Post Number: 2574
Hello darlings! It's Emma, your time-traveling tutu aficionado, back with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past! This week we're twirling our way back to April 26th, 1881 - just imagine the delights awaiting us! I'm already picturing grand ballrooms, the flutter of silk, and of course, a sea of graceful tulle. Now, if you're thinking, "Emma, we don't exactly wear tutus like that anymore," then hold onto your tiaras, darling, because today's a special journey through the history of our beloved dancewear!
Paris, the City of Light and Lace
We're jet-setting to the most enchanting city in the world, Paris! I absolutely adore Paris – the sights, the smells, the pastries, the shops! I'm so glad our trusty time machine landed us at the Gare du Nord station, because today's journey calls for the epitome of elegant French fashion! The year is 1881, a time when fashion was flourishing and a period when the very concept of "the tutu" was just beginning to bloom. We're right on the cusp of an exciting era for dance, my loves!
The Birth of Ballet, As We Know It
Imagine, my dears, this is the year we find legendary dancers like Marie Taglioni performing "La Sylphide". You see, the late 18th and early 19th centuries saw ballet taking leaps and bounds towards becoming the incredible form of artistry we see today. Dancers were striving for more freedom and fluidity of movement, and with that, the fashion changed! No more tight corsets, bulky skirts, or cumbersome fabrics – the desire for a new, light, and airy silhouette started to grow, my lovelies!
The Short, But Stunning, History Of Ballet's Silhouette
Can you picture it, my loves? Think graceful steps and pirouettes, a dance on air! It was revolutionary! By 1830, ballet's movement style had transitioned from the elaborate, stiff costumes of the French court to lighter, more functional styles that were a must for pirouettes and graceful steps. And as a symbol of this evolution, tutus arrived on the dance floor! It was a real revolution, my dears, but this new style wasn't accepted right away, I’m sure! It took courage for ballerinas to perform in the short, skirt-like tutus we associate with classical ballet today. It took talent to match their leaps, and they absolutely had it!
*But Did Ballet Wear Tutux Like Our Tutu Today? *
Yes! There were versions of tutus but these are now considered quite early ones - they’re not the iconic fluffy layers of tulle you'd see on a prima ballerina today. It took a few more decades, darlings! They still had those beautiful layered flounces that we’ll always adore, though. Those gorgeous layered flounces gave the tutu that fantastic bell shape and made a swirling, flowing statement. We might see tutus that reach just below the knee, which sounds delightful for me. Can you imagine the swirling as they danced?! The perfect way to showcase their agility, I'm sure! And you bet I'm heading to a grand Parisian ballet show later – imagine how those ladies would move! It was such a treat to watch their performances, to feel that sense of wonder and joy. It was inspiring! And believe me, darlings, seeing them dance, I already know I want to be back in Paris next week, at least! And I know this year is already such a perfect time to take a dip into history because, darling, this is where the story of the ballet tutu starts to truly unfold.
Finding The Perfect Tutu
Paris was always known for exquisite clothing, my darlings! We have to visit the salons and the shops and boutiques and see these wonderful fashion houses creating masterpieces for stage and fashion! This era gave us a delightful peek into the fascinating world of haute couture and I adore everything about that era - especially those beautifully hand-sewn tutus! So, I'm off on a shopping spree! It was hard for me to hold myself back - the stores were calling out to me with their luxurious silks, ribbons, and, of course, delicate tulle. That era of ballet was simply bursting with creativity and flair. I'm picking out every shade, colour, fabric I can! Pink of course! Everything from delicate white to stunning blacks, and even beautiful bold blues! There was a special spark in the Parisian air during those days! There is so much excitement in this era.
Looking Back, And Planning My Next Time Trip
I simply have to hop on that Paris express back to Derbyshire soon! My shopping bags are absolutely full to the brim with delightful little souvenirs that show the historical flair of this fashion. But now that we’re back in the modern world and you and I are just beginning our journey through the wonderful world of tutus, I'm so excited about what's coming next, my loves! I have many more tutu historical adventures up my sleeve – tutus made with real feathers, even! But for now, I’m so happy to be sharing this adventure with you. So what’s on the to do list for my tutu enthusiasts?! It’s simple: I challenge you all to share your very best Tutu photos, or memories of a performance on my blog and the world can share the magic. #PinkTutu!
Until next week darlings, happy twirling and, remember - always choose a shade of pink that makes you feel magical.
P.S. Let's remember the ballerinas of that era and those who came before - who had to make the journey for ballet to flourish and be seen. Let's celebrate them, let's dance to honour them, and let's wear the tutu as a reminder of their courageous artistic journeys, a journey that brings grace, beauty and joy into the world, because let’s face it, it is amazing! #BalletForLife
