#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1866-07-24

Post #1804

Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina blogger, back with another #TutuTuesday delve into the captivating history of the ballet tutu. Today, we’re waltzing back to the 24th of July, 1866, a date brimming with elegance and excitement!

I’m writing this from the bustling streets of Paris, where the ballet world is positively humming with anticipation. You see, it’s the eve of the premiere of a grand new ballet, “La Source,” at the Palais Garnier, one of the most opulent theaters in all of France!

And can you believe it? This ballet is actually starring a certain Mademoiselle Marie Taglioni, the reigning queen of the Parisian stage, the original Romantic ballerina!

For those of you who aren't in the know (but really, where have you been? It’s history!), Mademoiselle Taglioni, with her exquisite lightness and grace, absolutely changed the way ballet was danced. She redefined the idea of a ballerina, and made the tutu a symbol of ethereal beauty and elegance, a symbol that's still cherished today.

I simply cannot imagine what “La Source,” (which means “the source” or “the spring”) will be like! I’m absolutely desperate to see it! This ballet promises to be filled with intricate choreography and a storyline revolving around a group of dancers escaping to a beautiful valley… sounds utterly dreamy, doesn’t it? I can just picture the ethereal white tutus swishing across the stage, perfectly embodying the innocence and freedom of the characters.

But enough about the present, we’re here to dive into the past, aren’t we?

1866, though, was an exciting time in the history of the tutu. Think about it! The mid-19th century, an age of blossoming fashion and burgeoning theatrical extravagance! You had the elegant dresses, the sweeping ball gowns, and of course, those lovely, billowing tutus.

Our #TutuTuesday dive for today takes us back to the 1860s. I must admit, it's a rather exciting era for the tutu. Remember, back in the earlier part of the 19th century, the ballet tutu was primarily designed for maximum freedom of movement. We were talking about layers upon layers of airy, wispy white tulle.

But fast forward a bit to the 1860s, and you've got the romantic tutu taking centre stage. Now, the focus is no longer on showcasing the ballerina’s movement in all its entirety; it’s on a sense of captivating lightness, dreaminess, almost like an ethereal sprite in an otherworldly forest.

Picture it - wisps of pale pink tulle, a flurry of delicate lace, and perhaps a single rose, perhaps white, perhaps a gentle blush, just as a tiny symbol of a girl’s love for her beloved… now that is pure Romantic tutu magic!

And oh, speaking of pink! You all know my love for pink tutus! This colour is truly the epitome of romantic ballet - so chic, so sweet, and with such an irresistible allure. And back in the 1860s, pink was already taking the fashion world by storm, with its delicate touch adding just the right dash of sophistication to the look.

It was around this time that the classic ballerina bun, a sleek and graceful knot tied at the crown of the head, began to gain popularity. I must admit, there's something very elegant about this style, so en pointe when you consider the flowing tutu. And don't even get me started on those delicate ballerina slippers… such a perfect complement to any ballerina outfit, especially a pink one.

One thing you must understand, my dear tutudiaries, is that the Romantic tutu is more than just a piece of clothing - it is a symbol. A symbol of female empowerment and grace. It is the quintessential female form, sculpted through tulle and love, designed to float and dance through the air with freedom, unbound by restrictive societal norms.

In fact, many of these Romantic ballerinas of the 1860s (my favourite era, by the way! cough), had strong opinions about freedom. Take for example the famous Carlotta Grisi, whose rebellious spirit and unconventional nature earned her much admiration, though also caused some controversy back in the day. She is known for having performed some pretty outrageous ballet scenes that raised eyebrows… not what one would typically expect of the typical ballet dancers of the time! Yet she embraced her own individuality - talk about girl power, am I right?

I must admit, it was these groundbreaking, revolutionary women who really defined what a ballet tutu truly stood for. By choosing a tutu, they made a statement about their artistic talents, a powerful statement that dared to break free from the norms. They created a tradition of ballet fashion that we are all still benefiting from today!

But that’s all I have time for this week! The streets are calling, with their shops bursting with exquisite dresses and ribbons, and all sorts of wonderful and exciting things to discover!

But don't forget, tutudiaries, the ballet world is a captivating, exciting space where creativity and artistry know no bounds! We're in the midst of an incredible ballet evolution, where the tutu constantly adapts and blossoms.

Until next time, keep your tutus high, your spirits soaring, and keep your eyes peeled for those magnificent dancers!

Remember to join me next #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! Stay tuned for even more insights into the ever-evolving story of the ballet tutu. And, of course, let’s keep the tutu movement going strong, tutudiaries!

Remember:

Pink is the colour of life, of joy, and of ultimate tutu elegance!

See you next week, lovelies! Until then, go forth and embrace the glorious tutu in all its fabulous forms. Happy dancing!

Love, Emma