Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, back with another fabulously frivolous #TutuTuesday from the annals of ballet history! Today, we're travelling back to a time when tutus were as dramatic as the plots in Victorian novels... and let me tell you, they were just as scandalous!
Today, on January 30th, 1877, we’re standing backstage at the beautiful Paris Opera House, the heart of the ballet world. The air is thick with the scent of freshly ironed tulle, and the chatter of excited dancers preparing for their performance of "La Source."
This is no ordinary ballet, dear readers. It's the debut of Marius Petipa, a French choreographer with a taste for the flamboyant. This ballet was so incredibly grand, so full of sumptuous costumes and dazzling dance moves that it sparked a sensation in Paris. It also played a huge role in shaping the tutus we see on stage today.
You see, back in the 1870s, the standard ballet skirt was actually a rather plain, calf-length affair called the "tutu a la romancière." These tutus were elegant but quite demure, their long skirt flowing around the dancer's legs as they glided across the stage. Think of a swirling, romantic gown that Jane Eyre might have worn.
Now, "La Source," and its new style of tutu, was nothing short of a revolution. Instead of sweeping around the dancer’s legs, this new tutu was shorter, stopping just above the knee, with a more revealing, flowing style that we call a tutu a la Camargo, in honour of the famed eighteenth-century dancer Marie Camargo who defied conventions by dancing with her feet bare!
You can imagine the sensation it created - those slender legs, a flutter of delicate fabric, all the movement… The ladies loved it, of course! Men, however, had to be shown what all the fuss was about... but even they were soon entranced! This was dance stripped to its very essence – a graceful display of strength, femininity, and beauty!
But what makes it even more fascinating for us tutu lovers is that, whilst these shorter, daring tutus were embraced for ballets like "La Source," the longer romantic style remained for more dramatic pieces. We see the very best of both worlds – shorter, flowing tutus for ethereal scenes and dramatic tutus for the grander, tragic narratives.
Speaking of drama, I thought I would indulge in some Parisian fashion myself for this post! My tutu for today is a breathtaking blush pink masterpiece. Its tiers of fluffy tulle have an elegant vintage silhouette, with intricate pink lace edging the top and the neckline adorned with a gorgeous vintage floral design, giving a lovely Victorian charm to this vintage delight! A large blush satin bow is tied around the waist for a touch of old Hollywood glamour. I think even Mademoiselle Camargo would be delighted!
Off to catch a performance!
After a fabulous day exploring the fashion streets of Paris (where else, my darlings?) I'm on my way to the Grand Palais to watch "La Source." I can’t wait to see those romantic tutus, swirling like the dreams of young maidens! I’m especially excited to catch a glimpse of the ballerina performing the lead role!
Stay tuned, my loves! I'll be back next week with more fabulous insights into the world of tutus. Until then, remember, wear your pink tutu with pride, and keep on twirling!
Lots of love,
Emma xxx
