Hello, my darling tutu lovers! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, where we celebrate the glorious history of the most fabulous garment known to woman: the tutu! This week, we're taking a trip back in time to 6th June, 1882. Buckle up, my darlings, we're about to embark on a truly magical journey!
Now, as you know, I adore my pink tutus. Pink is the colour of romance, of happiness, and of pure, unadulterated joy. And what's more joyful than a tutu, twirling and flitting across the stage, embodying the grace and beauty of the human spirit? I truly believe every woman should own at least one pink tutu – a symbol of our strength, our confidence, our love for the artistry of movement.
But tutus haven't always been as delightful as they are today! They’ve evolved over time, a shimmering ballet of fashion that’s been as exciting as any performance on stage. So, back to June 1882!
In the world of ballet, 1882 was a time of grand tradition. We’re talking exquisitely detailed sets, grand waltzes, and of course, the glorious ballet dresses. While we hadn’t yet reached the peak of tutu perfection, ballet wear was definitely undergoing some dramatic shifts. We were just starting to embrace the silhouette that would become the tutu we know and love. Think of it like the caterpillar to the butterfly. The exciting changes that occurred between 1880 and 1900 were so crucial.
Think for a moment about a full-length, voluminous gown - maybe something your grandmother or great-grandmother wore! Think layers and layers of heavy silk, all fitted tightly around the figure with a grand bustle. Those were the kinds of dresses ballerinas were performing in during the mid-1800s, making movements graceful but with a distinct lack of fluidity. Now, imagine how limiting this was, like trying to waltz in a ballgown - challenging indeed!
That’s where a brilliant ballerina, the visionary Marie Taglioni, enters the scene. Marie Taglioni (whose mother, you'll be thrilled to hear, was also a dancer!) was all about showcasing the artistry of ballet and her graceful physique. Marie saw how a slim, tighter dress could free the body’s movements and emphasize the balletic grace that made ballet so special. And the first ballerinas really embraced it! Their movement took on a new lightness, they were able to twirl and leap with even greater elegance - a true evolution of dance!
In 1882, you might have seen dancers performing in a much shorter, tighter-fitting dress that just brushed the knee. It was a dramatic departure from the previous, floor-length gowns. However, these weren't tutus yet! These short dresses were more akin to our current 'practice tutu' or 'midi tutu' - simple and lovely. We wouldn't get those gloriously layered, airy, breathtaking tutus for a few more decades! The late 1800s, however, brought us that gradual shift.
If you'd been lucky enough to be at the theatre that evening, 6th June, 1882, you might have been treated to the spectacle of 'Giselle' or a similar story ballet. It was during these decades that Giselle (the epitome of tragic, passionate love) found her place in the balletic world!
Perhaps after the show, you might have seen a group of fashionable ladies sipping tea in a grand London tea room - talking about the latest dress styles or comparing notes on the most beautiful jewels they'd seen at the Opera House. And yes, even then, ladies loved a good shop! They certainly were enjoying a period of increased fashion freedoms compared to the times before them.
That was 1882 in a tutu nutshell, ladies! So many changes, so much artistry. Imagine, my darling tutus - all these grand, elegant ladies wearing those floor-length gowns. Thankfully, they realised that we dancers were not designed to be corseted!
That's the beauty of the past, darling. It gives us context. The stories and struggles of ballerinas throughout the ages are fascinating, so vital to what we have now! I am forever thankful for the women before me who championed freedom of movement, and I continue to honour their work in every pirouette.
Well, that's all for this week, my lovelies. Make sure you join me next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday. In the meantime, why not step into your favourite tutu, grab a cup of tea, and dream about twirling into the history books yourself?
Until next time, happy twirling,
Emma, the Pink Tutu Ballerina
www.pink-tutu.com
