Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, back from a whirl around 1879, and let me tell you, the tutus are positively blooming! It's September 30th, a glorious Tuesday, and we're venturing into the heart of the Romantic Era of ballet. You know, that time when the ballerinas were wispy sprites, with impossibly delicate steps and movements? Think "Giselle" - ethereal and full of longing - the kind of dance that leaves you wanting more!
And just like that, my darlings, so too were the tutus evolving. Today, we're stepping back in time to see how the tutus of this era mirrored the emotional complexity of the ballets they accompanied. Buckle your ribbons, ladies, and prepare for a whirlwind journey through history!
From Corsets to The "Romantic Tutu": The Evolution of Movement and Expression
Now, we can't talk about tutus in the late 1870s without acknowledging the fascinating dance between fashion and dance itself!
For years, the dance world had been weighed down by restrictive corsets and cumbersome costumes. Imagine a ballerina, trapped beneath yards of heavy fabric, her movements stiff and constrained. Not a picture of freedom and grace, right?
Enter the "Romantic tutu". It was like a breath of fresh air, liberating the ballerina both physically and emotionally. You see, these early romantic tutus weren't your super short, flouncy little numbers. Think calf-length skirts of silk, maybe a little netting thrown in for added drama. You know, the kind of outfit that floats on stage like a gentle dream.
Now, let's fast-forward to 1879, the year where these graceful garments began to really steal the spotlight. Ballerinas, freed from their corset shackles, were able to stretch their legs and express themselves like never before. Think those exquisite leg extensions, those airy leaps - all a result of the liberating movement this new tutu offered.
The Perfect Match: Romantic Tutus and Romantic Ballet
This shift towards longer skirts didn't happen in a vacuum. It perfectly aligned with the changing sentiments of the times. Think of it, my dears: "Giselle", the story of a lovelorn village girl who transforms into a magical woodland creature, dancing with exquisite lightness, the very essence of a wistful dream! This ballet embodies the romanticism that fuelled not just the dance but the fashion too.
I saw a magnificent production of "Giselle" just the other day. The ballerinas, in their soft pastel-colored tutus with delicate ribbons and netting, made the stage feel like an enchanted forest, a world of sheer beauty and fragile beauty.
Paris, The Cradle of Tutu Innovation:
Of course, where else would we find such innovation but in the very heart of fashion: Paris. Imagine walking down the grand boulevards of Paris, my darlings! Tailors and seamstresses were busy designing intricate ballet tutus, creating pieces that blended beauty, functionality and a dash of theatrical flair. This was where the romantic tutu really bloomed, taking centre stage as a fashion phenomenon, a true testament to Parisian artistry.
And my dears, this influence rippled outwards across Europe. It was an exciting time for ballerinas, an era of graceful expression where they finally became the stars of the show!
Fashionable Ballet: What To Wear This Season:
Now, here's a secret for all my fellow fashion-forward ballerinas: While we may not have those elegant romantic tutus for everyday wear, you can capture their romantic essence with a little fashion flair!
For an ethereal Parisian look, try a soft-colored silk midi skirt with delicate lace embellishments, or layer a flowy silk slip dress over a tulle skirt for a touch of ballet magic.
And remember, the key to any look is confidence. Carry yourself with poise, and let the beauty of a graceful spirit shine through your choice of attire.
And for a real splash of ballet glamour, my dears, how about a splash of pink?! After all, who better to embrace a pop of vibrant colour than your fellow ballet enthusiast! I can already see you dazzling everyone in a bold fuchsia, a dreamy blush, or even a vibrant coral.
My Train Trip to Paris:
You know what else is exciting? I just booked a train trip to Paris! I can't wait to experience the city's bustling boulevards, its fashion houses, its theatres... and its Ballet. Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without a ballet performance!
So until next Tuesday, remember my darlings, you're a ballet star in your own right. Don't be afraid to wear a tutu or two - I dare you to embrace your inner ballerina! And keep those eyes peeled for my next Tutu Tuesday adventure. I'll be sharing all my exciting finds from Paris!
Lots of Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Don't forget to share your own Tutu Tuesday style on social media with the hashtag #TutuTuesday!
