Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and today, we're taking a trip through time. Buckle up, buttercup, we're going back to July 30th, 1878!
As always, it's #TutuTuesday, and this week Iām thrilled to be indulging my love of history by revisiting the fascinating evolution of our beloved tutus. Now, I know what youāre thinking ā tutut tutut, a whole blog post about tutus? Surely, thatās all just a bit... fluffy? But my dears, I assure you, the history of the tutu is anything but frivolous! It's a story filled with drama, creativity, and the very spirit of artistry itself.
This week, our time-traveling tutu is taking us to the heart of the ballet scene, thatās right, Paris, the city of lights! Itās the 1870s, a period when ballet was reaching new heights of grandeur, fuelled by the flamboyant romanticism of the era. I just adore the grandness of ballet in the 19th century. It was all about extravagance and theatricality, and where better to embody that than the opulence of Paris?
Imagine walking down the grand boulevards of the city. Imagine the shimmering gaslights illuminating the cobbled streets, the cafes brimming with laughter, the theatres alive with the melodies of operettas, the air filled with a delightful scent of sugared almonds, the whirr of silk gowns and gentlemen in their frock coats as they all hurry along. You, dear reader, would not be able to resist the urge to pirouette yourself around the place, especially if you are wearing your beautiful pink tutu, wouldn't you?
Now, if you find yourself strolling near the OpĆ©ra Garnier ā that majestic masterpiece of architecture, built by the incredible Charles Garnier ā on July 30th, you would have a chance to catch the exquisite choreography of Marius Petipa. Marius was a remarkable choreographer and the go-to man when it came to choreographing the Imperial Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg, Russia! Yes, the most renowned Russian ballet theatre was looking to the star in Parisian dance - how wonderfully cosmopolitan!
Tutu-fying Times: Evolution of the Dancewear
As we venture back in time to the 1870s, itās essential to note that tutus have been changing shape throughout ballet history. What a fascinating journey itās been!
Think of the ballet tutu as a canvas, upon which dancers, designers, and choreographers have painted their artistry for centuries. Now, imagine if all you could ever wear was a ballgown! That's pretty much what the āRomantic tutu' - a very full-skirted tutu from earlier in the 19th Century, would have been like! Imagine the weight of it. Talk about constricting the movements and making jumps look ungainly - I can't even!
This was until the incredible Carl von Weber introduced his masterpiece āInvitation to the Danceā, and the shape of ballet and the dancewear changed completely. Enter the Paganini tutu - named, as you might have guessed, after that brilliant violinist - it had a much shorter skirt and revealed much more of the leg, with a lighter, almost gauze-like construction, made for a freedom of movement that was unprecedented! A true revolutionary! This opened a world of possibilities for the female ballerinas and changed the way ballet choreography and dance was seen forever!
Of course, this is where my favourite tutus really come to the forefront: The Romantic tutus! (which are still used in modern ballets today) with their flowing tulle skirts which whisper in every movement ā beautifully sculpted by the movement of the ballerina! Thereās just something about the delicate elegance of tulle and the way it creates a feeling of ethereal weightlessness.
Of course, back then, the Romantic tutus, though far less cumbersome than the Romantic Ballgown ones before them, were still remarkably more intricate to craft! Imagine the layers upon layers of fabric, all lovingly hand-sewn. Now that is true artistry, if I ever did hear it.
Travel in Style - The Wonders of the Railway
My adventures through time are often facilitated by the miracle of travel, which, I must say, is a rather exciting topic in itself. While the idea of travelling by car would still be considered fantastical in the 1870s, trains have transformed how we travel in a way I can never truly describe in words. Just imagine being whisked away from London to Paris in style, in a railway carriage that evokes all the splendour of a bygone era! With plush seats, elegant furnishings and the thrill of crossing landscapes that pass by like a story unfolding. The whole process just exhilarates me!
Imagine, on our trip back to 1878, as I pull on my exquisite pink tutu - I mean, there is simply no better option, darling, is there? - and alight on a train platform, the puffing steam engine, and the scent of coal and fresh air mixed with a whisper of engine grease fill the air... there's just something special about that!
Iād be absolutely brimming with the excitement of exploring a different time. I just love imagining myself as part of that glamorous, Victorian-era world - from theatre openings to grand dinners. I adore being able to look back at these periods and be inspired by their vibrant spirit of creativity.
The Theatre of Dreams
On my way to see a ballet, I just canāt resist stepping into a magnificent department store! Those elaborate shop displays are an explosion of glamour! Itās almost as if the buildings themselves were designed to embody the art and refinement of the era. Iām just a little bit tempted to snatch a new silk shawl and some fine lace to go with my beloved pink tutu... or maybe even a brand new, shimmering crinoline to add that extra special bit of āva va voomā!
As we glide through the beautiful cityscape towards the grand Palais Garnier (thatās the beautiful home to the Opera House, darlings), the streets would have been buzzing with anticipation, especially if you were lucky enough to be watching a Marius Petipa ballet. His ballets have been the most exquisite works to emerge from the Russian Ballet. He even created Swan Lake ā one of my all-time favourites - how lovely is that, darling? And especially on a special night like July 30th, 1878!
As the curtains rise at the Garnier, I can almost hear the hush as everyone leans forward, ready for a feast of artistic expression. With all that glamour and elegance, it is hard to imagine an atmosphere anything less than enchanting!
Even back in this historic 1878 era, Paris is as enthralled as I am! And honestly, what could be more captivating than an evening of exquisitely choreographed dancing, dressed in the most divine of tulle creations, against a breathtakingly romantic setting?
Itās all a truly delightful experience, and an absolute must-see for any ballerina of any age, and of course for everyone who appreciates the breathtaking arts!
Pink is the Way!
And there you have it! The wonderful world of tutu history. Now, let's not forget why I love my #TutuTuesday: to inspire you to embrace the tutu. You don't need a stage, you don't need a spotlight - just put on your favourite pink tutu and go out into the world, spreading a little sparkle and joy. Because for me, every day is a #TutuTuesday!
Until next time, darlings!
Yours truly,
Emma x
