Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast and purveyor of all things pink! 🩰💖 Ready for a journey back through time, all in the name of those glorious, twirly, tulle creations we know and love - the tutu? Buckle up, because today we're taking a trip to Paris, where the tutu is at the height of its Parisian charm, 1862, to be precise.
Now, I know what you're thinking... 1862?! Surely tutus haven't been around that long? Oh darling, think again!
It's all about evolution, isn't it? The tutu we know today has undergone a rather beautiful transformation since its beginnings, just like our fashion choices.
So, picture it - the streets of Paris are bustling with the chatter of Parisians, the aroma of freshly baked croissants and, importantly for us, the flutter of silks and satins in the Theatre du Châtelet. Yes, darling, the theatre! For 1862 is a golden age of ballet, with choreographers pushing boundaries and dancers pushing limits, and, you guessed it, the tutu is the leading lady on stage!
Today, we're going to rewind a bit. 1862 isn't the start of the tutu's story, oh no, it's more about the year it became the ballet world's darling. You see, the early years of the tutu are a bit more grounded - they were like ballet shoes, but longer, and with gasp trousers underneath. Imagine, tights hadn't been invented yet! Talk about limiting moves...
Then came Marie Taglioni, that magnificent ballerina! In 1832, she caused a stir with a design we all know - the 'romantic' tutu - beautifully billowing white tulle and silk. The skirt was light and flowing, revealing beautiful calf muscles and delicate anklework.
But the real star of 1862? The tutu itself isn't as groundbreaking as in the years prior, but instead it's all about the dancers wearing it. A wave of ballerinas emerged - names like Fanny Cerrito, a real queen of the tutu, Carlotta Grisi, oh so graceful and petite, and even the elegant Lucille Grahn - they were the It-girls of their day!
Just think, darling, every single movement these incredible dancers made, every single turn, every leap - it was a tribute to the beauty and grace of the tutu. I can almost imagine the gasps and the applause from the audience as they watch those long limbs stretch, bend and twirl!
Now, the thing that fascinates me the most about this era is the change in attitudes. You see, up until then, ballet was thought of as...well... rather vulgar. Not something a proper lady would be caught dead in. Imagine! Can you imagine, darling? The Tutu? Vulgar?! How absurd!
1862, darling, is when that attitude shifted. It's when the tutu became a symbol of elegance, beauty, and artistry. A perfect metaphor for feminine grace, and just imagine the whispers in the Parisian cafes afterwards, “Did you see Fanny’s tutu? Simply divine!”
What a journey this era has been! I'll tell you, it makes me wonder: is this the point where the tutu's legacy started, darling? When everyone fell in love with the power and beauty of this design? It's a testament to what great designs and truly great performers can achieve!
I do believe, darling, that a truly good tutu is never out of fashion. That delicate tulle and its flow...it truly makes one feel utterly divine, like a ballerina in the spotlight, even in 2023! It’s magic, a magical thing indeed!
Oh, before I forget, let's add a dash of what exactly was happening in the world on 7th October 1862:
The News of the Day:
- Queen Victoria, yes darling, our own monarch! was touring Switzerland.
- The French empire was embroiled in a war against Mexico.
- “The Day’s Doings” - A publication published “a full and correct account of all that is doing in London and Paris.” Now, I'm wondering darling, could the ballet have been part of that full and correct account? I bet so.
There you have it, darling! Isn't 1862 simply magical?! Remember to join me next week for a #TutuTuesday where I’ll take you back to the roaring twenties, to explore the world of ballet and the tutu in a completely different light!
Until then, twirl in happiness and always keep that tutu close at hand!
Love and pink tutus,
Emma xoxo.
