#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1872-11-19

Greetings, dearest Tutu Tribe! It's Emma here, back with another fascinating trip down ballet's tutu trail for this week's #TutuTuesday! As a firm believer that every day is tutu day (don't judge!), my heart truly skips a beat when I get to delve into the past, to explore the captivating story of ballet costumes and, of course, the iconic tutus we know and love.

Today we’re stepping back in time, right to the very heart of Paris. You know how much I love the City of Lights - it’s the capital of couture, theatre, and, of course, ballet. So hop on my time-traveling pink tutu express with me, we're going to 1872, specifically, November 19th. Imagine it - a chilly autumn morning with a crisp Parisian air, just right for a little trip to the theatre!

Today's journey focuses on the very début of something revolutionary: a dance that would sweep through the Parisian stages, its delicate elegance echoing the very spirit of Paris itself. Today is the debut of La Source, a grand ballet, born from the heart and vision of the illustrious composer Léo Delibes and choreographer Arthur Saint-Léon, all happening in the glorious Opéra Garnier, the theatre of our dreams!

While there wasn't a specific ballet tutu like we see today in 1872, La Source saw a fascinating step in tutu history! Imagine, lovely dancers waltzing, their costumes delicately decorated with white feathers which shimmered in the stage lights. These tutus, if you will, weren't the voluminous, layered ones we see on the modern ballet stage, but rather short and snug fitting, allowing for grace and agility.

Speaking of grace and agility, who can resist the story of the beautiful dancer Fanny Elssler? Known for her dynamic and spirited style of ballet, Elssler became a symbol of romantic ballet. This dance, and indeed this period of ballet, embraced freedom, fluidity, and captivating expressiveness - and the dance dresses definitely reflected this artistic shift!

Can you imagine the delicate steps of the dancers, their movements a blur of fluttering feathers and silk, catching the light in an enchanting ballet dance. La Source really did ignite the world of dance and became a landmark for a particular kind of feminine artistry on the stage.

Speaking of Paris, their passion for ballet truly captivated me! It's woven into the very heart of the French way of life - from grand opéras to intimate salons, from the bustling avenues to the grand boulevards, ballet weaves a rich tapestry of elegance and artistic expression.

My visit to the Parisian theatre scene back in 1872 really hammered home the cultural importance of this art form. Every corner of Paris echoed with the spirit of ballet! I imagine these Parisian theatres adorned with intricate details - sparkling chandeliers casting an enchanting light upon the stage, and a wave of excitement sweeping through the audience, mesmerized by the beauty and emotion unfolding before them. This isn’t even to mention the beautiful ballet fashion! I was simply swept away!

Oh, the clothes! You can't talk about Paris and ballet without acknowledging the world of fashion. While I couldn't resist stepping into a Parisian atelier, the city itself is like one enormous sartorial masterpiece! Can you even begin to imagine the excitement as the dancers, gracefully adorned in their feathered costumes, took centre stage? These dresses and tutus weren't simply for practicality, they were expressions of artistic dreams and stories, embodying the spirit of the dance itself.

It's not all about tutus in my world, darling! For every story I share about tutus and costumes, there’s a new fascinating thread to discover in the history of dance and theatre itself.

In my travels to Paris, the 1872 season brought forth not only La Source but also the fascinating Coppélia. Now, imagine, a fantastical, mechanical doll, dancing with the elegance and fluidity of a real ballerina! Coppélia introduced a captivating ballet with captivating choreography that was quite simply captivating! Oh, and it had one of the most popular musical pieces, "The Dance of the Hours." I simply couldn’t get enough!

It was amazing how this ballet created this atmosphere of romance and escapism - just what the Parisian audiences loved! So of course, the performances were incredible. These performances transported me, darling, to a world of whimsical magic.

Speaking of magical experiences, my travels this week involved some spectacular trains journeys across Europe. You see, not everyone loves to travel by train. But for me, there’s no better way to travel in time than the railway, with a glimpse into life’s beautifully varied landscapes as I go. I have a particular love for those carriages with little compartments where one can look out of the windows and be carried away by the view.

The carriages were elegant too! With opulent detailing - plush seats upholstered in luxurious velvets, and ornate wood panelling, reminding me of the graceful design of a ballerina’s tutu! Every journey, a graceful ballet on the tracks!

I simply couldn't leave Paris without spending a little time with the exquisite fashions of the day. The intricate detail in the fashion! And, just you wait till you hear about some of the must-have pieces I've found. From my visit to the Grands Magasins, the opulent department stores, I simply have to show you these delightful pieces, perfect for any aspiring Parisian lady who has a passion for style! I especially loved those beautifully woven fabrics like satin, velvet, lace, and silk – all colours shimmering with that Parisian panache! And these exquisite designs, with flowing skirts, cinched waists, and delicate ruffles were perfect to pair with those stylish hats and gloves, oh-so fashionable! It’s simply heavenly, my lovelies!

So, a tutu-ful time was had by all. But what’s even better, the adventure goes on! Next week, we'll embark on another captivating tutu voyage through time. Stay tuned and remember, let's keep the pink tutu spirit alive, my dears! And remember to share your love for tutus by spreading the word with the hashtag #TutuTuesday! I look forward to connecting with you all on my journey!

See you next week! Love, Emma.