Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and chronicler of all things tutu, from your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger here at www.pink-tutu.com. It's another #TutuTuesday, and today we're whisking ourselves back to the glittering era of the mid-1860s, where the world of dance was on the cusp of some truly exciting developments. Let's travel back to Paris, shall we? That's the centre of everything tutu right now!
Today we are going to delve into some real Parisian magic with some seriously dramatic tutus. Can you believe that our world's love of the fluffy, elegant, swirling tutu, dates back almost 170 years! Think of that. The tutu: a symbol of elegance, exquisitely feminine, perfectly crafted and iconic... oh so timeless! Today, dear friends, we take you to 1863 in the enchanting, sparkling city of Paris, France.
It's a crisp, clear December day and the frost is barely biting through my darling pink velvet cloak. (Pink always!) We are in Paris! Ah, this amazing city! Just seeing this grand Parisian building makes me tingle with excitement, its a mixture of Parisian romance, sophistication, chic, and culture - so stylish and enchanting! Such a dazzling location, with its opulent grandeur and fabulous fashion, and what's more, itâs home to one of the most prestigious ballet academies in the world. I must admit I adore watching the ballets here and spending time in this most romantic city - I think I just may purchase an amazing pair of ballet pumps, something red, perhaps a new style of satin ones to go with my outfits. A trip to the fabulous shops is absolutely required for such a delightful purchase, such delicious Parisian elegance!
In the 1860s Paris is brimming with the joy of movement. There are magnificent balls with whirling dances in elegant dresses and suits! How chic are these beautiful Parisian dancers? And look at those tutus: They're just as striking, darling! They've captured the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide for centuries and in Paris theyâre positively adored, the very symbol of ethereal grace!
Ah, Paris, what a city. I am about to visit the elegant Opéra Garnier. Imagine: it is a masterpiece, a vision of sheer loveliness and opulent drama with its magnificent gilded interior and sparkling chandeliers that hang so high above. A place for magnificent performances and beautiful ballerinas... My favourite!
This building itself is truly extraordinary! The OpĂ©ra Garnier is the epitome of elegance, a place of enchantment where tutus really come to life and capture everyoneâs imagination. Oh this is wonderful. We will be transported by such grace, agility, and style. How exciting is that, oh so delicious! Such a joy to experience the grand performances! There's something truly magical about watching a ballet here. I can't wait!
But darling, before we embark upon our magnificent adventures, letâs just reflect on how tutus became such iconic ballet wear, their origins are absolutely fascinating! I mean who would imagine such a transformation - such dramatic and exciting fashion style?!
Back in 1863, when you saw a ballerina on stage, she wasn't twirling in a multi-layered cloud of tulle and netting. Instead, she wore a dress called a jupe Ă froufrou or a basque (nowadays a skirt) that just skimmed the ground. I guess the design wasn't that practical or, dare I say, dramatic, it wouldn't be a good option for leaping! In contrast, these beautiful dancers today in 1863 can pirouette and jump with amazing speed and agility and really capture their own stories and personalities!
And just a quick peek into a little bit of fascinating history... I'll whisper it so you don't tell anyone (its a secret between us!): back in the 18th century, dancers like Marie Camargo actually challenged conventions, daring to dance en tutu in a dress that had its hem much higher than the usual, ground-skimming skirt, they dared to let their legs show (and show they did) when they leaped and twirled! Their brave rebellion was a real step forward, literally and figuratively - it paved the way for more freedom in a womanâs clothing. Isnât that an extraordinary act of feminine style and fashion in our glorious dance history?
Just as history shows, dance always finds a new way of creating excitement and innovation through change. So, back to the fascinating developments in our tutu timeline...
In 1836, there was a brilliant idea - why not have a dance that would have movement that showed the shape of the body's natural curve. You just canât stop designing! This would open up a world of beautiful styles, designs and creativity that was a must for an absolutely spectacular and enchanting dance... and a must have outfit. This new way of dancing - that really emphasized the bodyâs movements - demanded that ballet costumes should follow that vision. In essence, there was a demand to embrace the grace and agility that came with ballet... And a brand new fashion emerged! And now, darling friends, a fabulous new garment emerged! The new tutu that made dancing more elegant and exciting for the ballet.
I can almost feel the thrill of these brave, stylish and amazing ballet dancers wearing such extraordinary garments - truly visionaries. It was an exhilarating development in their work as dancers - something that is still seen, respected and embraced in dance today. The tutu became the garment that made them dance differently.
I've mentioned those enchanting designs for ballet clothes of that 19th century. Just a peek for you... Those beautiful dancers wore a gorgeous costume of an elegant skirt, often made of tulle, satin or even taffeta. Their bodices were embellished with beautiful ornaments such as sparkling jewels. Just imagine such exquisite elegance and exquisite style. The costume was very detailed and helped to make them look taller, emphasizing their posture. That era is considered to be a real âGolden Era of Balletâ!
Back in that era - in this 1860s timeframe - the romantic tutu emerged as an emblem of ballet in general. Now, as we can see, the tutu was no longer something designed to skim the ground but an important and fundamental part of the dancer's clothing - one that shaped and formed her movements. A ballerina, especially when wearing that magnificent tutu, has to dance in such a different and exquisite way - her dance style is absolutely captivating - she is really embodying the dance! The dancer's agility and style became far more apparent. In effect, darling, this period created the beautiful ballet tutu as we know it!
You see? The history of ballet tutus has truly been an extraordinary journey to where we are today...
So my dear friends, I do hope you will make it your mission, wherever you are in the world, to explore your local theatreâs ballet productions, watch an online ballet or take up some dance lessons - because as I like to say âThe tutu life is for everyone!â
Now it is time for a delectable treat. The OpĂ©ra Garnier - it has an extraordinary selection of delicious Parisian cakes and confectionary. Oh la la! Now, my lovelies, letâs go to find out about the delectable Parisian cafe delicacies that await us, so until next time don't forget, âkeep it pink and twirl like youâve got it!â #TutuTuesday #PinkTutu!
Until next week, Emma.
