#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1870-01-11

Hello darlings! Emma here, your very own tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, back with another #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re stepping back in time to January 11th, 1870. Now, you might be wondering what was happening on this particular date in the world of tutus. Well, my darlings, it's not as glamorous as one might expect, as far as the actual garment goes. We’re still very much in the era of the Romantic Tutu. But the excitement was building! The very era we’re exploring is known as a defining point in the development of the tutu.

We're standing on the precipice of a new ballet era, and you've gotta know how much that gets my heart aflutter! I just feel that exciting buzz, that sense of change and possibility... you can almost taste it in the air! The stage was getting set for what was to come! Let's delve into what the world of ballet tutus was like way back when.

Back in 1870, you wouldn’t have caught me in a bright, bubblegum pink tutu. No, my dears, it wasn't a common sight, in fact, you'd likely see more demure, subtle pastel hues, with a whole lot of white going on, It was more of a 'misty moonlight' aesthetic with tulle and silk, but all that shimmering beauty was worn with the strictest of elegance.

Don't worry though, it was a beautiful time to be a ballet fan, I tell you! Those graceful gowns with their airy layers, flowing out like swans in a beautiful, romantic ballet... truly divine!

I was fortunate enough to see a ballet production recently called “La Sylphide”. It's considered a very influential piece and very typical of this Romantic Ballet era we’re discussing, and as always, the ladies looked divine in their delicate, ethereal tutus. The ethereal, delicate silhouette was definitely the favoured style! The layers of tulle were so incredibly airy and light - like the wisp of a dream, my darlings!

The Romantic Tutu, is what truly brought our iconic ballet dress into the spotlight, and in 1870, the fashion was all about it. They were often longer than their predecessors, giving that graceful, flowing appearance.

There’s a little bit of trivia for you! It was all thanks to the creative genius, Maria Taglioni. She's considered one of the pioneers of this Romantic Tutu style. Imagine her elegance as she would twirl across the stage! Her tutu allowed for movement, grace, and lightness, much like the gentle movements of the Romantic Ballet, They looked positively angelic. Just think of all those ethereal ballerinas like Taglioni who were inspiring these exquisite designs. What a breathtaking and impactful moment in ballet history.

And in 1870, right on this date of the 11th January, London saw a production of ‘Faust’ by Gounod, which I must tell you was quite a huge hit. They’re still doing productions today, you know! I love a bit of ‘Faust’. There's a very clever story there, the dark mythology is so intriguing. I was very lucky, in my time travels, to have the pleasure of seeing Jenny Lind's performance of this ballet in 1857, here in London. I'm getting distracted here, but Jenny Lind was phenomenal. So much drama! Back to the point, It's no coincidence that these productions happened right at a time when the Romantic tutu was experiencing its golden age, don’t you think? It's quite a remarkable coincidence, because the tutu was an essential element of that iconic style. I mean, how could we imagine any production, any stage performance, any elegant move, without those exquisite tutu creations?! It's like an indispensable ingredient, like sugar and spices in my favourite pudding! It's quite simply divine!

Let's discuss another fun piece of 1870’s tutu history. If you’re a lover of the history of our beautiful little ballerina skirt, you have to understand that this date is a part of a larger revolution in the world of fashion. In that very same year, it was announced that there would be the most grand fashion exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London. All eyes in Europe would be upon London and the fabulous and fashionable, just imagine! It would have been a fantastic event and a moment of change in the way we viewed fashion and the stage.

London at this time, and indeed for many years after, was at the forefront of all things chic and elegant, particularly for theatrical fashion. It was the very place, my dear darlings, that the tutu found its legs! Well, more like its beautiful billowing skirt, don't you think? We have the wonderful English influence for this. We are fortunate to have been able to give such beauty to the world of ballet!

If we were able to hop onto the wonderful trains of London in 1870 and pop into a shop selling elegant outfits, you'd see many tutu-inspired garments, but these would not be true stage tutus. No, they'd be more like lovely skirts with more layers of material than previous fashion trends. Just like a little teaser for the ballerina fashion to come, think of the beautiful Victorian fashion trends we had at that time. They were the embodiment of the Romantic period, wouldn't you say? They were all about those flowing, elaborate dresses, with a touch of elegance and the suggestion of movement, as opposed to the dramatic swishes and the grand leaps that became the essence of a proper ballet tutu! But what wonderful fun to wear a piece inspired by our dear tutu!

And now I'll tell you about the fascinating development that was brewing! While the Romanticism was in full swing, and its iconic tutu, the stage was setting for a new era! Now this is very important to me. We're moving forward to the later part of the 19th century, around the time that Carlotta Grisi started dancing. And her arrival signaled the beginning of the ‘Classical Tutu’. This is a massive change that we will be talking about in a few weeks when we arrive there. The Classical tutu, a very different style and one we still love today! So exciting to see where ballet tutus are heading.

While I'm absolutely mesmerized by all things tutu, it is worth acknowledging that it is so much more than just a fluffy skirt. It’s symbolic, you see. Every ruffle, every single piece of tulle has a story to tell, and it embodies movement and freedom of expression. It is also a powerful representation of the transformation that took place in the world of ballet and dance, as a way for dancers to embody their craft and their feelings through a magical blend of grace, strength, and artistry. A bit dramatic perhaps, but we ballet lovers do love a touch of drama!

This is Emma here signing out, and just a little reminder to you, my dears, that pink tutus will always have my heart! Remember to always embrace that little ballerina inside yourself and make sure you’re staying fabulous. I’m off to catch the train back to my next dance class. Let’s explore those ballet tutus in all their beauty, together!

Don’t forget to tune in next week for more TutuTuesday History.

Love always,

Emma xxx