#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1870-07-12

Hello, dears! Emma here, back again for another #TutuTuesday with a blast from the past! It’s a positively sweltering summer day here in Paris, the sun just pouring down onto the cobblestone streets. The air is abuzz with the chatter of Parisian ladies, and even the pigeons seem to be strutting a bit more confidently. I couldn't think of a better day to whisk us back to 1870 and delve into the fascinating history of the ballet tutu!

This is Post Number 2011, my darlings. You can find all my #TutuTuesday blog posts over at www.pink-tutu.com. Just click on the "Blog" tab! Today, we're going to be talking all things ballet tutu, with a dash of time travel, of course! I think a quick spin on the Metro might help us get some inspiration… but hold on a second – we need to switch our pink tutus for something a bit more 1870s! Oh, what a predicament! Shall we go for a bustle? Maybe a big bonnet? But of course, our love of pink must remain! We shall settle on a stunning, pink, flowing frock, with some delicate lace and a playful touch of ribbon – that should do the trick, darlings!

As you know, Paris is where it's at for all things fashion and, in 1870, the world of dance was certainly no different. We’re going to step back in time to an era where ballerinas were all about graceful, flowing lines, and their tutus reflected that. Imagine… silk, tulle, and satin! Layers and layers of these soft, airy fabrics swirling around a ballerina, like a fluffy, pink cloud. Speaking of clouds… it feels as though my skirt is billowing like a gentle breeze, which I confess I quite adore!

Of course, the classic ballet tutu, with its perfectly layered tiers of tulle, didn't come about overnight. Imagine my astonishment – I never realized there were so many evolutions!

Back in the early days of ballet, dancers would have worn elaborate and voluminous costumes that were cumbersome and restrictive. You can imagine it! I would feel most constricted! Thankfully, ballet and costume design have made incredible strides. We owe a debt of gratitude to our early ballerina predecessors, those pioneers who bravely experimented and set the stage for the beautiful evolution of the ballet tutu.

Here's a whirlwind tour of the tutu's journey through the 19th century, right up until the year 1870 when we are visiting our darling Paris, today:

• The “Robe a la Polonaise”: Our little trip to the past wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the era of Marie Antoinette, très chic indeed. In the 18th century, dancers sported skirts with elegant, draped fabrics that billowed out at the back, often adorned with lace, ruffles, and an extravagant touch of glitter, very Marie Antoinette! The fashion was full and flowing!
• The Shortening Skirt: The first true sign of a changing silhouette – we're starting to see a hint of our contemporary tutus! The "rocketed skirt," introduced around the early 1800s, was a revolutionary move, shortening the skirt and making it a touch more lightweight. I just know a ballerina could pirouette in this shortened style! Imagine being able to see the beautiful footwork!
• The “Romantic Tutu”: In the 1830s and 40s, "Romantic ballet" swept across Europe like a whirlwind, much like my travels. This style embraced a lighter, more graceful approach, showcasing the ethereal elegance of dancers, Oh, just imagine the beautiful dancers gliding across the stage in such delicate ensembles! This "Romantic Tutu" was crafted using several layers of soft tulle, flowing to the floor – very dream-like!
• The “Shortened Tutu: This was a real revolution in the history of dance, I say! The dancers, brave pioneers of a new movement in the art of ballet, bravely shed length! Imagine, such liberation! They ditched the floor-length tutus in favor of shorter ones that flowed freely about the hips! This was all thanks to the revolutionary approach of Carlotta Grisi, and the era-defining, La Sylphide.

Now, that’s what I’m talking about – shorter tutus for even more freedom and graceful, fluid movement. This is a real milestone in the story of ballet, and it would have a lasting impact, leading up to the time of our little excursion into the 19th century.

• The “Classical Tutu”: We reach the era of Marius Petipa, the godfather of Classical Ballet! Imagine the "classical tutu," perfectly tailored with the *short, fitted bodice *with a slightly shorter, bouffant skirt of about six tiers. Oh, so chic!* With such beautiful fabric textures, it was almost like wearing a cloud… it’s no wonder they loved it! This style revolutionized the ballerina's look, emphasizing elegance, flexibility, and artistry, bringing about a completely new understanding of ballet costumes.
• The "Late 19th-century Tutu:" I imagine Paris circa 1870. Picture: The tutu becomes slightly shorter, just as I do when it’s scorchingly hot outside (which is precisely what we’re having here today!), with fewer layers of tulle. The bodice becomes fitted, but not restricting… a balance, wouldn't you say? A little flair of embellishment is all the rage, with *fringes, bows, and floral designs beautifully incorporated to emphasize a feminine grace. Oh my… this looks very exquisite!

I love the way tutus were created to enhance a ballerina’s movement, just like our dresses are designed for graceful twirls! As we travel through the 19th century, the evolution of the tutu has been quite fascinating – from the grand “robe a la Polonaise” to the delicate and lightweight, contemporary ballet tutu, ballet clothing has reflected its own unique journey of fashion and artistry.

My oh my… Paris has just become positively enchanting in the year 1870. Our Parisian adventure begins! I must confess, this is one of my absolute favorite time periods, dear blog readers! Let's see what awaits us in this vibrant year in our city of light, and how tutus and fashion have intermingled…

*Just look at that magnificent theatre architecture, towering against the brilliant sky! In Paris, a dazzling array of ballerinas are dancing the night away on the world famous stage at the Opera Garnier! This was the "Paris Opera," built in the heart of Paris, in all its majesty and architectural splendor, quite grand indeed! *Oh, those intricate sculptures… how marvelous! And the balconies, perfect for our time-traveling excursions! * This theatre must be a treat for the senses, I just have to catch a show… or two!

The Opera Garnier was an incredible hub of cultural activity and artistic innovation, and the ballet company, housed within its walls, were absolutely captivating their audiences with new ballet performances, like Le Corsaire or Giselle These stunning ballets have, over the decades, captured the hearts of audiences around the world and left a legacy on ballet that endures even to this day! The year 1870 is no exception. Ballerinas and dance productions have always captured my imagination! I love those dazzling and graceful moves, their enchanting costumes, and the energy and power they exude as they move across the stage – I can see why their costumes would be designed so beautifully. It’s time to embrace this stunning theater! I love ballet performances in the city – they have such a magic and captivating energy, and it makes for wonderful fashion opportunities!

Let’s Go Shopping! It wouldn’t be a proper Parisian excursion without an incredible visit to the Boulevard des Italiens! Oh, this iconic, historical, elegant shopping street… it's such a wonderland! Paris is so famous for its stylish creations, with every store window showcasing the very latest fashion! Boulevard des Italiens is filled with luxurious boutiques offering exquisite fabrics, exquisite gloves and shoes, beautiful hats, and, of course, ribbons… so much beautiful ribbon! *The fabrics, especially the exquisite tulle and satin – all essential for creating the perfect ballet tutu! Imagine, all the beautiful layers of soft, fluffy tulle – it’s such a perfect contrast with the beautiful ribbons. This street is a haven for finding exquisite creations to enhance my ballet wardrobe! This boulevard is a must for any shopper, whether a time-travelling ballerina blogger or just an ordinary fashion enthusiast!

Oh, but our little #TutuTuesday post is getting very long, I confess! And there’s just so much to cover. The ballet world in 1870 is filled with so many enchanting details: I will have to write a second post dedicated to The Ballet World in 1870!