Oh my darlings, welcome back to my little corner of the internet! It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another trip down the glamorous lane of tutu history! This week, we're venturing all the way back to 1866 - a truly glorious year for dance, fashion, and, of course, the all-important tutu!
My dear, Derbyshire-born self, has always been enchanted by the past, especially by the period right before tutus began their rise to fame! Imagine, ladies, an era where dancers took to the stage in dresses that barely let them twirl! Shocking, I know, right?
This week's travel destination? Why, Paris, the very cradle of elegance itself! The year is 1866, and the OpƩra Garnier is about to open its doors to the public for the first time, presenting a spectacle so grand, it would make even the most seasoned ballet lover gasp!
This new opera house was the brainchild of Emperor Napoleon III himself, and a masterpiece in itself! Imagine, an entire building designed solely for the exquisite delight of dance and music, adorned with shimmering chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and opulent plush velvet seats! Pure Parisian glamour!
And it wasn't just the venue that was sparkling - fashion, too, was absolutely thrilling! This era saw the birth of the iconic "crinoline," that wonderfully billowing structure worn beneath dresses. It gave skirts such voluminous swirls, almost mimicking the delightful flutter of a bird's wings!
Speaking of flutters, what about the dancers themselves? You see, back in 1866, ballet dancers were mostly wearing very restrictive attire. Iām talking floor-length skirts, heavy fabric, and definitely not something that allowed them to dance with the fluid grace we adore today.
Luckily, the very next year, a legendary name, Marie Taglioni, stepped into the limelight. And wouldnāt you know it, she wore a tutu that had its own personal story! I am, of course, talking about the āwhite tulleā tutu.
She wore this magical garment while dancing the "La Sylphide," a dance that transformed ballet forever. It was this magical performance, where Marieās graceful moves, combined with this delightful airy dress, created the vision we still see on the ballet stage today. Itās the ultimate ballerina look. A true testament to the power of fashion on performance.
Now, back to Paris in 1866 - while the ācrinolineā was sweeping up the floors of Paris, imagine, my dears, the dancers, those incredible ladies, in their not-quite-yet-revolutionary garments. But oh, they must have danced with so much joy! I can just picture them performing in this beautiful new theatre - imagine the swirling costumes, the radiant music, the breathtaking chandeliers! What an absolute delight!
Oh, and this amazing spectacle happens to be just a tiny, delightful moment in time when everything seems to be a bit extra fancy, so my darling loves of all things sparkly! You just have to feel that air of elegant formality!
The journey from these restrictive outfits to the modern ballerina tutu wasnāt overnight! It took years and years, from this moment in 1866 and all the way through to the early 1900s. The journey to create a tutu that could fly and spin like a true feather, to create the magic we all see today! The elegance and freedom in movement is what I'm all about.
However, remember this date, ladies, because it is the first glimpse of the most dazzling transformation - the coming of the tutu!
Now, while I'm all for a proper dance in a classic, beautiful pink tutu, sometimes you need to channel those elegant Victorian vibes - think romantic, elegant lines. How does a full skirt, made in layers of delicate chiffon in your choice of ballet pinks, feel, my darlings? Oh, and imagine pairing this with a crisp, white, ruffled blouse! I love this mix of classic feminine elements! For this look, the shoes? Classic ballet pumps, a subtle heel, just for a bit of a glamorous step - I love a bit of practicality, especially while walking the bustling streets of Paris. Itās the perfect combination of elegance, beauty, and history. A bit of everything a fashion-conscious ballerina could wish for!
Of course, I can't forget our love of pink! We must always keep this in mind as we explore our love of tutu history! Itās just too perfect to resist! And this year? Well, itās just about impossible to get your hands on real pink satin in London! This delicate beauty was the big fashion sensation back in the day! Oh, to have access to these magical fabrics back in 1866 - we would have every dancer in a pink tutu by Christmas! Thatās the goal for this seasonās collection.
Anyway, my dear devoted fans, that's all for today's blog post! Donāt forget to tune in next week for another tutu journey back in time, as we explore the world of ballet. And most importantly, ladies, donāt forget to put your pinkest tutus on this week! And tell me all about it!
Stay tuned, my loves, for more tutu-filled adventures, and remember: You're never too old or too young to be a true ballet lover!
Until next time!
Emma x
P.S. If you havenāt yet visited Paris, I highly recommend you put this city at the top of your travel bucket list. Trust me, ladies, you won't regret it! Oh, and of course, you must see a ballet performance while youāre in the city. And who knows, I may see you in the crowd!
