Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing time traveller, ready to whisk you off on another historical dance adventure! Today is the 1566th post of my Ballet Tutu History blog and, well, let's just say it's a truly exciting one! I've found myself right here in the heart of Paris on this December 31st, 1861. The air is alive with anticipation for the new year, the city twinkles with festive lights, and you wouldn't believe the array of gorgeous gowns on show! Oh, and let's not forget the absolutely divine ballet scene.
As you know, my dear readers, I'm utterly smitten with tutus. It's a love affair that goes beyond just fancy dress. The history of this exquisite piece of costume is positively fascinating, and a tale we'll unravel together here on pink-tutu.com.
So, put on your best blush-pink frock (or even better, slip into a tutu, darling!) and pour yourself a cuppa as we journey back in time to discover what ballet was all about in this year, 1861.
Dancing Onward
Just imagine, folks! The year is 1861, the heart of the Romantic era. Think sweeping, graceful ballets, with a strong emphasis on beauty, emotion, and drama. Think "Giselle," "Swan Lake" (oh, those graceful white tutus!), and, of course, the captivating "La Sylphide." I have to admit, it was a bit of a struggle to contain my inner ballerina as I watched the first performance of "Giselle" in the Théâtre de l’Opéra on July 20th in 1841 - the iconic white tulle tutus, so dreamy, just breathtaking! It seems "Giselle" caused quite the stir at the time, setting a new trend in ballets - that's a real "tutu-orial" in its own right, isn't it?
It’s worth noting, dear readers, that the term “tutu” didn't actually gain popularity until later, with “tutu-mania" reaching its peak around the 1940s. Back in the 1860s, it was just known as the tulle dress or ballet costume. In fact, at that time, many ballerinas wore actual gowns – with elegant bell-shaped skirts – on stage. I just imagine a tutu, all layered and airy, would make even those bell-shaped skirts seem drab. And let’s be honest, nothing adds that magical ballerina air quite like a perfect, pouffy tutu, does it?
The Ballet Scene
Here in Paris, the ballet world is just as dynamic as the fashion scene. We're talking a flurry of creativity, with all sorts of intriguing artistic movements springing up. Ballet dancers weren't just about dancing - they were, and still are, amazing athletes! The sheer stamina and technical skill these ballerinas display, especially in the demanding performances at the Paris Opera, is astounding.
The Paris Opera, though, wasn't just about classical ballet – it also hosted ballet-vaudeville, a blend of traditional ballet and theatrical elements with music, comedy and singing, designed to engage and entertain. Think less "Giselle" and more like a dance version of a "musical" – sounds like my cup of tea! This type of theatre is gaining real popularity and adds an exciting new dimension to ballet as an art form.
A Bit About The Tutu Itself
But enough about all these exciting performances. I've been to the shop - I just had to, my love of all things tutus knows no bounds!
Can you imagine a world without tulle, ladies? Imagine the joy we’d be missing. Now, tulle, as you may know, is a thin, lightweight, net fabric which is perfect for the voluminous tutu shapes you'll find today – all that whirliness and that amazing swish in each pirouette.
However, in this period (circa 1861) - the designs were evolving rapidly. The tutus were becoming lighter, the fabric more transparent, with less understructure. This marked a shift towards greater emphasis on the dancer's agility and athleticism.
While tulle has changed a little over the years (new blends, lighter fabrics) - the "ballet fabric" continues to be an iconic part of any tutu’s design, regardless of time or place!
The Trendsetter in Me
It is with great joy I am telling you, the popularity of ballet is spreading beyond the confines of Parisian theatres. I mean, you know I travel a lot! I find, ballet is increasingly captivating audiences in places like Russia, Italy, and even right here in England. Ballet is no longer an exclusive art form for the elite! It’s becoming a beloved passion across all walks of life. Just like tutus - it's a truly magical thing to behold, and I have a sneaking suspicion this trend is going to sweep the world! It is time, people, for all women to take a bow!
*Don’t you agree? Let me know in the comments below. *
And with that, my lovelies, it's time for me to board my train back to my time. This magical trip through history has given me much to contemplate and inspires me more than ever to share my passion for ballet and of course - tutus. Keep on dancing, keep on dreaming, and most importantly, never be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina. And who knows? Maybe one day, even the whole world will be waltzing in pink tutus, all thanks to my mission to get every woman to embrace a little tutus in her life. 😉
See you next Tuesday, darling! Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and share your tutu stories!
Yours in twirling bliss, Emma.
*P.S. * Don't forget to check out the latest ballet performances near you, whether they're a ballet school showcase or a big, extravagant show at the Opera. It's such an exhilarating experience - you’ll want to get up and twirl yourself! Just imagine all those delightful pink tutus, shimmering and sparkling under the stage lights! **
* #TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutu #TimeTravel #TravelBlogger*
