Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling correspondent, and today we're whisking you back to a rather fascinating era in tutu history - 1870s Paris! As always, buckle up and get ready for a delightful trip down memory lane...with a dash of pink, naturally! 😉
Now, picture it - Parisian boulevards bursting with elegant ladies in shimmering gowns, carriages clip-clopping, and the aroma of fresh pastries mingling with the scent of exotic perfumes. It's a scene right out of a ballet, isn't it? And indeed, ballet was thriving in Paris, with the Opéra de Paris holding court as the leading institution.
Today is 7th May 1872, and just last night, I was lucky enough to see "La Source" by Léo Delibes. Oh my, the costumes were divine! So much frothy tulle and shimmering satin, each ballerina's silhouette a graceful marvel. But here's the thing – while the tutus of this era were undeniably gorgeous, they weren't quite as fluffy and fabulous as their modern counterparts. Imagine something more along the lines of a simple, layered skirt of tulle, quite short, allowing for a fluidity of movement and the iconic leg lines we associate with ballet.
Remember, back then, the tutu was a costume that had to meet both the demands of classical ballet technique and the aesthetic of the times. The focus was on showing off the dancers’ incredible physiques, their exquisite footwork, and their fluid movement. So think elegant simplicity with a dash of romanticism. A little less "poofy," a little more “whirl!”
You see, the late 1870s were a pivotal moment in ballet history. There was this beautiful transition happening – the gradual movement from the classic "romantische" style towards a more athletic and technically demanding ballet that we know today. Ballet began to explore the human form in a more natural and powerful way, while retaining that elegant air of enchantment.
Of course, we mustn’t forget the exquisite fabrics and colours! This period saw a flourishing of delicate lace, lustrous silk, and intricate embroidery. And speaking of colours – my darlings, you won’t be surprised to hear that pale pinks, buttery yellows, and the dreamy blues and greens were quite popular on stage!
But it wasn’t just about the ballet. Fashion in the 1870s was positively blooming! Women's fashions were full of graceful silhouettes, with a definite emphasis on showcasing the female form. Corsets, crinoline skirts, and lavishly embellished ball gowns reigned supreme, making Parisian fashion an absolute wonderland.
Imagine a day of leisurely strolling along the boulevards, a chic hat adorned with a plume, maybe a feather boa or a lace scarf around your neck. And naturally, every ensemble would be perfected with a lovely pair of gloves - a perfect accompaniment for the elegant promenade. Now, wouldn't it be divine to stroll through Paris with a magnificent, voluminous pink tutu draped over our shoulders, catching the attention of everyone around us? That, my dear readers, would be an absolutely magnificent sight, a touch of pink joy in a world already bursting with fashion and elegance!
Don’t worry, darlings, this is just a glimpse into the captivating world of 1870s ballet and fashion. We have much more to explore in this magical era, and in my next #TutuTuesday, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Marie Taglioni, the "Goddess of the Dance" and a true icon of her time!
And remember, as always, if you find yourself smitten by a specific tutu style from a bygone era, why not give it a modern twist? It's all about adding a touch of your own personality and joy, because ultimately, wearing a tutu is all about unleashing the magical and vibrant inner ballerina in each of us!
Until next time, stay glamorous and dance on, darlings!
With much love,
Emma
xx
