Bonjour, darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, back for another dose of #TutuTuesday, straight from the whimsical world of ballet history. Today we’re twirling through the pages of time to the oh-so-fascinating year of 1861!
Remember, loves, when we’re talking ballet history, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the world of the tutu was, well, very different back then! Unlike us modern day ballerinas, gliding about in gloriously flowing tutus that practically whisper “prima ballerina” as we dance, the dancers of this era were often dressed in rather less flattering and flowing garments.
We're not quite there with tutus yet, you see, in 1861 the tutu was more like a mini-skirt, known as a tutu à la pagode. It was short, layered and still quite heavy, but, it was the beginning of a sartorial evolution that would see these glorious costumes evolve into the beauties we know and love today.
Imagine yourself on the bustling streets of Paris, the heart of the ballet world back in 1861! You're just about to squeeze through the theatre doors, ready for an exciting performance by the Paris Opera Ballet. A gasp escapes your lips! What a dazzling sight you behold! A plethora of swirling skirts, lace, and sequins – pure Parisian glamour! But, wait… no tutus as we know them? Only these charming, yet practical, tutu à la pagodes! Imagine a ballet of beautiful yet practical ladies moving gracefully but elegantly in this short-length outfit - how quaint, and very very chic!
In a time of gaslight, bustling horse drawn carriages and the newest sensation called the "Penny Black", imagine being in the middle of this whirlwind of change, in an age of discovery and fashion! I wonder what kind of show is being staged tonight! Perhaps a piece by the master himself, the formidable Marius Petipa? Just thinking about his magnificent ballets, with their intricate choreography, puts a sparkle in my eyes.
The most important aspect to remember is how innovative these Parisian dancers were – pioneers of their art, they were the foundation of a glorious history that continues to delight us to this day! You just know this dance was probably choreographed by the brilliant Louis Mérante. I can almost see his graceful, captivating work! Imagine a time when the ballet world was only just beginning to understand how important costumes are in conveying the story of a ballet! Such creativity and talent.
For me, it’s fascinating to travel through time and see how the ballet tutu, in its own quiet way, reflects the changes in fashion, culture, and the society around it! Today’s tutus are incredibly elaborate and made with a multitude of fabrics, but, we shouldn't forget the early, almost demure tutu à la pagode, those magnificent first steps on the path towards our modern day twirling delights!
The very thought of an elegant ballet dancer from that era, gliding across the stage in a shorter skirt, sparks my imagination. Now that would make for a smashing performance! My dear loves, you see, in a world full of exciting new designs, we've found that we must never forget where we came from - the past serves as our guide to a sparkling, wonderfully colourful, bright and fun future.
And hey, maybe someday you’ll see me gracing the stage in a meticulously handcrafted replica of a tutu à la pagode! I'll definitely be wearing a bold splash of pink, naturally, but for the sake of historical accuracy, the tutu would have to be shorter, of course. Think of how absolutely charming that would be!
We’re all about sharing the wonder of ballet with the world here at www.pink-tutu.com, and so to keep you all feeling inspired until our next fantastic Tutu Tuesday adventures, go grab your best pink outfit, and why not put on some classical ballet music, channel your inner ballerina and give a twirl for your favourite dance-related memory? You’re beautiful and strong, and a perfect dancer in your own right. Keep dreaming of graceful swans and thrilling leaps – the magic of ballet awaits you!
Sending lots of love, hugs, and, of course, sparkly pink tutus, from your very own Emma!
P.S. Do tell me, darling reader, if you could hop on the time-traveling express, which period in ballet history would you most want to visit? Would it be the glamorous and luxurious era of 1861, the grand period of Tchaikovsky’s majestic ballets, or maybe even further back to the early days of ballet's inception? Do share your dream destinations!
