Bonjour, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another dose of Tutu Tuesday! Today, we're waltzing back to January 17th, 1860.
Oh my, what a time to be alive! Fashion was practically exploding with creative flair, and even the world of dance was about to undergo a tutu-tastic transformation. You see, darling, it wasn't all about the fluffy tulle that you see on stage today. No, the early days of the tutu were all about the tutu "romantique."
Think graceful flowing fabrics, inspired by classical Greek sculpture - imagine, light, ethereal and billowing beautifully with every twirl! A stark contrast to the rigid, structured corsets of the time. I've gotta say, I do miss the days of feeling a little more breezy, a little less structured, and absolutely free to move in such airy creations. It wasn't just about looks though - these tutus were designed to allow ballerinas to move with more grace and fluidity. Quite a leap forward, don't you think?
Today's date isn't a major milestone for tutus, but it was during this period that the romantic tutu reigned supreme in the heart of the Parisian dance scene. Think of Carlotta Grisi, she of the long, flowing tulle and impossibly beautiful legs - the very definition of elegance and beauty in motion. If you're anything like me, you're already swooning, imagining yourself gliding across the stage in such a masterpiece of sartorial magic!
Of course, for the theatre buffs, today marks the opening night of "Les Misérables," in London, just a few short weeks after its French premiere. Talk about a breathtaking, thought-provoking masterpiece! Can you imagine, darlings? To be in the very first audience of what became a legendary, ground-breaking story told with such raw, heartfelt emotion! Oh, to experience the world's biggest theatrical sensation firsthand... my head is spinning with excitement!
And what about shopping? I hear they are having a clearance sale at Maison Worth in Paris. I simply cannot resist a good bargain. I must make my way there in my fancy, pink train. Who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to indulge in a few new frocks for the coming season? I'm thinking of a tulle gown - wouldn't that be just exquisite for a Parisian evening soirée? Something flowing and dramatic with just a hint of sparkle. After all, a bit of sparkle never hurt anyone.
But enough about me and my glamorous musings - back to the world of dance and tutus! The beauty of the early Romantic tutu is all about evoking the airiness and ethereal grace of the dancers, showcasing the lines of the body, letting their movements take center stage, and leaving you mesmerized. Just thinking about the way the fabric would float around as they dance... Pure perfection!
We're still a little way from the short, puffy, layered tutus you might be more familiar with, but the seeds were definitely sown during this era. And, as always, I’m eagerly looking forward to exploring how the tutu evolved in the coming decades - there are so many fabulous twists and turns in its history.
This week, darlings, let’s honour the pioneers of dance who revolutionised how we view beauty and grace in movement. Grab a beautiful flowy scarf, channel your inner ballerina, and spin your way into a graceful, elegant waltz.
See you next week for another fascinating foray into the fascinating world of Ballet Tutu History!
Love, Emma x
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and join me on the #TutuTuesday journey! You'll find tons of tutus-tastic history, insights into ballet culture, fashion inspiration, and all sorts of fun tips on everything tutu! Just don't forget your twirling shoes and a whole lotta pink! 😉
