#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1871-09-19

Hello darlings!

Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com for another #TutuTuesday! It’s a positively delightful day, and as a special treat, this week’s post is number 2073. I've just travelled back to the exciting world of September 19th 1871 – a time of frills, fashion, and fantastic ballet!

The air is alive with the sound of hooves, carriages clip-clopping down the Parisian streets, and I'm brimming with anticipation! The sun is shining on the Seine, a golden glow shimmering on the rippling water. A vibrant mix of aromas drifts in the air – bread from nearby bakeries, a hint of horses, and, most deliciously, the faint smell of perfumed ladies' gowns!

Just a whisper from my grand time travelling Tutu Wardrobe, a most gorgeous, impossibly fluffy pink tutu sways around my ankles. I've just dashed off the train (ooh, I do love a journey by train!), my shoes leaving tiny footprints in the dust. I'm ready to soak up the ballet buzz and excitement in the Parisian air!

As I mentioned last week, the tutus we see today weren’t always as they are. They’ve undergone quite a dramatic transformation throughout history!

Think of those beautiful swirling creations from "Swan Lake", "Giselle" or the mesmerizing corps de ballet in "La Bayadère" - this ethereal ballet vision has come about slowly over centuries.

And 1871 saw a delightful stepping stone on that path! This was the year that the very first public performance of "The Nutcracker" took place. Can you imagine? This utterly magical ballet has become a holiday tradition in so many countries.

It's all the more delightful to think that audiences, perhaps dressed in elaborate ballgowns or dapper suits, were experiencing this fantastical journey for the very first time in the year I've just arrived in! Just picture that!

Imagine being there for the opening of Act II, as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince danced among snow-covered rooftops and the dazzling, luminous land of the Snow Queen! Such a beautiful sight to behold, don’t you think?

Speaking of history, you simply have to visit the incredible Opéra Garnier, Paris's dazzling jewel in the crown. This glorious palace of opera and ballet, with its stunning grand staircase and majestic decor, just screams "ballerina bliss!"

Now, when we think about a ballerina, those ethereal tutus, all poofy and delicate, take centre stage in our imaginations, right?

But it's fascinating to imagine the stage without these wondrous tutus!

Back in the days of the French Royal Ballet, back before the time of the tutu as we know it, ballerinas would grace the stage in dresses called Robe à la Française.

These were luxurious, opulent affairs – picture satin, lace, and all the luxurious frills you can imagine!

These dresses flowed to the ankles, often adorned with lavishly embroidered flowers and ruffles – imagine them shimmering under the gaslights of a grand opera house. Gorgeous, wouldn’t you say?

But for ballerinas, the elegant Rohe à la Française did present some challenges – the large gowns were quite cumbersome for dancing. The challenge of twirling and leaping in these beautiful, but heavy, gowns meant that ballerinas of the past, while talented, weren't quite as dynamic and fluid as ballerinas we see today.

But enter the first real “tutu” around the 1830s! It came about, darling, due to the daringly modern spirit of Marie Taglioni.

Marie was the epitome of elegance – a trailblazing ballerina. With grace and charisma she changed the world of ballet. Her iconic roles like the ethereal "La Sylphide" and "La Fille du Régiment" set her on a path as a true icon!

Marie also started a fashion revolution – she revolutionized the look of ballet with her simple and graceful costumes – think about those tight-fitting, gauzy skirts that skimmed the legs! They revolutionised ballet costumes and how they moved!

From then on, ballerinas had a chance to showcase their elegance, poise, and graceful leaps – they didn’t have to fight a heavy dress to create those magic movements. And just as fashion trends come and go, tutus have evolved too!

The earlier styles of tutus were often made of muslin, a light, breathable fabric, perfect for flowing in delicate movements.

Then came tulle, oh so heavenly – and it changed the look of tutus forever!

Looking at photos from 1871 and even before, you can see that the tutus were becoming increasingly shorter. Ballerinas started to reveal their legs more and more. This movement continued well into the 1870s, 1880s, and even the 1900s! It was all about lightness, agility, and fluidity.

And oh, the variety! There are different shapes and styles – those classic “bell” skirts with the flowing bottom – and the iconic "romantic" tutus. Just beautiful! They also began using different colours of tulle! No longer just the ivory of "La Sylphide" – oh no! A stunning array of hues entered the picture, and we can truly say, tutus began to come alive!

These days, you've probably noticed that there's a revival of longer, Romantic tutu styles - they are back with a flourish, especially in productions of the famous classic ballets.

I even spot them in some modern and neoclassical ballets – it's wonderful how ballet is taking a journey through its own history.

It's delightful to see those stunning layers of tulle! It’s all so elegant and inspiring! And yes, tutus are still very much in style - just look around the theatres and ballet studios around the world!

After taking in the magnificent Opera Garnier, it's a delightful stop to explore the ateliers of the fashion designers in Paris – imagine, tutus being designed just for the ballet stars of the day!

In a beautifully lit atelier filled with rolls of silk, laces and the whirring of sewing machines, we find seamstresses working with skilled artisans who are all masters in the art of the tutu. They create these lovely ballet pieces! And even now, they’re always making some exciting changes and updates, pushing those creative boundaries!

Let’s face it, darling, there's never a boring moment in the world of ballet. Just when you think it’s all been seen, boom, something utterly new and magnificent pops up.

But, I am so full of delightful energy right now, I can’t go back to my lovely comfy armchair to write any more of my #TutuTuesday post today! You just have to go see the beautiful new creations of "The Nutcracker" ballet performance.

This is such a special treat for those who want to step into ballet's wondrous history – so be sure to enjoy your visit.

And don’t forget - wear a pink tutu - every day is #TutuTuesday!

Until next week darlings! Bisous from Emma x