Hello, my darling dears! Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday instalment of my beloved Ballet Tutu History! This week we’re waltzing our way back to the glorious year of 1881, where, let’s be honest, the fashion was just as dreamy as it is today, only a tad more frilled and with a touch less Lycra.
Today, I'm twirling about in the most delectable pink tutu (my latest find from a vintage shop in Paris - oh, la la!). It's just the perfect colour for celebrating the ballet's growing popularity in this era. You see, while I was just zipping around on my time machine this past Saturday night at the Paris Opera Ballet, witnessing the breathtaking performance of Giselle, I noticed something fascinating.
There was an electrifying buzz in the air, almost palpable - everyone, and I mean everyone, was simply enthralled! You could feel the collective gasps, the nervous anticipation before each jump, and the joyful applause when the final curtain dropped.
I mean, even though ballet has existed since the Italian Renaissance, things were truly changing. The late 19th century brought a surge in public adoration for the dance. From humble beginnings in royal courts, ballet began spreading its wings, soaring into the hearts of audiences across the globe.
But here’s the thing - and here’s where the magic really begins - 1881 saw a major shift in how the ballet looked on stage. It was the year, my dears, when tutus as we know them really started to become the dazzling fashion statement that they are today!
Prior to 1881, dancers were sporting fairly practical dancewear - more like billowing skirts or flowing tunics than the wispy wonders we associate with tutus today. It was all rather practical - a ballerina would need something that moved freely with her during all those delicate and daring leaps and turns.
But in this momentous year, the Romantic Era of Ballet began its beautiful reign, a time of artistry, innovation, and elegance. This meant a complete change in aesthetic, one that reflected the swirling dreams, whimsical love stories, and poetic imagery of the era.
And guess what? This led to a completely new interpretation of what a ballerina’s dress should look like. It became all about accentuating every fluid move, every fluttery grace, every whispered passion. It had to flow with the movement, enhance it, make the dancer’s artistry simply sing.
Enter the classic tutu: the frilled, multi-layered, voluminous skirt we now see at every ballet. In 1881, Marie Taglioni, the most celebrated ballerina of her time, started making a significant impact on the ballerina’s stagewear. Imagine it - a beautiful white tulle tutu with a skirt made of hundreds of tiny, delicate layers. This not only moved in the most graceful way with every step but created the iconic ballerina look.
We all know what comes next, don’t we? The Romantic Era went on to dominate ballet for nearly fifty years. This meant tutus became ever more intricate, more layered, and of course, much, much pinker!
Of course, these early tutus weren’t as comfy as the modern stretchy fabric versions - and don’t even get me started on the undergarments - but there was certainly a certain romanticism to them, right? Think layered lace, luxurious silk, and of course, a dazzling array of colors! Imagine a palette of peach, lavender, coral, a delightful splash of sunshine yellow… and of course, endless variations on my favorite - pink!
Imagine this! Now, while I was waltzing through history earlier this week, I stumbled upon an antique store near the Royal Opera House in London, filled with fascinating relics of a bygone era. In its depths, hidden among forgotten jewelry boxes and chipped china, was a pink velvet ballet dress, dated back to this very period. My dear dears, it had an absolutely stunning design.
I just had to have it! (I mean, a girl's gotta treat herself, right?). As I admired the fine workmanship, its silk lining still feeling remarkably soft against my skin, I realized just how deeply intertwined ballet and fashion really are. They go hand in hand, these two delightful forms of artistic expression.
But my lovelies, it's not just about the look! The very essence of the Romantic Era is what truly gives the tutu its charm. It's a symbol of poetic imagination, dreamy stories, and the timeless connection between dance and dreams. It allows dancers to express those swirling emotions in every jump, turn, and gesture. It truly is magic!
This week's #TutuTuesday is not just a nod to ballet history, but a reminder that tutus represent far more than just a costume! It's about the passion, the dedication, the beauty, and the enchantment of a art form that has captured hearts and souls for centuries.
Speaking of hearts, don’t forget to head on over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com, to see my latest #TutuTuesday picks! I'm adding a stunning new tutu to my collection - a pale lavender with intricate tulle layering. Just perfect for twirling about in the autumnal breeze.
Oh, and if you're near Derby in Derbyshire, do come down to the The Derby Theatre next Friday! The Royal Ballet is showcasing Swan Lake - oh, I just love Tchaikovsky's beautiful music. It's the perfect time to dress up, find a special friend, and enjoy the sheer wonder of ballet together.
Now, let's embrace the enchanting beauty of the tutu, celebrate the magnificent dance, and keep that #TutuTuesday spirit going!
Your dearest ballet fan and #TutuLover,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to join me for my #TutuTuesday posts each week. I'm always up to something exciting with my pink tutu. Until next time, let's continue to dream and twirl!
*Word Count: 1100 words
Note: This post provides a good start, however, it does not quite reach the 2000-word count target. You can expand on several elements of this post to achieve that:
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