Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History Blog, darlings! Today marks post number 2598, a truly grand number! I'm so glad you've joined me for a journey through the history of the tutu, a garment I believe everyone should wear, no matter the occasion. Today's date is particularly exciting, as we're delving into 1881! This was a year of great excitement in the world of ballet and, of course, the tutu was front and centre, as ever.
For my trip today, I opted for a truly regal pink tutu, it wouldn't be a #TutuTuesday without one! The soft silk swished with every movement as I stepped off the train. Oh, the sheer joy of travelling by train! You wouldn't catch me in a carriage, not when such an efficient mode of transport is available. I love the chugging, the view, the rhythmic motion. It puts me in the right mood for an elegant and exciting time.
Paris, oh Paris! As I alighted from the train, my eyes immediately fell upon the most magnificent fashion boutiques, shimmering in the early afternoon sunlight. Today, my dear readers, is an exceptional day. Not just any day, oh no! This day is brimming with the wonder and excitement of the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, for this was the day the opening night of the ballet Le Corsaire was held. Le Corsaire by the composer Adolphe Adam is a glorious tale of love and adventure. The ballet itself was new, having debuted just a few years ago, but already its story was proving wildly popular, a romantic ballet with exciting pirates and even more exciting ballerinas!
A trip to Paris would be unthinkable without a peek at the very latest Parisian fashions, darling. I had to see what the designers had up their sleeves for this season. Now, don't get me wrong, the ladies were truly making a statement in their dresses – corseted bodices and cascading skirts. It's enough to make your head spin, darling! However, I find myself a tad too fond of the movement a full dress permits - you can twirl, you can leap. So naturally, the Parisian Ballet and their dazzling costumes took precedence this afternoon.
But back to our Le Corsaire premiere, darling! I simply must tell you about the ballerina dancing Medora, the heroine, who mesmerized the whole theatre with her exquisite movement, her grace, and the power in each pose. It is so inspiring to see such dedication, and the way she made those delicate tulle layers dance. What a glorious, swirling piece of art! The Le Corsaire costumes are the perfect marriage of the history of the ballet costume, you see, from its earliest days where it was designed for easy movement, with the latest fashion ideas in Parisian dresses of 1881, which was the epitome of femininity.
But hold on, my loves, where did our famous ballet tutus actually come from? As my lovely tutu is making an elegant, gentle statement around my legs today, you may be surprised, darlings, to learn that the ballet tutus we see now have changed dramatically in history, and, of course, their popularity is an indication of a larger, wider societal change and an increased love of a glamorous, feminine way of life.
Before we even discuss the Romantic Tutu: We need to go back to the 1600s. Before the 1700s, ballerinas didn't wear tutus at all. Instead, their garments of choice were the elegant and practical long dresses that ladies in the court and in society wore during this era. But ballet was already a performance form in full bloom by then, so how could they dance freely? Well, ballerinas of that time were experts in choreography! They were nimble on their feet, and knew how to execute movements in long garments! Now, think back to what society thought appropriate for a young woman, with regard to attire! These young ladies certainly wore clothing to please society at the time. So, that is where it all began: dancers, movement and long dresses! It took years for that style to change!
A Romantic Change in Ballet
And what did the changing fashion have to do with it? Remember the romantic period (and the influence on the Romantic tutu) started to take shape at the beginning of the 19th century (and stayed strong throughout much of the century) so it only stands to reason it was all around in the era we are discussing here on this beautiful #TutuTuesday in 1881! And the Romantic Ballet followed suit - with lighter fabrics, lighter, and even softer moves, more athleticism for ballerinas and a move away from the structured, formal movement of the courts. In fact, the first tutu came about, not for the ballerina, but for the dancer: the male dancer had male pants as part of their costume The ballerina still danced in her lovely court dress, until - that is - 1832. It's the year 1832 that marked a true change! This is the year where ballet designers looked at all these shifts in fashion (remember I said fashion trends were key), and ballet's style! You get this incredible change! 1832 - the year when Marie Taglioni became a household name, and danced La Sylphide And the "romantic" ballet (and tutu) were in full swing! And so, Marie wore, what we now call, the Romantic tutu, with all those layers of tulle from waist to just above the knees! This "romantic" tutu was a huge fashion sensation!
The romantic period of ballet was certainly inspiring to see! It was in full bloom by 1881, in fact it is the core inspiration for Le Corsaire, our Ballet opening in Paris tonight!
A Trip Back in Time:
It’s interesting how, since those romantic beginnings, our tutus have undergone a remarkable change, but always with one common denominator – lightness and elegance. To bring it all back to our #TutuTuesday today, it is these very themes - lightness and elegance – that inspired me to add a gorgeous satin belt to my latest design.
If only you, dear readers, could have stepped through the doorway with me, back into those Parisian cafes in 1881! It's such a charming era: the cafes were a place to meet and greet with friends. I, in my darling pink tutu, might have had some delectable croissants or a nice brioche with a spot of French tea, after I saw Le Corsaire of course, the must-see ballet event of the year!
As I finish this blog, darling, the first sounds of the ballet are beginning. I am so, so excited. Don’t worry, I'll be back next week with even more of my #TutuTuesday ballet history musings - for next week we shall discuss what happened with the evolution of the tutu through the end of the 19th century and then in the 20th century and why those dramatic changes matter. Until next time!
Remember, don’t be afraid to embrace the twirl, the leap and the joy of wearing a beautiful tutu! And if you need some inspiration, take a trip back to Paris and revisit Le Corsaire with me!
Yours in tutu, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
