Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time-travelling fashionista, bringing you another dose of #TutuTuesday!
I know what you're thinking - Christmas day? Who wants to talk about tutus on such a day of delicious feasting and joyous celebration? Well, darling, it's actually the perfect time to take a little peek behind the scenes of ballet history, wouldn't you agree? After all, what could be more whimsical and celebratory than a sparkly tutu?
Today, my lovely lovelies, we're waltzing back to December 25th, 1860. The snow is falling outside, the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and London is positively aglow with the festive spirit. And in this most merry of settings, I find myself utterly enchanted by the fashion trends of the day.
While our modern-day tutus have become a defining symbol of the graceful and athletic ballet form, you might be surprised to learn that the tutu as we know it is a relatively recent invention, just as a little over two decades old, wouldn't you believe!
Let’s step back in time…
Prior to 1840, ballerinas would wear heavy, cumbersome gowns called "bell-shaped" tutus - basically very big and complicated versions of the "Romantic" tutu that were being phased out in favour of lighter tutus that better showcased the graceful, delicate lines of their dancing. In the 1840s, a Parisian fashion revolution began that demanded clothing for dance to be streamlined, lighter, and even revealing! This shift was due in part to the innovative use of tulle and silk in fashion design and the popularity of the ballerinas' flowing, weightless, and more modern movements. The ballerina Maria Taglioni, who we must remember for introducing us to the "Romantic tutu," famously used one of the first tulle tutus. It was considered groundbreaking in its sheer, simple design that enhanced the ballerina's grace, showing off her legs and even making her movements seem lighter.
Now, imagine a bustling theatre, lit by flickering gas lamps, filled with ladies adorned in elegant dresses and gents sporting smart suits. It’s 1860 and the air is alive with excitement as the stage lights rise and the opening act of a ballet is about to begin! A hush falls over the audience as the prima ballerina emerges in a shimmering, tiered white tutu, the symbol of her beauty and grace.
Can you just picture the sheer elegance of this graceful vision? It’s almost as if the tutu itself becomes an extension of the ballerina's movement, expressing the story with every spin, leap, and flutter.
But the true beauty of the tutu lies in its simplicity. As you know, the story behind a tutu's creation is equally delightful and charming. The design of the tutu during this era evolved into several iconic styles, including the “romantic tutu,” the “pagliacci” (sometimes referred to as a “pancake” tutu for its round shape, though, to me, the roundness is charming), and the “classical” tutu, each with its unique visual appeal.
It was around this period, from 1860s to 1890s, that ballet choreography began to focus on the athletic prowess of the dancer. We saw the development of challenging moves and powerful expressions - just imagine what was to be done with the invention of the jeté!. You might not have even been able to tell they were wearing anything but a pair of dance shoes, darling! A dance craze, perhaps, if I’m being truthful!
With each of these designs, the tutu took on its own personality. The Romantic tutu was, of course, a marvel in itself - think big, airy layers of tulle billowing out and flowing with the dancer’s every step. But just as the "Romantic tutu" represented ethereal elegance, the pagliacci, short and tiered, represented a playful yet confident exuberance that demanded notice. The Classical tutu, meanwhile, focused on simple beauty - long, layered, and flowing for a perfect mix of elegance and ease.
We, dear readers, were lucky to be around to experience all these incredible innovations of the time!
As we celebrate the festive season, and this merry time of the year, remember, darling, that just like a graceful ballet dancer, you can also bring a touch of elegance to every day. Every single one of you can make a statement of confidence, just by slipping on your favourite pink tutu. The perfect touch of pink can truly brighten your day. And, as we know, everything’s better with a little bit of pink!
As I set my time machine to a brand new exciting Tuesday next week, and perhaps for the new year, my journey through the wonders of #TutuTuesday, will take you on new and fabulous ballet tutu fashion adventures.
Till then, have a happy holiday!
Sending you all a big hug and lots of love from Emma!
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