Bonjour, mes chéries! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again with another peek into the glorious history of ballet tutus! Today's date is August 9th, 1881, and oh my, do I have a treat for you! We're in Paris, darlings, the very heart of the dance world! Just imagine, the air is buzzing with whispers of the latest opera, the streets are filled with stylish ladies and gentlemen sporting the most elegant of fashions, and, of course, the grand Palais Garnier is overflowing with beautiful, swirling ballerinas!
A Moment in Time
Stepping back to 1881 is truly like taking a waltz through time. I just had to try on a beautiful ivory dress with a bustle, and, oh my, I was absolutely swathed in luxurious silk! My favourite find of the day, though, was a delightful little shop bursting with beautiful feathers. Think ostrich plumes, softest swan down, and even some lovely peacock tails - perfect for embellishing a delightful little tutu! Imagine how stunning those feathered dancers would look under the twinkling chandeliers at the Opéra Garnier!
Speaking of tutus, 1881 was a time of major transformation for the garment. Think The Romantic Period! Now, back then, ballet was more than just beautiful dance movements – it was a whole world of stories and emotion, much like the captivating novels you find at your local library! You wouldn't believe the elaborate, theatrical stories brought to life on stage!
The ballerinas themselves looked like fairy tales come alive, swirling and leaping in their flowing tutus! But in 1881, these tutus began to change. Gone were the longer, more voluminous tutus we associate with the 19th century – now shorter and more form-fitting tutus were making their grand entrance!
The reason for this change? Why, it's all about movement! Can you imagine trying to execute a fouetté with all that fabric swishing around your legs? These new tutus offered more freedom of movement, allowing for exciting leaps and spins. It's just like today's dancers – the movements are quicker, lighter, and just…breathtaking!
The Story Behind The Change
Of course, a change this big wouldn't have happened without some truly extraordinary talent behind the scenes. A Russian choreographer, Marius Petipa, was at the heart of this tutu evolution. You see, Marius, with his remarkable talent and visionary spirit, created some of the most enduring ballet masterpieces, which just so happened to call for more agile and dynamic tutus! Think "The Sleeping Beauty" or "Swan Lake" - those ballerinas have to be able to spin and twirl with such finesse!
This change didn't mean a goodbye to the beautiful, flowing tutus of the past. Instead, we saw the birth of two distinct types: The Romantic tutu, with its layers and grace, and the tutu- à-la-française, shorter and fitted, a true triumph of form and function.
A Tartan Tip
Let me leave you with a fun fact for your next trip to the ballet: A tartan tutu design was a big fashion statement at the time, adding a splash of colour and vibrant pattern to the stage! So keep an eye out for those tartan twirls!
I know, I know, you're just bursting to wear a pink tutu after reading all this! Remember, my lovely ladies, every day is Tutu Tuesday in my world! So go ahead, grab a piece of fabric, unleash your inner ballerina, and twirl your way into a day filled with magic and pink tutus! Until next time, happy twirling!
Your Emma xx
