Hello my darling dancers and fashionistas! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling blogger, Emma, back with another blast from the past for your weekly dose of Tutu Tuesday!
This week, my dear readers, we're taking a train journey back to 22nd April 1862. Now, imagine this: the world is buzzing with new inventions, steam trains are whisking people across the globe, and gaslights are illuminating the streets with a gentle glow.
But amidst all this modern hustle and bustle, I’ve discovered something extraordinary - a ballet world where tutus were already becoming stars! Yes, even back in 1862, tutus were catching the eye of audiences, adding a touch of magic and a swirl of romanticism to the stage.
The train pulled into the station, and I couldn't resist a little twirl on the platform! Just imagine the smiles I was receiving from the charming ladies and gentlemen in their fancy frock coats and voluminous skirts, all looking as though they'd stepped out of a fashion magazine!
Now, this year 1862, for ballet, was a bit of a turning point. You see, we were just on the verge of seeing a whole new style of tutu blossom.
Traditionally, ballerinas had been wearing a longer, flowing tutu that flowed around their ankles. It was the perfect skirt for a beautiful graceful dance, you know the kind where a ballerina looks like a delicate bird floating across the stage!
But imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the grand Palais Garnier in Paris! My oh my! This stunning opera house, designed by the amazing architect Charles Garnier, is breathtaking! This was the scene of an absolutely fabulous ballet that would later become a favourite of all, La Sylphide by Jean Coralli and Adolphe Adam!
In this ballet, there were these stunning ballerinas, dancing with such finesse in the shorter tutu, they looked like swans floating upon a lake! It was a revolutionary new look for ballet - more movement, a shorter style of tutu that made their movements so elegant and free, like fairy sprites flitting through the air! The shorter tutu also showed off their elegant feet, oh so important when executing those complex moves.
These incredible tutus were crafted in layers of white tulle. Think about that, white! A beautiful contrasting colour against their flowing dance dresses. White symbolised purity, innocence, and the mystical beauty of fairies.
This type of tutu is called a tutu romantique and it quickly gained popularity around the world! It is known as one of the greatest dances ever created and, believe me, it's a feast for the eyes.
It’s not only the ballet that stole the show in 1862, but also the clothing. Those charming women were sporting lovely hats and parasols, while gentlemen strutted around in their fashionable frock coats, a look which remained a mainstay in men’s fashion until the end of the century. It was such a grand era for fashion!
I felt completely transported back to this fabulous era, but it wasn't long before I was ready to move on. Time-traveling isn't all fun and games - one has to get home! As my journey to 22nd April 1862 came to a close, I realized how important those early days of ballet and the tutus that became icons were to what ballet is today! It's the history of the art we all love.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog at www.pink-tutu.com and follow me on my time-traveling adventures! Until next time, darlings!
