#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1868-04-14

Hello my darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado and chronicler of all things tulle, ready to whisk you back to another enchanting #TutuTuesday.

Today we travel back in time to a very special date, 14th April, 1868, a date that would have been buzzing with excitement across the continent! Oh, to have been there! Imagine waltzing into the Parisian Opéra and catching a performance of “La Source”, a grand ballet choreographed by none other than Arthur Saint-Léon!

Now, I know what you're thinking – “Emma, what's so special about this particular ballet?

Well, my dears, “La Source” holds a special place in ballet history. For those of you not familiar, this romantic ballet, filled with dramatic storylines and sweeping, elegant dances, debuted at the Opéra back in 1866, a glorious two years before the date we're celebrating. The grand scale of this production made it a major spectacle – everyone from the elite to the humble townsfolk wanted to be seen at the Opéra, soaking in its dazzling, intricate steps and colourful costumes.

But why, you ask, did I choose to go back in time to 14th April, 1868? It's all about the tutu, my darlings!

This day marks the Grand Premiere of another fantastic ballet, one that went on to revolutionise what tutus meant, what they represented – “Coppélia”, a ballet filled with mischievous charm and lighthearted beauty!

“Coppélia”, unlike “La Source”, doesn’t rely on elaborate stories or vast dance ensembles, and while the tutus worn were absolutely stunning, they had a key distinction. You see, darling, "La Source" featured the traditional Romantic tutu, the "leg o'mutton" (we all remember its full, wide skirt and slightly puffed-up shape!).

"Coppélia" brought in a brand-new style! The tutu took on a new form - lighter, with more tiers, lending itself to lighter, more graceful movements, highlighting the ballerinas’ beautiful lines. Oh, the joy of the whirling, swirling, almost effortless grace those elegant steps would have displayed!

And just imagine, all of this elegance, my dear readers, took place in that grand, enchanting Parisian Opera House, filled with gaslight, a place that vibrated with elegance, where the stage was alive with the brilliance of dance, and tutus danced, waltzed, and soared, a vision in soft pastels, light and graceful! It's all about showcasing the dancers and giving them room to show their strength, artistry, and the freedom of movement. The tutu itself is an elegant and graceful garment and "Coppélia" shows how wonderfully it dances and moves with the ballerinas, making the most of its form.

Isn’t it all utterly charming?

Just picture this – you've travelled through time to 14th April, 1868. You're all decked out in your gorgeous, full, pink tulle tutu, of course – how else would a true ballet devotee be caught dead?! Your heart is racing with excitement because, of course, you're heading to the Opéra. The cobblestones beneath your feet are worn smooth by the feet of others in the past, a tangible reminder of the rich history of ballet that is unfolding around you! You join a throng of eager audiences, the whispers of their anticipation are almost as thrilling as the show itself, and the excitement begins to bubble!

As you step into the Opéra, the scent of dust and polished wood tickles your senses. A gasp escapes your lips. All around you, a glittering tapestry of lights, golden chandeliers twinkling, shining like celestial diamonds! The sound of violins playing fills the air as the stage lights dim, preparing the audience for a show about to transport them to a world of magic, swirling tutus and passionate romances. The entire atmosphere is alive with the electricity of anticipation. Oh, I just long to go back in time, to live this moment again and again, feeling the grandeur of this spectacle, basking in the glow of Parisian elegance.

Perhaps this evening is about celebrating "Coppélia's" premiere but there’s a story, “La Source”, just two years prior! I’d travel to 1866 to enjoy “La Source” too. The tutu - this wondrous garment - played an essential part in defining what those ballets meant for the world, how they transformed the art of dance.

I can only dream of the joy I'd feel, seeing those elegant, delicate, layered, lighter tutus take the stage in "Coppélia," seeing the lightness and freedom they give to the ballerinas. The thrill of it, seeing dancers take these gorgeous costumes and bringing them to life! I'd see that perfect, delicate, and graceful garment in the flesh.

And the dresses of the audience would be magnificent too, don't you think? I bet a fair amount of them were crafted with flowing fabrics, delicate ruffles and lace, all swirling around as if preparing for the magical whirlwind about to happen.

This period is the golden age of tutus - so glamorous! I am dying to find a time-traveling "Coppélia" dress with layers and tiers of pink tulle. It’s not going to be easy – you'll probably need a little time travelling magic to discover one like this – and you’ll have to be bold and fierce when shopping for your ideal gown. But trust me, when you find that perfect dress for your own 1860s ballet experience, the effort will be worth it,

Let me know your thoughts, dears! Where else would you travel with your tutu, my lovely ballet enthusiasts? Share your favourite historical ballet stories or tutu-related dreams with me below.

Remember to check in next week for another delightful foray into ballet history on #TutuTuesday! Until then, happy swirling!

Yours truly,

Emma