Hello my lovely Tutu Twirlers! Welcome back to your favourite pink tutu paradise - www.pink-tutu.com - for another whirl through ballet history! Today we're taking a trip back in time to the 1870s, and trust me, this decade was a real game-changer for the world of the tutu.
This week's time travel took me right to Paris, which in the 1870s was a hotbed of artistic excitement, brimming with fashionable flair and innovative ideas - and where else would a ballet loving, tutu-wearing girl want to be?!
This was a time of major developments for the ballet world, particularly with how we perceive the tutu, and I’m going to tell you why... but first, have a little peek at what Paris looked like around January 26th 1875.
Imagine walking along the elegant boulevards, all grandeur and light, past grand theatres and buzzing cafes. A symphony of horses hooves and the clip clop of carriage wheels echo through the Parisian air. Ladies in sweeping gowns with elaborate bonnets, gentlemen in top hats and frock coats. Every detail of fashion was refined and elaborate!
Even in this extravagant setting, where every detail counts, something extraordinary was taking shape. It all revolves around the little dance we call "ballet."
Back in my time, the tutu we see today - that fabulous, swirling symbol of dance, was yet to fully take its shape. We have to travel back to the 1870s to see the evolution that took us to this point.
It was a time when the "Romantic Tutu", born around 1830, still ruled the stage. Think flowing layers of tulle - romantic, dreamy, with a distinct touch of innocence and grace - just like a tutu should be!
I hopped right on to the stage at the grand Opéra Garnier - wow, it was breath-taking, a marvel of marble and art deco! And that's where the story really unfolds!
On the 26th January, 1875 - the very day I arrived, - a major Parisian production called "The Pharaoh's Daughter" was making headlines, showcasing a new style of tutu: The "Bell" Tutu, which is still the tutu worn most frequently today.
This was quite a breakthrough! It had less volume, more streamlined, offering a chance for those magical extensions we all adore, plus its silhouette really showcased the ballerinas’ agility. Think a fitted waist leading to a slightly flaring skirt, and it is definitely the ancestor of the "Classical Tutu" of my day. I just had to find some examples!
Now, it wouldn't be right to talk about tutus in the 1870s without mentioning the wonderful ballerina known as Marie Taglioni. You all have to check out her dancing - absolutely remarkable - it truly changed the whole ballet scene.
Now Marie was a true icon of the Romantic era, famous for her ethereal, elegant moves and oh, that ethereal white tutu! I just can’t imagine the time before ballerinas moved and glided as gracefully as birds in flight! Her performance of “La Sylphide” in 1832 is a legend - so elegant and free! She’s absolutely an inspiration for all aspiring ballerinas.
In my own little research travels, I discovered a gem at a vintage fashion shop on the Rue de la Paix. Just imagine, I was trying on a real, 1870s tutu, an authentic Romantic one - it was truly dreamy - the flowing layers, delicate silk - so incredibly soft! I even discovered a gorgeous embroidered velvet belt to add a little touch of regality! Of course, my imagination just began to swirl at the possibility of a pink one...
Now, you may be wondering, Emma, what was happening in the rest of the world for ballet in 1875? I did some more digging... and I found that this was a year where many great Russian dancers began to perform, inspiring the development of ballet as we know it, and it was quite a big year in Moscow with a new theatre opening! It just proves that the magic of dance spreads, like ripples in a pond!
The world of tutus keeps swirling and evolving. Every era has its own fashion statement. From the ethereal Romantic tutu to the iconic bell-shaped masterpiece, I am in awe of its story.
I believe tutus are a timeless masterpiece of feminine artistry, reminding us all of the power and grace that we all have within us. I’m pretty certain that these extraordinary creations of fashion will continue to dance across the stage, with every flick and twirl a statement of freedom and beauty.
And as I sign off this week’s blog, a tiny dream starts to swirl: wouldn’t it be utterly divine if we could get every single one of you reading this post to wear a pink tutu once in your life? Just imagine, the world twirling in a symphony of pink – what a delightful sight that would be!
Until next time my Tutu Twirlers! Remember: Every day is a chance to twirl and inspire.
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