Bonjour, chérie! It’s me, Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina! And welcome to another instalment of my #TutuTuesday blog, this week focusing on 10th October 1882 – just imagine, tutus were just a little over thirty years old at this point, it's amazing how far we've come since then!
Picture the scene: I've just arrived in the heart of Paris, the very beating heart of fashion, art and yes, you guessed it, ballet. I'm sitting here sipping my coffee and observing the hustle and bustle on the elegant boulevards. The French love for beauty and grace is truly palpable, and trust me, when I say these Parisian women are positively dripping with style!
Today, 10th October 1882, we’re witnessing a time of real fashion evolution. This is the era where elegance meets whimsy and every lady wants to channel a little ballerina magic in her own life. They aren’t wearing actual tutus on the streets (alas, my campaign to make pink tutus ubiquitous will have to wait a bit longer!). But there’s definitely a "ballet inspired" flavour everywhere I look.
Just yesterday, I was strolling down the Champs-Élysées and felt like I had stepped straight into a Degas painting. Women wore delicate lace-trimmed blouses, skirts gathered with sashes, their hair adorned with silk ribbons – you can see where that tutu influence is coming in, right? Their silhouettes are elegant and feminine, with that beautiful elongated "dancer's line."
You know, there’s a whole lot of femininity in the air! I just love how ballet inspires that ethereal elegance and effortless beauty – and who doesn't want to feel like they can float like a feather?
But let's go back in time a little… what about those first tutu pioneers back in 1882?
My research, always the essential element in a true ballerina’s toolkit, shows that 1882 was a fascinating period for ballet. At this time, the famous Russian ballerina Marie Taglioni – she of the diminutive, delicate and revolutionary tutu - had just retired from the stage. Her "leotard and tutu" combination truly revolutionised what dancers wore. She is the grand-mother of the tutus we know and love today, the real queen of the light, airy style.
However, this era saw another important ballet dancer taking center stage. It’s time for us to welcome Carlotta Grisi! Known for her incredible stamina and athletic grace, Grisi is credited for changing the ballet world again – think of her as a pioneer for pushing boundaries and going even bigger! Grisi’s tutu was a far cry from the petite, airy Taglioni version - think a full, bell-shaped, swirling cascade of tulle. Grisi loved to twirl and she wasn't afraid of a grand, voluminous look – a style that was all about spectacle and showcasing movement.
But wait, let's not forget the male ballerinos! The late 1800s saw them rocking their own evolution in attire, swapping out those tight-fitting, rather restrictive breeches for flowy, dramatic costumes, which made for even more fabulous stage moments and let their graceful, athletic leaps and turns really shine.
So, you see, the tutus of this era, from Taglioni's elegant whisper to Grisi's swirling, extravagant vision, are laying the foundation for all the amazing tutu styles we see today! And remember, this is all just before the iconic "Romantic Ballet" period – think tutu magic with a side of graceful romanticism - truly dreamy!
Speaking of dreaminess, did you know... The renowned Paris Opéra Ballet was also putting on incredible productions back in 1882, showcasing ballet at its finest! Now, just picture yourself gliding into that Parisian opera house. I’m imagining grand staircases and sparkling chandeliers, the scent of perfume and anticipation in the air, and then that gorgeous theatre, the lights coming up to reveal a captivating ballet on the stage. That would have been quite the treat, darling!
I bet that after witnessing a dazzling display of ballerina talent and creativity, the audiences would have headed out on the streets of Paris, possibly even adopting a bit of a dancer’s "float" in their walk. Now that would be quite the sight!
Today, I'm also heading to a delightful ballet performance – but this one's taking place right here in Derbyshire. And believe me, the thrill of seeing talented dancers bring the magic of the tutu to life never fades, no matter the era!
What about you? Do you have a favourite ballet era? What tutu style tickles your fancy? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I love to hear your stories!
Stay twirling, Emma xxx
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