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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1861-08-13

#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - August 13th, 1861 (Post #1546)

Hello, darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we celebrate the wonderful world of tutus! I'm Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, and today we're going to take a little trip back in time. Fasten your dancing shoes, because we're journeying to August 13th, 1861, to uncover a bit of ballet tutu history!

Now, picture this: It's 1861, and the air is abuzz with the excitement of the Parisian ballet scene. You've probably just gotten off the train, after a rather long but pleasant journey through the picturesque countryside of France, arriving in the heart of Paris, ready for a glorious day of exploring its fashionable shops and, of course, attending an exquisite ballet performance. You can feel the energy of the city pulsating around you, its heartbeat quickening with the rhythms of art, music, and culture.

Today's #TutuTuesday is all about the era that defined the evolution of the tutu: the Romantic era of ballet! It was a time when grace, elegance, and ethereal beauty reigned supreme, a time when the ballerina was seen as a vision of delicate artistry and captivating femininity.

Now, you might be thinking: "What's so special about August 13th, 1861?" Well, darlings, this was the day a very special event occurred – the very first performance of "La Sylphide", a ballet that's as synonymous with the tutu as it is with ballet itself!

"La Sylphide", you see, was a masterpiece by the renowned choreographer Filippo Taglioni. This breathtaking ballet is famous not only for its exquisite storytelling – a tale of a young man's love for a mystical, sylph-like creature – but also for the stunning, airy tutus worn by the ballerinas. It’s no secret that "La Sylphide" was groundbreaking for the tutu, making it an essential part of ballet. The original ballerina, Marie Taglioni, wore a diaphanous, cloud-like costume that featured an impossibly short tutu with layers of billowing tulle. It revolutionised what people expected a ballerina to look like! Think of it as the original mini-skirt! It became the standard look, creating an ethereal, weightless impression that embodied the essence of ballet.

But it wasn’t just about the appearance. The "La Sylphide" tutu transformed ballet technique. Ballerinas now had to learn new, more graceful movements that could capture the freedom and weightlessness of their airy costumes. It was a time when the ballet world shifted its focus from elaborate, heavy costumes to the captivating elegance and delicacy of the body in motion.

Today, the iconic "La Sylphide" tutu has become a cherished symbol of the Romantic era and a testament to the enduring legacy of this revolutionary ballet. Its influence still echoes throughout the world of ballet today, with its whimsical and graceful designs still finding their way into modern performances.

I simply love those fluffy, dreamy tutus. And of course, my favourite colour for a tutu is pink, obviously!

It is absolutely divine. There's a reason they're still around!

If you happen to find yourself in Paris, do try and see a performance of "La Sylphide". The stunning choreography, the delicate costumes, and the captivating storyline will truly transport you to a world of ballet magic! Just make sure to have your ticket handy – it’s always wise to plan ahead when it comes to ballet performances!

While you're here on the website, you’ll also find some inspiring vintage photos and details of other notable costumes that have been in the limelight over the years!

And now, as the music swells and the lights dim, I'll be whisking off to catch a show in a little cafe where they serve delightful pink champagne cocktails. But before I go, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. After all, you won't want to miss out on next week's exciting #TutuTuesday!

Until next time, darlings, dance on and embrace the pink!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1861-08-13