Bonjour mes chères danseuses! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back from another thrilling journey through history, and boy, oh boy, did I find some fantastic tutu-related treasures!
This week we're dipping our toes (and perhaps a pointe shoe or two) into the elegant world of 1879. I just had to take a trip to Paris, because the Paris Opera Ballet were having a fantastic run of "La Bayadère", one of the most iconic ballet productions in history!
You know how much I adore a good ballet show, and this one was a real treat! The ballerinas were dazzling in their sumptuous tutus – a whirlwind of soft tulle and intricate detailing.
Speaking of tutus, did you know that 1879 was a pivotal year for the ballet world? Think of it as a springboard into the modern tutu as we know it!
Why? Because, my darlings, this year, the famous tutu shape that we all know and adore – the romantic tutu – was introduced in "La Bayadère"! It featured an even shorter and wider form with a gathered top and lots of tulle! This new style perfectly embodied the graceful and elegant movement of the ballet. The Romantic era (from the 1830s until about 1870s), which focused on grand romantic narratives of love, heroism, and tragic heroines, had brought in longer, heavier skirts to the dance floor. But the designers were ready to introduce a lightness that would help elevate the dancers and their performances. Imagine waltzing on a cloud of fluffy tulle!
Just think how much fun we'd have wearing them in a ballet class! Who wouldn't feel like a fairy princess with all that flowing fabric? And imagine all the stunning dance photography opportunities – pure ballerina magic!
It was in "La Bayadère", designed by Charles Worth, one of the greatest fashion designers of all time , that the romantic tutu became the style of the day! Talk about a real game-changer! From the stage, the romantic tutu helped bring about the Victorian Era fashion movement. Ladies of fashion were enthralled! Their gowns adopted similar silhouettes, making that fluffy, flowing look all the rage.
After a quick pitstop at Galeries Lafayette for a spot of retail therapy, I headed back to my charming hotel, which was right next to the Opera House, so convenient! I love travelling by train; it's so much more romantic and elegant. Of course, I chose a plush carriage and donned my best pink travelling outfit. Because pink is a shade of fashion magic! A perfect reminder to never take life too seriously and have a little fun with style. And who better to be inspired by than a charming lady wearing a stunning tutu?
*So, next time you're admiring the elegance and fluidity of a dancer in a romantic tutu, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history behind this iconic piece of clothing. It's a perfect example of how fashion can impact not only ballet but society as a whole. *
I'm always on the lookout for fun tutu-related stories from the past. Do you have any tips for upcoming Tutu Tuesday posts? Please, share them in the comments! Don't forget to send your own lovely Tutu photos to the website – they make my day! I look forward to hearing from you!
Yours truly,
Emma
xx
www.pink-tutu.com
