Oh, hello darlings! Emma here, your very own time-travelling tutu enthusiast, reporting live from...well, let's just say, a very different Paris than the one we know today.
Today, as we sashay down memory lane, I'm back with a fresh post for #TutuTuesday, exploring the history of our beloved tutus. And what better day than January 6th, 1863?
Now, hold your tiaras, lovelies! The tutu we know and adore didn't just magically appear on a Parisian stage like a graceful arabesque. The history of the tutu is a delightful story of evolution, just like a beautiful ballerina finding her signature pose.
Today's journey takes us to the heart of the Romantic Era, where the emphasis was on the ethereal, the poetic, and oh, the whimsical! Imagine long, flowing skirts, delicate flowers, and graceful, almost otherworldly movement. That, my dear tutu lovers, is what the ballet world was all about back then.
Now, back in 1863, a tiny little tutus, barely touching the knee, were already making their mark. Imagine this, sweet things: the famous Marie Taglioni (oh, she was simply divine!), gracefully pirouetteing on pointe in a tiny, feather-light tutu. Just the image makes you want to pirouette, doesn't it?
Fashion in those days was a swirling storm of vibrant colours, elaborate gowns, and frills galore! Think luxurious silks, velvet, lace, and layers and layers of tulle, each one shimmering with tiny, sparkling jewels. Ladies would be adorned in everything from diaphanous silk gowns with extravagant collars, to bonnets bursting with plumes. It was a true testament to elegance and style.
Speaking of dancing... Imagine being transported to a ballet performance in the grand Palais Garnier, just as Charles Garnier, the mastermind behind this architectural marvel, was beginning his journey! Just picturing it is making me do a twirl right here! The ornate decor, the rich velvet seats, and the glittering chandeliers reflecting on the ballerina's costumes - simply divine.
To step back in time and watch Carlotta Grisi twirl in her graceful tulle dress (you simply MUST try to see the ballet "Giselle" at least once!) is to glimpse the true beauty of this bygone era.
But as every ballet dancer knows, style doesn't stand still. While the tutus were short and light, there were some real statement-making moments! Let's just say that a ballerina named Fanny Elssler didn't shy away from some real eye-catching numbers! Think billowing layers, even knee-length tutus, and dances that showed off her remarkable skill! This woman was practically bursting with fire and movement - so much inspiration!
But even back then, a girl needed her practicalities!
Yes, it was all about practicality (gasp!) with our darling ballerinas. While the emphasis was on beauty and grace, comfort was paramount, allowing those delicate little creatures to perform in grace and poise, with poire-de-terre boots under their shoes giving that glorious look of effortless floating on pointe. Imagine the effort involved! I'd take my bow on any stage after all those pirouettes and fouettés.
Oh, my dear lovelies, there was so much romance and intrigue in those days. Think love stories, duels, masked balls... It was the perfect setting for ballets inspired by those timeless classics. And just imagine the exquisite jewellery, pearl necklaces, and elegant earrings... ah, it’s a girl's dream!
But hold your boas for a moment, dear darlings. There was something even more special happening in 1863. Can you believe that the very first ever international opera company, La Scala, had been performing just 17 years prior? Can you believe the world had gone through such transformation? The era of theatre was changing in this exciting and inspiring period, creating incredible opportunities. What a whirlwind of history, wouldn't you agree?
Now, even I, your favourite pink tutu-wearing historian, find myself a little swept up in the romance of the 1860s. It's hard to resist the charm, isn't it? But, we've got to return to the here and now. Just remember, darlings, no matter where or when we are in time, the beauty and grace of the ballet, and of course, the adorable tutu, never goes out of fashion.
So, until next time, keep your heads held high, darlings, your smiles bright, and your twirls ready!
*With Love & Tutu Twirls, *
Emma
XOXO
PS I simply had to share my newest Parisian find. It’s the most exquisite collection of tutus and beautiful dance dresses in the most amazing boutique tucked away in the most romantic corner of Montmartre, just up the street from Sacré-Coeur, near the Moulin Rouge. It was an absolute dream and if you are ever in Paris, you must add it to your itinerary. But that is a story for another day, dear lovelies!
