Hello, my darling tutu lovers! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things pink and twirly! This is Emma here, your time-traveling ballerina blogger, back with another installment of #TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History, episode number 1491!
I'm so excited to take you all on a journey back to the glorious summer of 1860, a year overflowing with Parisian flair, fabulous fashions, and oh, the ballets! This is where our tale truly starts, you see. It wasn't until the 1840s that tutus became truly "a thing," but as a dedicated tutu enthusiast, I must say, 1860 was an absolute triumph for the iconic little garment!
Now, imagine my delight as I arrive in Paris, the very centre of all things fashionable, stepping off a sleek, mahogany train from my beloved Derbyshire. The city buzzes with a vibrant energy, and every corner is adorned with exquisitely crafted dresses, hats that touch the sky, and shoes that just scream, "I'm made for a waltz!"
But, darling, before we delve into the grandness of it all, let me give you a little taste of 1860!
On this very date, 24th July 1860, the world celebrated a significant milestone – the birth of one of the most celebrated artists of all time, Claude Monet! Oh, how I wish I could be a fly on the wall in his home as his parents celebrate the arrival of this future art giant. Wouldn't his mother look beautiful in a delicate pink tulle tutu?
Speaking of tutus, let's discuss our glorious 1860 ballet world. It's all about lightness and grace. You can almost picture the ballerinas gliding across the stage, their shimmering tutus a flurry of tulle and satin, highlighting every elegant movement. Imagine this, my darlings: no longer confined to the restrictive layers of earlier times, ballet now thrives in an explosion of airy fabrics and dramatic form.
It's fascinating, you see, the tutus of 1860 have a real charm. The fabrics are all so luxurious - delicate, airy tulle that simply melts on the skin. The tutus are just so perfectly crafted. They're all about highlighting the form and movements of the dancer, like a blooming flower. No restrictive bodices here! Instead, the design flows naturally with the dancer's form. And, let's face it, those tiny, pointed shoes, they're just divine, allowing every hop and leap to soar with unmatched elegance.
However, 1860 was not only about the graceful lightness of the tutu but also about the evolving styles themselves! We were entering an era where individual ballet schools, each with their unique flair, began putting their personal touch on tutu design. You had the tutus of the Paris Opera Ballet, oh, so dramatic and full, just perfect for showcasing grand choreography. Then there were the tutus of the Imperial Russian Ballet, each a testament to intricate details, the finest quality materials, and an unmistakable hint of regal sophistication. Each company, each school, became synonymous with its distinctive tutu style! Just imagine a vibrant Parisian tutu alongside the dramatic fullness of a Russian tutu, and you can really see the era of innovation taking root!
But darling, you can't talk about ballet without acknowledging the importance of those fabulous performances! The ballet world in 1860 was all about exciting narratives, enchanting music, and stunning visual displays, much like the contemporary dance shows we enjoy today. One show that was captivating audiences at the Paris Opera was "Giselle", oh, how I would love to be whisked back to a time when this classic first stole the stage! It was like witnessing the perfect storm of passion and tragedy; love, betrayal, and heartbreak unfolded before your eyes as the lead ballerina, a delicate wisp of a creature in a perfectly cut, multi-layered tutu, danced with grace and longing. It's truly breathtaking, my darlings, this "Giselle", this incredible mix of dance and drama, just mesmerizing.
Of course, there's always that touch of ballet controversy, and even 1860 had its own debate. It's funny, you see, as we progress through the tutu timeline, the length of the tutu was always a hot topic. While some considered the longer, fuller skirt as a symbol of pure elegance and femininity, others were advocating for a shorter tutu, exposing more of the dancer's leg and demanding a greater technical proficiency. Now, as someone who advocates for wearing a tutu whenever possible, I think both styles deserve equal appreciation! Every tutu has a story, my darlings, and we have to be respectful of both.
Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging, darling, without giving you a glimpse of my absolute favorite aspect of 1860! The colour! Remember, darling, pink is my forever love. And 1860? It was simply divine! I could just picture myself in my favourite, light pink tutu, gliding around, as delicate as a rose petal, a true reflection of the colours of the season. The ballet companies embraced the same pastel shades! Think, shades of lavender, buttercup yellow, baby blue... The performances, they just glowed with soft, feminine grace. It's not just a simple ballet outfit; it's a work of art!
Okay, darlings, I know I could keep chatting forever, but it's time to say "au revoir" until next week.
Until then, remember to keep twirling and never shy away from showing your unique style. I can't wait to welcome you all back to www.pink-tutu.com for next week's #TutuTuesday blog post. It’s time for me to set off on another time-travelling adventure to uncover more hidden secrets of ballet tutu history! Until then, remember, pink is always a good idea!
Bisous, Emma.
