like that?
While the ballet scene in Paris was buzzing, things were moving along a little more conservatively across the channel in London, though, even here, some women started sporting a variation of this revolutionary garment: The āromanticā tutu, also known as the tutu romantique, had a slightly longer skirt (so, almost like a mini-dress!), featuring graceful draping around the hips and legs. Imagine it, like a cloud around you as you glide through a scene.
What was the excitement of the ballet world in Paris this specific Tuesday, 29th November, 1859? I must say, my dear readers, it wasn't particularly glamorous, as I delved through dusty archives. 1859 was the year that France adopted a new postal service, and, while not directly related to ballet, it undoubtedly helped spread news about the wonders of ballet throughout the world, right?! Think about the fashion trends! The theatre posters! And the exciting discussions in salons about the next ballet masterpiece. Iām certain it wouldn't be too long before even the postal service became awash with pretty, pink ballerina shoes, tutus and hats, don't you think?
Even without the added ballet flare, a day with a new postal service is nothing short of exciting! Imagine having to rely on word-of-mouth to hear the news of what's happening in Paris! (Goodness me, just imagine! )
Here in 1859, in the age of the romantic tutu, I truly believe the foundation for modern balletās evolution was set. And look how far weāve come! It wasnāt long after this date that the more familiar, longer, full skirt tutu (sometimes called a tutu pancake) made its dramatic debut, bringing new movements and dance styles to the fore.
So, darlings, while 1859 might not have had the most glamorous headlines, its contribution to the ballet world, and the way we view dance, fashion, and beauty is undeniably remarkable. As I travel through the centuries, I'm constantly amazed by the women who challenged tradition and paved the way for us to dance and twirl in beautiful, comfortable attire!
Donāt forget to share your love of the tutu, tag #TutuTuesday, and join me for more ballet history fun next week! Remember, the pinker, the better! š
Yours truly,
Emma š
