Hello, my darling tutu enthusiasts! It’s Emma, your pink-tutu-clad time-traveler, bringing you another edition of Ballet Tutu History! This week we're taking a trip back to 8th July 1879, a glorious summer day that feels a bit like stepping into a classic painting, wouldn’t you agree?
Oh, but before I dive into the past, let me tell you about the excitement of this past weekend! I went to the Royal Opera House for a dazzling performance of ‘Giselle’, the quintessential romantic ballet, all flowing tulle and fluttering skirts. I almost cried during the mad scene!
Of course, no trip to London is complete without a bit of retail therapy, darling. The shops on Bond Street are a wonderland of silk and lace! I just had to get myself a new pink feathered boa, you know, for that extra dash of vintage glamour! (And perhaps a few new shoes… who could resist?)
But back to 1879, a year full of history, change and, believe it or not, even some of those fabulous fluffy tutus we know and love. Now, imagine yourselves stepping out of a London railway carriage, the gentle rumble of the wheels fading into the air. London in 1879 was abuzz, with shops overflowing with bonnets and shawls, gentlemen in dapper suits, and of course, the most stylish ladies with their bustles and elaborate hats!
Back then, tutus weren't quite the delicate, wispy delights we have today. The “tutu”, as we call it, was only just beginning to develop its modern silhouette, emerging from the “tutu à la grecque”, a shorter, draped design more inspired by the ancient world. Imagine beautiful skirts, sometimes made of fine gauzy fabric, gently flowing around a ballerina's form.
Think about the famous dancers of that time, prima ballerinas like Marie Taglioni. They might have graced the stage in some of the earliest versions of a tutu (though not a pink one!), giving the audience a glimpse into the incredible possibilities of the ballet form.
But the true star of this date, 8th July 1879, is something utterly charming: The ballet ‘Sylvia’, a true spectacle of graceful movements, was performed for the very first time in Paris, France, choreographed by the great choreographer, Léo Delibes! A celebration of youth and romance, the ballet itself is steeped in legend and adventure! And it would definitely make a fabulous costume, darling, with its elegant feathered headdress and sweeping, floor-length skirt.
However, just like we adore pink tutus today, fashion and even the stage costume of ballerinas has an evolving history. It might surprise you to hear that the 1800s tutus were actually more of a statement piece of theatrical fashion than something solely associated with graceful, flowing ballet movements!
Did you know? There were even “pantomime” dancers back then who’d wear something almost similar to our present-day tutus, using them to amplify their theatrical moves. They definitely were not for a full leap en pointe, though! These early tutus could have been multi-coloured too. (gasp! Even more shocking than pink!) But we'll talk about all that another day!
Think about it: This whole pink-tutu thing was truly a gradual progression of change in fashion and dance.
In 1879, ladies of fashion certainly had the opportunity to experience ballet's artistry and charm, both in performance and in their own outfits! Maybe their ball gowns even hinted at the form and flow of a ballet tutu.
A Pink Tutu Every Day?
But who's to say they couldn't have donned a proper pink tutu for a stroll down a grand boulevard? The pink-tutu dream is not a recent thing, my dear! Pink tutus will forever bring joy, from that first flutter of tulle to the last graceful curtsy!
Until next Tuesday, stay sparkling! Don’t forget to leave a comment on the pink-tutu.com website. Share your favorite tutu memories, and remember: everyone deserves a moment to shine, and perhaps a little pink in their life.
Yours in tutus and pink,
Emma
