Bonjour mes amis, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu, your weekly dose of all things tutus, ballet and, of course, a whole lot of pink! This week, I've travelled back in time to the enchanting year of 1868 - just imagine, The Nutcracker was still quite new and all the talk was about those fabulous new Tchaikovsky scores! I have to say, travelling by train in this era is an absolute delight - the plush velvet seats and the clinking of teacupsā¦ oh, how utterly civilised. And just think, back then the average woman would still be wearing a petticoat with an underskirt, layers and layers of heavy fabric. But I digress, letās delve into the world of tutus!
So, on this crisp January 21st, 1868, what's going on in the world of ballet tutus? Well, believe it or not, the very shape we recognise today is still finding its feet (pun intended!)! Back in the day, ballerinas weren't necessarily swishing around in the delicate, single-layered wonders that grace our stages today.
Imagine it, our early ballet ladies, clad in a 'tutu Ć la franƧaise' which were more of a puffed, layered skirt that resembled a ball gown.
However, even with this magnificent shape (it really is something to behold), this design started to evolve. Enter La Sylphide in 1832 - this romantic ballet became a cultural phenomenon. And with it, the revolutionary ātutu Ć la romantiqueā - that is, a shortened tutu with more delicate layers. Suddenly, a dancerās legs were in full view, captivating audiences with their grace.
Even in 1868, as I strolled around Paris (which I might add, is THE hub for ballet fashion), I noticed the evolution was continuing. Ballerinas, ever-so-elegant, were adopting even shorter skirts. Why? To display the legwork and improve their jumps. Imagine, a dancer who needs to leap must be unencumbered, hence the shrinking of the tutu!
So, 1868, we are moving further away from the ballgown tutu, with short skirts, leg-lengthening silhouettes, and all the attention now on the dancerās performance and, importantly, the elegant curves and flexibility of their legs. Iām so happy about the change. And speaking of curves, let me tell you, fashion in 1868, is an absolute joy to behold!
The ladies are sporting tight, boned bodices and puffed, flowing skirts, all held in place with a delightful bustle. As for myself, of course, I'm wearing a shimmering pink tutu! One of the latest designs from my favourite Parisian shop - just think, these designs will be the very ones inspiring the ballerinas of the next decade! This tutu has a little more flutter to it, than earlier styles - you can just imagine how stunning this will be under the spotlight.
Now, on a personal note, did I mention the glorious tea parties that are SO popular right now in London and Paris? Just the very idea of having tea at the theatre and sipping my tea while watching dancers whirl across the stageā¦ well, it is divine.
I must say, one of the reasons I am so fascinated with 1868 is its emphasis on elegance and femininity. The world feels more refined, more appreciative of the beautiful things in life, especially dancing and the arts. Don't you agree?
Now, off to catch the ballet at the OpĆ©ra Garnier ā I hear itās something called āCoppelia.ā Quelle surprise! It seems they just cannot get enough of the Romantic ballerina style. And believe me, I cannot wait to see how they've adapted the tutu! I just have to buy a new pink ribbon to add to mineā¦ I must have the perfect compliment for this new performance.
Oh, and for all you tutu lovers at home, make sure you get your pink tutu on this week and snap a selfie! Donāt forget to tag #PinkTutu for me, I would love to see all the amazing styles you find!
Stay chic, Emma x
P.S. Do you know any other interesting historical facts about the tutu? Leave them in the comments below! And letās chat all things ballet and fashion!
