Bonjour mes amis! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another fabulous #TutuTuesday post from my pink-tinted time machine! 🩰💖
Today we're going right back to the 19th Century, my loves, specifically December 31st 1878. And what better way to celebrate New Year's Eve than with a delve into the delightful evolution of the tutu? 🎉✨
As you know, I love to travel, and the most fabulous way to experience the world is by train. This week I'm whisked away to Paris, the undisputed heart of fashion and, of course, ballet! This is where the tutu truly took flight. And today, I'm at the Paris Opera, a majestic space filled with such energy and elegance. A night at the ballet here was the most lavish social occasion you could imagine. It was the epitome of stylish gatherings, filled with music, artistry, and captivating costumes, each more exquisite than the next!
Speaking of costumes... have you ever wondered what it was like for ballerinas back in 1878? Let me tell you, tutus were very much in their infancy. While the romantic tutus, all flouncy and flowing, had arrived by the 1840s, they were quite far removed from the streamlined and minimalist silhouettes we're familiar with today.
In 1878, the "Romantic" tutu was still the favoured style, but things were about to change. You see, our dear dancer, Carlotta Grisi, she had a bit of a love affair with flowing gowns that resembled what the public imagined nymphs and sylphs would wear. So she embraced them as her onstage uniform. But by the 1870s, ballet needed something new, something different. And that's where Marie Taglioni comes in. A brilliant ballerina known for her ethereal dancing style, she, along with the talented designer Jules Perrot, developed the "Classical Tutu". They replaced the long flowing layers with a much more streamlined, almost waist-length, single-layered skirt that emphasized a ballerina's lines and the artistry of the footwork. It wasn't as voluminous, allowing the dancers to showcase more agility, precision, and grace.
And did you know? This classic, one-layered look quickly took off, becoming the favourite choice for choreographers who saw the potential for truly innovative choreography. Can you imagine that change happening now, right before your very eyes? The ballet world completely transformed from big romantic tutus to the sleek "classical" tutu in a matter of just a few decades.
So, imagine you're sitting in the theatre this evening. As the stage lights illuminate the grand Parisian Opéra, the beautiful melody starts. What could possibly be on the program for New Year's Eve? My darling readers, on this very day in history, ballet fans could enjoy La Source. A ballet created by the wonderful Marius Petipa for a group of brilliant dancers - the divine Carlotta Grisi herself! (Imagine her on stage, looking beautiful in her white romantic tulle, but also displaying her wonderful technique. It was just perfection) I've got to get myself back to see her! Maybe she'll allow me to touch her tutus and make them sparkle like a Derbyshire mining diamond, my little pink obsession! 🤩 I know, we have a love affair that began with the first spark!
Well, darlings, this is a little peek into ballet's magnificent history and a reminder that change and evolution can bring forth some amazing advancements in any art form. Who knows what incredible developments will emerge in the next few years of ballet?
As always, thank you for joining me for my little historical trip today. And remember to spread your own personal touch of sparkle with your pink tutus, whether you're a ballerina or just a regular fabulous person! Until next week, I'll see you at www.pink-tutu.com. Stay fashionable, and stay pink!💖
Love, Emma
