Bonjour, my lovely ballet bunnies! 🩰
It's a gloriously sunny Tuesday, and as always, I'm ready to twirl you through time with a delightful dose of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History!
Today, we're journeying back to April 3rd, 1860. The air is buzzing with excitement - can you imagine the thrilling sensation of that first train ride?! I recently travelled back to this time to take a thrilling tour of the Parisian Opéra, which at the time was truly the centre of the ballet world. Imagine: soaring arches, crystal chandeliers casting a shimmer on plush velvet seating, and the scent of anticipation lingering in the air.
Now, before we dive into tutus, a quick mention about today's date: it was a grand day in Parisian history, as the city welcomed the opening of the famous Gare du Nord, a monumental station with a glittering facade and towering steel structure, marking a significant leap forward for transportation. And let's face it, transportation plays a crucial role for a girl like me, hopping between eras and showcasing these fabulous tutus! 😉
But back to our topic: 1860 and the story of the ballet tutu!
At this time, the classic Romantic ballet tutu was firmly in its prime. Imagine a fluffy, diaphanous cloud of tulle – delicate, airy, and flowing - almost resembling the delicate petals of a rosebud! Just imagine how much it must have cost back then to purchase enough silk to create the intricate ruffles and layers. In the days before mass production, these tutus were handcrafted by artisans - true works of art. This kind of beauty wouldn’t go unappreciated!
Think about this: the early Victorian era. High collars, crinoline gowns, and corsets - a world of tightly laced constriction. And then, there's the tutu! The sheer lightness and flow, the effortless movement - a liberating contrast! And just think of those first audiences, eyes widening at the sight of dancers leaping and twirling in this magnificent confection. Talk about a game-changer! And let’s not forget the delicate pas de bourrée or elegant grand jeté; you couldn’t achieve this effortless, graceful movement in anything else, could you? The Romantic tutu is the epitome of grace and fluidity. It was a fashion statement and a revolution all in one!
During my time at the Opéra, I noticed how it felt as though these ethereal tutus were actually designed for above the stage. It seemed the focus was on achieving a feeling of weightlessness, an ethereal quality, which enhanced the ethereal, magical storytelling on the stage. It was during this era that tutus started to adopt specific silhouettes, like the bell shape, with the famous 'tighter top and fuller bottom'. It gave the dancers more flexibility and movement freedom. Talk about a dancer's best friend!
During my visit, the Opera house was in the midst of staging the most famous ballet of the era, Giselle, the story of the village maiden transformed into a Wili, a forest spirit! Now imagine, the swirling white tulle – symbolising purity – that brought Giselle to life! Just the sheer drama of it all - the fluttering movement as she twirls across the stage! Talk about a fairytale! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t try on some of the original, stunningly preserved Giselle costumes and do some ‘behind the curtain’ rehearsal with a few of the young ballerinas. 🤫
But you see, this isn't just about costumes and designs. The ballet tutu is a storybook for the eyes. Each swirl and flutter whispers a story, a poem set to music and motion.
In fact, I spent my time travelling back to this era immersed in the captivating world of theatre. After a fantastic day of ballet, I treated myself to a fabulous performance at the Comédie-Française, the world’s most famous theatre and a marvel in itself. And you know what I discovered there? Ballet, especially Romantic ballet, was a huge source of inspiration for dramatic productions - talk about influence! The dramatic scenes, the emotional rollercoaster of emotions, all influenced the era's dress trends and cultural aesthetics, too. Just think - that Victorian frill, the ethereal tulle, the emphasis on flowing, voluminous garments - they were all inspired by these fantastical, breathtaking ballerinas!
Oh, I had the most delicious Parisian breakfast in my favourite cafe after the show. It seems that café au lait and croissants are eternal French staples, regardless of the century! But my favourite part of my visit? A wander through the Galerie Vivienne - just like a time warp to a luxurious era gone by with a fabulous mixture of shops. There, I stumbled upon some wonderful accessories to complete my look: an intricate, pearl-studded comb to tie up my long locks (such an extravagant affair!), and some beautiful hand-painted fans to complement my pink tutus - the perfect way to make a grand entrance in 1860s Paris! 😉
So, there you have it, dear tutu enthusiasts! A peek into the magic of the tutu back in 1860, a period of dazzling evolution and beautiful transformation!
I'm excited for the coming week's time travel journey. And don’t forget, I am always up for suggestions. Have any requests for the next #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog?
Remember, dear ballet bunnies, embrace the elegance and freedom of a pink tutu! You never know what adventures you might find yourself twirling into!
Yours in pink tulle,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
