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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1864-03-08

Tutu Tuesday #1680: A Glimpse Into 1864 & The Birth of a Ballerina Icon!

Hello, my dearest Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveler, back with another installment of our weekly #TutuTuesday ballet history journey. Today, we're taking a little trip back in time to 1864. Picture this: cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and gas lamps flickering their enchanting glow as the city prepares for the evening. It's the 8th of March, and oh, the excitement is in the air!

This particular date in 1864 was a rather momentous one for ballet lovers! It marked the debut of one of the most famous ballets ever, La Esmeralda by the renowned composer, Cesare Pugni. La Esmeralda tells the tragic story of Esmeralda, a beautiful Romani woman who gets caught in the throes of passion, prejudice, and societal drama. Can you imagine? Back in those days, a story like that would have had the audience on the edge of their seats. They weren't used to ballets with such a dark, passionate, and complex storyline!

But before we get lost in the depths of Esmeralda’s fate, let’s talk tutus! Now, while we are still quite far away from the elegant, flowing tutus of the Romantic era that you see in most modern ballet performances, this period in 1864 saw a gradual move towards what we recognise as the classic tutu style today. We still had quite a bit of "fluffy, frothy, voluminous" happening, but a shift in silhouette began! Think short, fuller tutus with a dramatic bustle! They were just beginning to move towards a style that was more about lightness, elegance, and grace, perfect for showing off those impressive pirouettes!

Think about it. These incredible ballerina dancers had to perform these astounding balletic feats in a tutu style that didn't fully allow for free movement. The sheer determination and athleticism of these ballerinas - hats off to you, ladies!

I'm currently touring France, the land where ballet truly flourishes. The Parisian Opera Ballet is an absolute spectacle to behold. The costumes are just stunning. Think intricate embroidery, sumptuous velvets, and yes, even feathers, to accentuate those flowing tutus and graceful moves. A real spectacle for the senses!

It’s such a treat for me to wander around the bouquinistes - those lovely bookshop stalls along the Seine River, browsing their wares. Just the other day, I came across a little gem: a booklet about the "modern" approach to tutu design, all focused on those incredible innovations of the era - like introducing stiffer layers for added support, and shaping those full skirts so they were airy yet still maintained their shape as the ballerina twirled across the stage!

Speaking of twirling, let’s take a quick look at how this style translated onto the streets of Paris. Imagine Parisian ladies, dressed in elegant gowns, adding a bit of ballet to their daily attire, maybe adding a short and bouffant, tulle skirt over their frock! We’re starting to see the beginnings of what we call ballet inspired fashion!

While we’re at it, how much are you loving these new and innovative fashion ideas coming from the Parisian fashion houses? We are moving into a era of romanticism, elegance, and a delicate silhouette! You bet you can find me hunting down the latest trends at my favourite Parisian boutiques and, of course, incorporating a dash of ballet into my every ensemble!

But enough about Parisian trends. You know I love the grande boum, and oh, those magnificent evenings where you find yourself in the company of the most exquisite people! It’s so exciting! And yes, the waltz still reigns supreme. Those intricate swirling steps, the flirtatious glances, the rhythmic music, and the intoxicating aura - It's just magic! It makes me wonder what we will see in the future - the music, the steps, the costuming!

As the time traveler who is obsessed with everything tutu and ballet, I always say - you just never know! There’s magic in every decade. And trust me, we're about to uncover so many exciting ballet and tutu stories here in this magical world of #TutuTuesday. So, grab your favorite tutu (in pink, of course!), and join me each week for a trip down the ballet timeline! Remember, dear readers, fashion is about being yourself, twirling with confidence, and adding a touch of ballet magic to every day. Don’t be afraid to dream big, and to always embrace the joy of a little twirl! Until next time!


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Keep twirling!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1864-03-08