Hello Darlings!
Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday on my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! It’s been a busy week here in Paris, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Today, let's take a trip back in time, my loves, to 3rd July 1877. This week, I travelled by train, always such a lovely way to see the scenery, to get my tutu fix right here in Paris, a true ballet Mecca. You wouldn’t believe the fashions here! Absolutely divine.
We all know that ballet costumes are constantly evolving, don't we? The tutus are like pieces of art, transforming from era to era!
Today, we’ll be talking about tutus in 1877, just a mere 45 years since the famous tutus we associate with romantic ballet were first crafted! That's pretty much yesterday in terms of ballet history! The famous, La Sylphide, a magical tale about a Scottish maiden, premiered in 1832! That tutu is what it is all about! You could say it revolutionised the ballet world! The iconic fluffy tutus, you know, the ones you imagine every ballerina wearing – those were born in this era! Can you believe that the ballerina who brought this masterpiece to life, Marie Taglioni, became a legend in her time! You’ve got to have a look at this classic costume, darlings, it is one to admire. It looks quite similar to the tutus you’ll find ballerinas wearing on stage today.
So, what were they wearing back in 1877?
The Romantic era of ballet (the era of the classic tutu) was at its height, just after the La Sylphide ballet and they’d introduced an airy, flowing design for ballerinas. We’re talking about more layers than you can imagine, perfect for allowing dancers to float around the stage. That's how they perfected the ballet style of movement, such elegance, with perfect grace. Can’t imagine a world without them now, right, ladies?!
The tutu was constructed by taking a framework, made of stiffened layers of netting and tulle, and shaping it into the ballerina's desired form – either a bell-shaped style with short, fluted layers (called a Bell tutu, if you wanna get fancy), or a more traditional tiered tutu which went down to the ankles, or in between. All of the skirts were attached to a tight, waist-fitting bodice to create the silhouette which still forms the base of the ballet tutus we adore today.
Think about it, my dears! Those airy layers made it possible for dancers to really show off their legwork and poise. In 1877, ballet was taking flight! The designs were all about the female form and its elegance. And wouldn't you know it, a bit of tulle went a long way in making the ballerina the centrepiece!
These beauties were even embellished with ribbons and lace, to give a little extra sparkle. In 1877, they even added decorative elements to the tulle of the skirt like velvet and lace to give extra texture! You know we love to mix textures in our ballet fashion and 1877 wasn’t any different! In fact, in my wardrobe here in London, I have a few little tutu-esque tops with velvet detailing for when I don’t feel like being in a full skirt but want a little touch of the dramatic! So many designs were coming from France, particularly from Parisian boutiques. But I’ve discovered one in London, called Liberty & Co, they create fabulous things for the theatre. They just have the je ne sais quoi.
This period also brought a new fascination with historical and exotic settings for ballet. Think, a fairy queen, * a *Spanish dancer! Can’t help but be utterly enchanted by them, especially with that extra volume on the skirts. Ballerinas would have taken the train (such an adventure!) to be cast in all sorts of theatre roles, so even though tutus remained similar in cut, the fabrics and colour palettes began to vary! Oh the joy!
On 3rd July 1877, you could have found ballerinas showcasing their elegance, in a world filled with elegance, performing to grand audiences in grand theatres all around Europe! Just imagine the atmosphere! In fact, if I’d travelled in time this year, and had stayed around for longer, on the 31st July, there would have been a famous performance at The Opera Garnier. How utterly fabulous! I’m going to be on the lookout for performances on my next trip through time. This date will be in my time travel planner, I don’t think you could get me away from a Parisian theatre! You wouldn’t catch me in Derbyshire right now. Paris is just oo-la-la.
You know me! My biggest passion is travelling and exploring different time periods through my fashion. Every new discovery makes me wish I could buy it all! What a fabulous time to be a ballet enthusiast, wouldn’t you agree?! Just wait until next #TutuTuesday, my darlings! The fun never stops! I’m already getting dressed up, for the weekend’s big show! It's a bit of a secret but I might have found a vintage 19th century ballerina shop, so I just had to have a look! A fabulous weekend, that’s my goal for the weekend! Until next week! Keep it twirling, and wear pink!
Much love, Emma xx
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