#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1872-01-16

Bonjour mes amies!

It’s Emma here, back from another fabulous jaunt through time, and this week I’m en pointe in 1872! It's a time when the Belle Époque is blossoming in Paris and tutus are still the darling of the dance world. Just picture it - fluffy, romantic tutus shimmering under the chandeliers, ballerinas dancing with grace and elegance. Oh, the glamour!

Today, 16th January, is a special date, not for any historical event, but because it was the day I saw the most divine show! Can you imagine, a double bill of Giselle and La Bayadère at the Paris Opéra! Honestly, the energy was electric, and I had front row seats - right next to a handsome Duke, no less! Dreamy.

You see, in 1872, tutus are still very much in their infancy! The romantic tutus of the 1840s are still very much in vogue. Think long, billowing skirts, soft layers of tulle, and a touch of dramatic flounce. Think the iconic tutu in Degas’ painting “La Classe de Danse”. That, my darlings, was the fashion back then. It’s a style that has so much romance, so much magic. The dancers really did look like ethereal fairies on stage, soaring through the air on clouds of tulle!

Of course, there have been some changes since 1872. Tutus these days have much more freedom of movement. You see, ballet choreography has become a lot more dynamic and challenging, and so, the tutu needed to evolve, to follow the leaps and turns. Modern tutus have less layers, the skirt can be shorter, and they can even be shaped and manipulated for the choreography. This creates amazing effects! Like when I saw a modern interpretation of The Sleeping Beauty, the costumes looked simply divine - almost architectural, creating beautiful flowing lines as the dancers moved.

But even with all the evolution, the essence of a tutu hasn't really changed! It’s always about expressing the beauty, the power and the freedom of movement in dance. In a sense, the tutu has always been a beautiful, expressive shell, allowing the dancer to truly soar and enchant!

You know, this time travel thing is a bit addictive. I just love the feeling of slipping back in time, soaking in the atmosphere, watching the dance, the performances, seeing the clothes, feeling the energy. Oh, darling, it's the most amazing experience! I am simply living my best tutu-loving life. And for this travel junkie, the whole thing is made even more magical by the opportunity to watch different interpretations of classic ballet stories from the 19th century, seeing them performed in opulent theatres, or on stages with the most exquisite backdrop. It's truly an amazing way to get inspired for my own tutu designs!

You know, my absolute dream is to get everyone wearing a pink tutu! Wouldn’t it be the most wonderful thing, if everyone, from all ages, could feel the magic and power of the pink tutu, just for one day? Just imagine, the world, everyone embracing the fun and positivity of ballet - wearing pink! Oh my goodness, it would be the most magical day!

Speaking of magical, this time in Paris I went on the most glorious shopping spree, let me tell you! I went to The Maison Paquin, a truly stunning couture house with breathtaking clothes! They really were at the peak of their style - gorgeous gowns, intricate lace, feathers, luxurious silk and velvet! I can only describe them as opulent!

But what really caught my eye, my darling, were the dresses! Not the gowns, the dresses! You see, back then the French women weren't into ballgowns as much as their English counterparts. It was the dresses that truly shone, beautifully draped with delicate tulle, lace and silk ribbons - perfect for waltzing! I even managed to snaffle some absolutely exquisite antique trims to adorn some of my designs. Oh, you should have seen them - a combination of flowers, ribbons and feathers. Honestly, I'm simply over the moon!

But this wouldn’t be a true #TutuTuesday without some mention of tutus, would it? Of course not! So, here are a few facts for you - because facts are important and fun to learn about. In Paris in the 1870s, a woman named Marietta Taglioni was leading the way in the ballet world. A revolutionary for her time, Marietta pushed for changes in both the style of dance and costumes! It was she who championed the less romantic tutus, starting to shape a more contemporary style of ballet with a focus on strong lines and fluid movement. I love how those changes opened the way for the tutus we see today.

*Now I'm off on a *quick trip to see a performance of 'The Nutcracker', it's going to be incredible! **I'm keeping a little pink tutu for a ballerina to wear and I just know it’ll bring even more joy to her dance!

Until next week, darling, I hope you all have a tutu-tastic Tuesday, and I'll be back next week to share more amazing tutu tales with you! Don't forget, every day can be a #TutuTuesday, so grab your pink tutu and let’s twirl! 🩰💖

Yours in tulle and love,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com