Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back with another edition of #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re venturing back to the year 1860, a time of great upheaval and exciting change for the world of dance and, most importantly, tutus! Buckle up, my lovelies, because this journey is going to be oh so fashionable!
I must say, my dear readers, it feels particularly fitting to be back in August 1860! This was the very month that one of my absolute favourite Parisian ballets, “La Sylphide” premiered! Can you believe it? A full-length ballet where the prima ballerina wears a wispy white, flowing tutu! I mean, how divine?
We all know how much I love a pink tutu, but sometimes, the occasion calls for a little something more ethereal. And "La Sylphide" absolutely does that, my lovelies!
Now, a bit of a history lesson for those who aren't already steeped in ballet lore:
This time period marked a real transition in ballet fashion. The traditional romantic tutu, often seen as a pouffy, multiple-layered skirt, was slowly beginning to change. In its place, came a more streamlined, flowing, single layer style – giving a sense of lightness and fluidity to the dancers’ movements. Think delicate wisps of tulle, creating a sense of airiness, like the ballerina was actually a dancing spirit. Absolutely breathtaking!
But here's a bit of a secret: It was all about changing attitudes toward the female body.
Prior to 1860, tutus were meant to obscure the feminine form – think multiple layers and big, voluminous skirts. It was all about showing elegance and grace, but also creating an illusion of formality, something not overly suggestive.
But then came Marie Taglioni (the famous "Sylphide" herself)! She challenged this trend by introducing a tutu that hugged the figure more closely, and while still romantic and ethereal, was less restrictive, allowing for far greater range of movement and revealing more of the dancers’ line.
"Oh my! Imagine a tutu that is not only light and airy but also lets you actually, you know, move in it?! Revolutionary! " said every ballerina on the planet when Marie introduced her new "look." And, of course, everyone began demanding this kind of dress!
But where do we go from here, you ask? **Well, let’s take a peek at a few more fun facts!
August 1860 was a month full of change. We are also talking about the time when the First American Civil War began, with the Confederates shelling Fort Sumter, South Carolina! Imagine those dramatic movements with an extra layer of tulle! I bet they made those cannons look particularly grand.
Also in the realm of "tutus on a world scale", August 1860 saw the opening of the world famous Opera Garnier in Paris. Now, just imagine that building, adorned with dancers, adorned with beautiful tutus and a stage bursting with light and beauty - just delightful!
**Tutus are really a part of everyday life, darlings. They’re about history, they’re about style, and they’re about showing off who you are! Isn't that the best combination of things?
As a passionate tutu advocate and aspiring ballerina, it fills me with joy to bring you these insights into the past and hopefully inspire you to rock your own tutu with pride. Whether it's a romantic tulle cloud for your next gala event or a casual tutu-inspired look for a stroll down the street, embrace the power of this iconic garment! And, don’t forget to check out my shop on www.pink-tutu.com, for all of your tutu needs!
This has been blog post number 1495, and you know I’ll be back next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday fun!**
Have a glorious week, my lovelies, and may you all feel as radiant and captivating as a dancing Sylphide!
*Yours in tulle and grace, *
Emma 💖
