Hello, my lovely Tutu-Lovers! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tulle and twirls! This week we’re whisking ourselves back in time to a very special date: March 26th, 1861! I mean, seriously, can you believe it? Almost 163 years ago?! Now, I know you might be thinking "Emma, tutus are like, SO modern, how could they be around back then?!" But you'd be surprised! The evolution of ballet wear is as fascinating as a perfectly executed fouetté, and today, we’re delving into the world of ballet in the mid-19th century!
This week I'm off to Paris, oh la la! And don't even get me started on the clothes! Everyone here is so elegant! They’ve embraced a kind of flowing, romantic silhouette that’s so much fun to see, all crinolines and bustle skirts – so much drama!
But enough about my latest adventures, let's get back to our history! You might be surprised to hear, on March 26th, 1861, something truly special happened in the world of ballet – Marie Taglioni made her stage debut at the Grand Opera in Paris, marking her triumphant return to ballet after a three-year hiatus. She was already a star, a legend, and had already started making tutus iconic! Marie had helped to establish a new style for dancers. Gone were the heavy, restricting costumes, and in their place emerged a new elegance: a simple, flowing skirt of white tulle and a fitted bodice. This was the beginning of what we know as the Romantic era of ballet.
Imagine a scene: a stage draped in soft light, the hushed anticipation of the audience, and a beautiful woman gliding across the stage in a billowing tutu. It’s an iconic look that’s become synonymous with ballet! It's easy to see how the tutu captured everyone's imaginations, becoming a symbol of beauty, grace, and effortless movement. And it's no surprise that dancers, and myself, remain utterly captivated by the enchanting allure of the tutu today!
But hold on, did someone say white tulle? That's right, darling! In 1861, ballet tutus were most certainly white! While we are spoilt for choice nowadays, back in Marie Taglioni's era, the only colour they really wore on stage was white. White was believed to embody purity, innocence, and ethereal beauty, and was perfectly suited for the dramatic ballets that Marie Taglioni danced in, like La Sylphide. Talk about fairy tales, my darlings! You can imagine the audiences simply gasping in wonder!
Now, I understand some of you may be asking yourselves: “Emma, what's this whole white tulle thing about, I see all kinds of colors!” And you’re right! Colour started to come into play as ballet evolved, as we’ve already seen on previous #TutuTuesdays. But even with the evolution of color in ballet and a much more playful array of colors today, nothing can really beat that magical white tutu of Marie Taglioni. There's an innocence, an airy grace that can't be replicated. It’s that pure elegance, you know?
It’s a testament to Marie Taglioni’s legacy, a symbol of how she revolutionized ballet. Even today, decades later, we still embrace her iconic style. There’s no question in my mind: Marie was a truly trailblazing ballerina, who changed the world of dance forever.
The other reason I'm here in Paris? Well, you just have to see the couture creations here! Fashion in the 1860s, oh darling! It’s like stepping into a fairytale. It’s not as extreme as what we have seen in previous eras, more fitted, and I even found an elegant dress trimmed with real lace! And can we talk about the bonnets, darling! These aren’t just your granny’s bonnet; these are adorned with such elegance – ribbons and plumes of feathers! Simply breathtaking, simply Parisian!
Anyway, I hope this week’s #TutuTuesday gave you a bit of a glimpse into how ballet has evolved and how impactful it is on history. As for me, I'm off to catch the ballot and I can already hear the music filling my heart. Stay tuned, darling! And until next time, let’s embrace the beauty of tutus in all their glorious forms.
And remember, always remember that tutu is a must! It's about that feminine elegance that just brings joy. You can have one on your birthday, Halloween, your first ballet class! Why, you could wear it anytime, darling, every single day! Until next time my lovelies, have a magical day!
Your Fashionista Tutu Enthusiast,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
