Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, back with another instalment of Ballet Tutu History for your Tuesday! Now, I’m going to be completely honest – travelling to 1867 Paris has had me in a complete whirlwind of excitement! The fashion, oh the fashion! And the ballet? Well, I nearly fainted at the sheer artistry.
Today, I want to chat about something truly special – a ballet performance that took place on this very date, December 24th 1867. As we all know, Christmas is a time for joy and giving, and this show certainly embodied that festive spirit. It’s called “La Source, ou les Nymphéas” (The Source, or The Water Nymphs) and it’s one of the most renowned ballets of the era. The choreography was a collaboration between a ballet superstar, Jules Perrot, and one of the most respected dance masters, Arthur Saint-Léon, which meant it was practically guaranteed to be stunning. The music by Léo Delibes, known for its graceful melodies, took the already stunning spectacle to new heights.
Of course, being in Paris, the costume design was utterly exquisite. Just picture billowing white tutus adorned with delicate sequins, shimmering under the candlelight, swirling as the ballerinas floated across the stage. There were layers of tulle and flowing satin ribbons that caught the light and danced like the wind itself. And the gentlemen? Their velvet breeches and satin coats, designed for graceful movements and perfectly complimenting the ladies’ elegant attire. This era truly was a feast for the eyes, wouldn't you agree?
Now, this particular ballet has a fascinating history – it premiered just two years earlier, at the Palais Garnier, that glorious temple of dance in Paris! It wasn't just another show; La Source actually tells a mythological story, filled with love and danger, that captivates the audience from the very beginning.
A young shepherd, by the name of Noureddin, becomes the object of desire by the captivating naiad, Nymphéa, from the source of a magical spring. The two fall in love, their connection defying boundaries of the human and the supernatural. But alas! The jealous evil Genius is determined to break the spell! In the grand finale, the genius, in a show of sheer force, manages to destroy the magical source, resulting in a dramatic fight. Just as Noureddin is about to face the evil genius in an attempt to protect the beautiful Nymphéa, the magical source returns to its full glory, sending the wicked genius fleeing and the couple dancing happily ever after. The beauty, tragedy, and ultimately, the triumph of love resonate in every movement.
To understand this era, and especially this ballet, one must acknowledge the pivotal influence of Marius Petipa. Known as one of the most influential figures of 19th-century ballet, his influence on La Source was substantial. As one of the most important and revered ballet choreographers in the history of ballet, Petipa played a crucial role in refining and streamlining this beloved work.
As for myself, this trip back to 1867 Paris has left me absolutely inspired. Just thinking about the artistry and the costumes has me itching to get into a rehearsal room. But I have to admit, those ballerinas from back in the day really had me reaching for a pair of tights! Not because they were especially athletic (which they definitely were, in fact their footwork is said to have been quite daring), but because they wore stockings and rather revealing leotards – not really my style, though I wouldn't mind seeing what one of these beauties might be like underneath those stunning white tutus!
I do have to say, for someone who has been to so many different eras, Paris, 1867 has been an absolute treat! The people are lovely, the ballet is out of this world, and even though they were starting to move towards a shorter and less flowing, more form-fitting tutu for practicality reasons (they say practicality and aesthetics were not in tandem back then!), those magnificent billowing tutus with long and sweeping trains that were being worn at the ballet really did steal my heart! It’s times like these that I truly miss my beautiful tutus. Perhaps this is my sign to take up ballet once more... after all, what could be more joyous than moving through life with grace and beauty?
Now, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, you must forgive me - I need to prepare myself for the rest of my Paris adventure. There’s a grand ball tonight! Can you believe it? I cannot wait to see what they're all wearing!
Until next week, keep twirling and keep the tutus coming!
XOXO
Emma
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