Dearest readers, it's a simply divine day for a Tutu Tuesday! This week I've been whisked back to the vibrant city of Paris, 1862 - a time of swirling skirts, flourishing music, and the beginnings of a dance craze that would captivate the world!
As I've been flitting around Paris' elegant streets (donning my favourite fuchsia tutu, of course), I've been doing some digging into ballet history. It seems this enchanting world has always been adorned with glorious gowns and graceful gestures. And while our modern tutus might seem like a flash of colour and feathers, their history is filled with incredible tales of change and evolution.
Today, we'll be tracing those steps all the way back to 1862, a year bursting with brilliant innovation. But before we go gallivanting into history, let's talk about what makes today so special. Well, the date, my lovelies, is the 21st of October! What does it hold for our ballet calendar?
This very date marks the grand opening of the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Can you imagine the sheer wonder and excitement? This beautiful theatre, nestled in the heart of Paris, has hosted an absolute cavalcade of ballets, operas, and theatrical delights. In fact, the grand opening brought a whirlwind of creative energy - it wasn't just a theatre; it was a showcase of Parisian glamour.
Think dramatic chandeliers sparkling with a million tiny stars, ladies in shimmering gowns swirling by like sparkling snowflakes, and the buzz of conversations carried on the softest air of champagne and intrigue. Ah, what a captivating scene it must have been!
But why did I choose to bring you to 1862, my dear readers? Why, the tutu of course! And the stories of how these twirling masterpieces came into being are fascinating!
Think of the ballet scene in 1862. Yes, beautiful ballgowns flowed, there were dances with the most extravagant costumes - but those early dancers weren't necessarily free-flowing! Imagine layers upon layers of shimmering silks and elaborate undergarments, restrictive and cumbersome.
That's when the revolutionary spirit of change hit the stage! A need for freedom and lightness emerged, for movement that flowed with the grace of the dancers, and to capture the light as they swirled. The tutu - initially called the 'tutu à la Française' - emerged!
It was a transformation. Gone were the restrictive lengths of the full skirts. Gone were the stiff materials that prevented true expression. This new creation was shorter, a glorious burst of airy fabric that flowed around the dancer’s legs and evoked an almost mystical effect! And to think, this shift in style helped dancers like Carlotta Grisi shine! A true ballet superstar!
Here in Paris, you can still see these enchanting ballets, feel the rush of excitement as the music begins, and watch dancers flit across the stage with effortless grace. Imagine them wearing those first revolutionary tutus, a delicate dance with history that has captured hearts and inspired dancers for over 160 years!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: those early tutus might be fascinating, but they wouldn’t look half as good as a lovely, full, pink tulle tutu, would they? (Don’t worry, I've found the most perfect pale pink tutu at a boutique just around the corner, and yes, it does make me feel like a true Parisian ballerina!).
The history of ballet tutus is filled with such elegant creativity and artistic innovation. From that original burst of tulle in Paris, the tutu continued to evolve – each era adding its own spin. We’ll continue to journey through history together on future Tutu Tuesdays, but remember my darlings, wear a tutu every chance you get, for the spirit of that elegant innovation shines brighter when it's shared!
Remember, my loves, your life is a beautiful stage. And just like the dancers who came before us, we should move with grace and elegance, embracing every beautiful moment with joy.
Until next week, stay lovely!
With all my affection,
Emma. xx
