Bonjour mes amies! It's Emma here, your time-traveling tutu enthusiast, back for another #TutuTuesday blog post, taking you on a journey through the history of ballet and the evolution of the darling of the dance world, the tutu!
This week, we're venturing back to a rather grand date - 14th October 1862. Picture this: cobbled streets in Paris, the scent of freshly baked bread, and the grandeur of the Palais Garnier Opera House. Imagine yourself seated in a plush velvet theatre seat, with gas lamps illuminating the elegant theatre. Ah, the romance!
The Evolution of the Tutu
You might be surprised to learn that this date, while being quite some time before we got our signature tutus in their iconic romantic forms, marks a significant step in their development. While tutus weren’t truly invented yet, it’s safe to say the groundwork for their transformation was laid in the 19th century.
Imagine dancers performing in heavy, long dresses that flowed all over the stage, obscuring their every movement! Thankfully, dancers were starting to advocate for garments that would allow for a more graceful and dramatic expression of the body.
And here's the fascinating bit about today’s date – it’s linked to a dance drama that challenged the traditional long skirts! It’s called La Source! The story of this ballet follows a romantic affair of a young man, and a nymph called Nixe, leading to her demise. I mean, the plot isn't entirely romantic (death is never pretty), but the movement, oh dear me, the movement was absolutely groundbreaking for the time! It called for short, calf-length skirts, marking a significant departure from the earlier styles, paving the way for the dramatic, ethereal tutu as we know it today.
You can even picture these La Source dancers looking strikingly elegant as they waltzed through the stage in their shorter skirts, their movements fluid and enchanting. We’re not quite at the romantic tulle stage yet, but these shorter skirts certainly played a critical role in pushing the boundaries of dance wear and making way for the glorious tutu of tomorrow!
Shopping for Inspiration
Now, after such an exciting trip to Paris and its grand theatres, it's time for some much-needed retail therapy! It's truly unbelievable what we can discover in Parisian shops. Can you imagine having silk stockings the color of delicate blush roses, a hat adorned with velvet and lace, or a simple cotton gown that would make you look like you were stepped out of a Parisian garden! Shopping is truly the ultimate remedy for all my post-travel jitters.
Oh! And wouldn't you know it, while browsing through a fashionable shop, I spotted something intriguing - a tiny shop selling tulle! My heart simply skipped a beat! Seeing this material for the first time is like discovering a magical ingredient that will change the whole world of dance. Tulle was delicate, graceful and soft – perfect for fashioning into beautiful gowns and even … tutus! It was love at first sight!
I can practically see a magnificent tutu made entirely from layers upon layers of pink tulle, swirling and shimmering with every graceful pirouette. You just need to give me a few years, and I promise I will have every woman, girl, and even the odd man dancing around in one of my pink tutu creations!
A Delightful Travel by Train
The train ride back from Paris has been nothing short of charming. My first-class compartment with plush leather seating, gleaming brass details, and ample legroom felt like my very own personal theatre box. It’s all so incredibly enchanting to travel on trains and be surrounded by all of this refined beauty. The rhythmic chugging of the engine soothes my soul and gives me inspiration.
On my train journeys, I like to sit and observe people, hoping to inspire them with the beauty and joy that comes with wearing a pink tutu! I always take notes on how the various shapes and styles look when people are in motion, which I can later turn into new, stylish tutu creations for my pink-tutu brand! It really helps fuel my creative spirit.
Oh, I’m almost back in Derby, so I’m ready to spend the remainder of my evening reading and catching up on news of local dance productions. Do you know what, I’m absolutely convinced the Derby Royal Ballet Company needs my help with a brand new collection of ballet tutus, designed exclusively for the dancers of Derbyshire. I hope you will join me next Tuesday for a journey through a year of innovation in the world of dance.
Remember, everyone is beautiful and unique in their own way. Wear what makes you feel fabulous and never be afraid to dance through life!
*Don’t forget to subscribe to www.pink-tutu.com for more exciting adventures into the wonderful world of tutus! *
Bisous, Emma
