Hello my darling tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your trusty pink-clad time traveller, back again with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past! This week, we're whisking ourselves back to the 1869 - a time when skirts were flowing and grace was all the rage. Let's set off on a whimsical journey, shall we?
Today is March 30th, 1869 and we are in Paris, the capital of fashion, where tutus have just started to bloom. This is a time of significant change in the ballet world, as the Romantic era begins to wane, paving the way for the later development of the tutu as we know it.
Before we dive into the sartorial wonders, I've just gotta share how I arrived here, you know, time travel being a little fickle! This time, it involved a rather splendid train ride from London (always love a train journey, such elegant carriages and a chance to indulge in the fascinating sights of the world whipping past!). My ballet performance in Covent Garden earlier had funded my escapade – you see, I make it my mission to make sure my time travel fund is perpetually topped up with earnings from performances, because … let's be honest, a girl needs her tutus!
Anyways, enough about the practicalities and back to the glorious ballet tutus! As you might imagine, life in Paris in 1869 is a delight! Just stepping into the vibrant streets makes my heart leap. The streets are brimming with life - bustling with carriages and fashionable gentlemen and ladies strolling by in their fine finery. I swear, it’s a sartorial spectacle at every turn!
But back to our focus - the tutu in the late 1860s. Imagine a swirling, diaphanous cloud of tulle - light and delicate. We’re still not quite in the full-length 'romantic tutu' yet. That would be around ten years down the road, but this is a fascinating point in time because the iconic tutu is undergoing a subtle shift in design and the fashion conscious are certainly taking notice!
At the Paris Opera Ballet (known as the "Opera" for short), one of the most prestigious dance schools of the time, ballerinas are still showcasing a mixture of tutus - a lovely combination of the elegant Romantic tutu, with its layers and floaty movement, and a more form-fitting silhouette, a nod towards a move to ballet classics of the day, which require greater athleticism and tighter footwork.
Think 'Giselle' by Adolphe Adam. Imagine a wispy cloud of white or pink, layers upon layers, creating a dreamy ethereal feel, a vision of effortless grace. Now imagine a sleek black tutu – like the elegant silhouette for 'Swan Lake,' which premiered in 1877 - allowing ballerinas to perform technically challenging choreography with ease and flair!
So, let's fast forward back to the 21st century. We're certainly blessed, we've got so many varieties to choose from! Short, long, frilly, plain. A rainbow of colours to choose from and don’t get me started on the patterns, fabrics and styles! I could happily spend all day in a fabric shop, especially one with a good tutu selection.
In honour of this amazing era in tutu history, I encourage you all to rock your favourite tutu today! Embrace the elegance and grace that tutus embody. Whether you're whipping up a ballet inspired outfit for your day, taking a class, or attending a show, let's spread the tutu love this Tuesday. Don't forget to tag me in your fabulous outfits on Instagram!
See you next week, with another inspiring tutu tale, my loves!
Until then, remember, a pink tutu makes the world a happier, brighter place!