#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1882-07-04

Bonjour, mon chéris! It's Emma here, back with another #TutuTuesday dedicated to the glorious history of the tutu. This week, we're travelling back in time to the glorious 4th of July, 1882 - a date full of excitement and, naturally, plenty of tutus!

Now, I’m back in my beloved Derbyshire, and after travelling the world by train - think grand old steam engines pulling plush carriages packed with ladies in lovely outfits and gentlemen in tweed, a sheer delight! I’ve returned to discover that while my little pink tutu is all the rage back in London, this corner of England needs a touch of tutu inspiration! My dear grandmother had the good grace to allow me to wear my beloved pink tutu to a garden party she hosted on my birthday a few weeks ago, and the sheer delight on all the faces there just shows that Derbyshire is ready for the tutu revolution!

The 1880s are a truly magical time for fashion, darling! In Paris, women are sporting bustles and beautiful bodices, cinched in at the waist and with billowing skirts that sweep across the floors of grand Parisian ballrooms. You see, there is no other way to describe it - it's truly magical, especially when those skirts are crafted from silk or velvet, swirling with delicate ruffles, lace, and luxurious fabrics! Imagine the graceful silhouettes of the dresses and the fluttering layers - quite captivating, indeed.

It's no surprise that this Parisian style, which emphasized both volume and structure, has a significant influence on the world of ballet. After all, ballet itself has its origins in the French royal court, and its influence continues to be seen on stage to this day. This is where the ballet tutu becomes crucial. Think of a little ballerina swirling gracefully on the stage, and instead of just that charming little dance frock, it becomes a miniature version of a grand Paris gown, a delightful reminder of a majestic fashion statement.

In the late 19th century, the tutu undergoes a transformation, transitioning from a knee-length, bell-shaped garment, popular in the late 1800s, into something much shorter, exposing the legs and allowing ballerinas greater freedom of movement. This dramatic change was ushered in thanks to Marius Petipa, a true innovator of the art of ballet, who famously worked at the Imperial Theatres in Saint Petersburg, and with the introduction of new ballets featuring dramatic pointe work, where the graceful dancer was balancing on their toes and leaping around the stage. Can you imagine how much elegance this brings to the show, while the shorter tutu adds to this impression of airy grace.

Let's talk about what’s going on on this momentous day. Now, although we might not think about the 4th of July in the context of tutu history just yet, I find this particularly fascinating! Imagine that this was the very same day “The Ballet” performed in London, the London Opera house was absolutely packed to overflowing - it’s always the most amazing place for a good old ballet show - there's magic in the air. It is this type of stage, this level of artistry, which makes the tutu such an incredible thing.

Don't just imagine it in white, darling! Tutues have always come in a range of colors! Even if we go back to the early days of the 19th Century, when Marie Taglioni in “La Sylphide” is gracing the stage, the lightness of her white tutu contrasted with the rich deep green hues of the woodscape in which her story was set, adding to the otherworldly element that drew so much interest and popularity for ballet back then. So, don't limit yourself to the pale pink of my personal fashion choices! From elegant ivory to vibrant azure and luxurious jewel tones - these little pieces of garment add the beauty and elegance we come to love from this style of dancing.

You know, a tutu isn’t just about the dance, my dears, it’s about self-expression! Whether you’re feeling dramatic in an emerald-green tulle or delicate in blush-toned chiffon, the tutu adds a hint of magical whimsy, that sense of ballet-inspired grandeur to any outfit, allowing us to feel like a fairytale heroine on any ordinary day! Go for a spin, darling, dance your heart out, and express yourself with a little bit of twirling charm, it’s the best kind of happiness, and the tutu is your ticket to this wonderland.

Until next week, keep spinning and dreaming of pink, and remember, life is more fun when you wear a tutu!

Lots of love and tutus,

Emma