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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1865-02-14

Tutu Tuesday: A Glimpse Into the Past, From Pink Tutu to Pink Tutu!

Hello my dears! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are the main event! It's Tutu Tuesday, the day we delve into the history of our beloved fluffy friends, and I am positively tickled pink to be sharing another juicy bit of ballet history with you all. Today's journey takes us all the way back to 1865, a fascinating era for tutus and the wonderful world of ballet!

This is post number 1729, my little lovelies, so I do hope you're all caught up on my previous historical forays into tutu land. You can find them all over on www.pink-tutu.com - you know, for when you've finished reading this one! I've been quite busy hopping around the time stream recently, and let me tell you, each trip is a delightful experience!

So, pack your most fabulous feather boas, ladies (and gentlemen, you know you secretly love a good tutu too!), and grab a cup of your favourite hot beverage. We are boarding the time train to 14th February 1865! Buckle up, we're in for a ride!

As I hopped off the train and into the heart of Paris - yes, I adore the romance of that city - the first thing I noticed, of course, was the tutus. Ah, how my little heart skipped a beat! In the 1860s, ballet tutus were transitioning from the romantic tutu of the early 1800s towards the longer, fuller tutu, or tutu romantique, as it was affectionately known. It was all about highlighting the ballerina's graceful movement and emphasizing the elegant lines of the dancer.

Now, February 14th... the day itself, in 1865, was relatively uneventful. Imagine, no Valentine's Day gifts or chocolate galore. Although, it is fair to say that the year as a whole was very much the opposite. The world of ballet, even then, was bubbling with activity. In that very same year, a brilliant new ballet called Coppélia, by the illustrious Leo Delibes, debuted in Paris. Now, Coppélia has remained a cherished part of the ballet world ever since. Talk about leaving a lasting impression! It's even become something of a classic, and I'm absolutely delighted it will forever be remembered in ballet history. I just love a good love story! And even though I didn't get to see the first showing of Coppélia (don't worry, I saw it later during another jaunt!), I could practically imagine the hushed gasps and the applause from the audience!

Let's be honest, even then, there was something special about the tutu that had everyone, including myself, falling in love. In fact, I can't even talk about ballet in the 1860s without thinking of those gorgeous, billowing tutus romantiques - like fluffy clouds of fabric, gracefully catching the light. Oh my, just imagine! A ballerina taking centre stage, her ethereal movements encased in a tutu, and a captivating tale of love, loss, and magical creations. This is the essence of what makes the tutu romantique so absolutely fabulous, even from a pink-tutu loving blogger from Derbyshire. I know, right? It's practically poetic!

You might be wondering, "Emma, why the romantic tutu?" And you are right to be inquisitive! It seems there's always a deeper story to be told in fashion, even when we're talking about tutu history! You see, by the mid-1860s, these big, full tutus were the go-to style for dancers, bringing new dimension to classical ballets like Swan Lake and La Sylphide. The tutu romantique took on a new sense of fluidity and, as I mentioned, allowed the ballerina to gracefully move and showcase the elegant artistry of ballet. It's easy to see why it remained a popular choice in those times! It was truly an era where elegance and grace were held in high esteem, and it makes me swoon every time!

But hold on, dear reader, it wasn't all about the tutu romantique. While those voluminous clouds of fabric may have been all the rage, the time also saw a glimpse into a new era for tutus, an era I am absolutely enthralled with. We saw a growing prominence of the shorter, more streamlined tutu a la Francaise, particularly favoured in ballets that required agility and sharp movements. Think leaps and twirls, my dears! This shorter style was closer to the form of the body, giving the ballerinas an excitingly athletic edge! In those moments of sheer movement, the graceful curve of the ballerina's leg, all perfectly highlighted by the shorter tutu - there's something breathtaking about it.

Speaking of the graceful ballerina, 1865 saw the world introduce to the lovely Carlotta Grisi. She became known as the 'Sylph', a whimsical name that perfectly encapsulates her ethereal, graceful presence on stage. Her dance and artistry became part of ballet history as she danced the role of La Sylphide with her signature lightness and air of perfection. And the costumes, my dears? She danced in all kinds of tutus. I'm sure you know by now, the little tutu devotee in me would have adored it all.

What do you know, another bit of ballet history, and another pink tutu devotee, right in the middle of it all. Just you wait till I tell you what she wore to the premieres!

This period in ballet history truly exemplified the changing times in fashion. The silhouette of the tutu became lighter, with the tutu a la Francaise becoming more widely popular in ballet performances. But here's the fascinating part: The tutu romantique never really disappeared completely. In fact, it was still worn in some of the most famous ballets - remember, I am not simply talking about a ballet show but also an overall cultural movement and passion! It remained a symbol of classical beauty, a testament to the timelessness of elegance and grace! It’s truly exciting to see that fashion evolves over time. Even back then, the trendsetters knew that you couldn't throw away the classics.

My little ballet fans, I just adore how even during this period of evolution, those fabulous tutus continued to captivate and inspire audiences with their beauty. You know what I love most? No matter what style was in fashion, those dazzling tutus never ceased to add a touch of magic and wonder to ballet performances. They truly did become the perfect canvas for ballerinas to express their artistry! You know, those elegant tutus helped transform ballerinas into those enchanting ethereal creatures we're all drawn to. Don’t you agree, my dears?

You can see it even today! Whether it's the fluffy cloud-like tutu romantique of Giselle or the captivating simplicity of a tutu a la Francaise, tutus in ballet still hold a sense of romantic wonder. You just can't deny the beautiful blend of classic and contemporary that makes those iconic tutu shapes truly enchanting, my little ballet fans. Just look at how many dancers today wear both these styles to perfect their performances. You see, fashion comes and goes, but classic styles tend to stay. Maybe we should try a #tutuTuesday revival for the modern tutu a la Francaise? Oh, I do love an idea!

Oh, one last little detail, my lovelies: My visit to 1865 was absolutely packed with things to see. It is easy to see how Paris was - and, I suppose, still is - a city buzzing with excitement, style, and the allure of ballet. My fellow tutu lovers, remember those days, the romance, the grace of ballerinas... oh my! That feeling? I am on a mission to bring that back, not only in ballet but in everyday life! I'll even show you all how.

Until next Tuesday, my loves,

Your very own, Tutu-tastic Emma!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1865-02-14