Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu aficionado, back with another #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History post, this time whisking you away to 1869 – oh, what a glamorous time! This is post number 1970, so as usual, buckle up your dancing shoes and prepare to travel through time!
Remember how I told you I get to do this time-travelling gig because of my ballet performances? Well, guess where I ended up this week? Paris, the City of Lights, darling! Not only is Paris a wonderland for fashion, it was also, and still is, the undisputed queen of ballet. And what better place to delve into ballet history than where it all started?
Now, before I take you to the Opera Garnier, let’s talk tutus! It’s all about the tutus, right? Today we are looking at a tutu style that became increasingly popular towards the end of the 19th century: the Romantic Tutu.
The Romantic Tutu emerged in the early 1840s, much to the horror of some (who are we kidding, it was mostly men with old-fashioned tastes, darling!). This new style was revolutionary. It wasn’t your mother's, or your grandmother's, ballgown, dear! The Romantic Tutu was much shorter, showcasing the leg and even more, showing the delicate footwork. These ballerinas were no longer floating like nymphs in diaphanous gowns, they were leaping, soaring, and pirouetting like butterflies, their legs dancing stories like brushstrokes on a canvas.
So picture this: 28th of September 1869, you’re walking down a Parisian street – and yes, you probably wouldn’t see ladies with such wild hemlines on their gowns, but your gaze would be instantly captivated by the graceful silhouette of a prima ballerina, her silken hair cascading around her shoulders, her skirt twirling and dipping as she dances, revealing her twinkling pointe shoes, a glimpse of pure artistry in the midst of the urban chaos. The Parisian fashionistas were not ones to shy away from a fashion risk!
Okay, I think I've hyped you up enough. Now, let's head to the Opera Garnier, a grand palace built for dance, for an extraordinary night at the ballet. Just imagine the magnificent crystal chandeliers, the elegant Parisian crowd in their evening finery, and of course, the breathtaking costumes, including, yes, you guessed it - gorgeous Romantic Tutus!
What is the special date of 1869-09-28? Well, that was the first performance of Léo Delibes' beautiful opera La Source, which was also his debut. The performance featured the famous ballerina Rosita Mauri and its choreography by Marius Petipa who became the Director of Imperial Theatres, the highest title for choreographers at the time. Talk about a glittering occasion, darling!
Now, for a little fun, darling, I know you’re all thinking: I love those Romantic Tutus, I must try one! And guess what, dearie, you totally can. The romantic tutu is making a triumphant comeback in the world of dance and fashion! If you are a ballet enthusiast or simply appreciate the timeless charm of the romantic tutu, there are amazing places to buy replicas and reinterpretations. Look out for some wonderful creations for children and adults at dancewear shops near you and some fashion boutiques, who wouldn’t dare to miss the beauty of this dance fashion style!
And now, sashaying back from Paris to our lovely world, remember this #TutuTuesday. Let’s try and bring a little bit of Paris, a bit of ballet, and definitely some pink tutus, into our everyday lives.
Don’t forget, ladies, wear your tutus proudly, wear them for you, wear them for all those magnificent ballerinas of the past, present, and future. Remember to follow us for our #TutuTuesday each week! Have a glamorous Tuesday, darlings! And until next week, twirl on!
