#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1882-11-07

Hello darlings! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, back with another instalment of my Ballet Tutu History. As you know, I travel through time thanks to my love of ballet, and this week I've popped over to 1882. You know what that means?

The 1880s were a gloriously theatrical time! Imagine, dear readers, layers upon layers of billowing silk, glittering jewels and beautiful bonnets. It's absolutely intoxicating! Now, 1882 might not be famed for the ballet tutu like the early 20th century, but I'm always eager to sniff out the roots of our favourite dance garment!

Let's embark on a journey through time, shall we? Grab a glass of champagne (or a cup of tea!) and settle in…

I just have to tell you, darling, the ladies' fashion is divine here! The "Crinoline era" was in full swing with massive skirts supported by cages of wire - the silhouette of the period is quite dramatic, giving a look of an hourglass figure. This contrasted greatly with the bustle era that took hold from 1883. But fear not! The bustle (which I’ve mentioned before), is very very dramatic! The skirt hangs down in a point at the back, making the lady appear slimmer at the waist. A most excellent combination of stylish curves!

I love the colourful velvets, silks and satins. We're seeing all shades of blue, vibrant greens, beautiful pinks, and bold reds!

And can we talk about the bonnets? So chic! Think velvet with extravagant feathers and plumes. Oh, I have just fallen head-over-heels for this style!

Oh, but how does this all relate to ballet tutus? You may well ask! I knew you were thinking it, dear reader. It all has to do with the dramatic form of fashion at the time. With grand costumes, exquisite tailoring and the bustle-era coming into fashion... the scene was set for our iconic ballet tutu!

Now, back to our adventure in the late 1880s! Let's see what's brewing in the dance world!

This Tuesday's date, November 7th, has huge historical significance in France, specifically in the realm of opera, which, of course, often housed the most delightful ballet. Now, the Paris Opera, (the grand "Palais Garnier," you know!), opened its doors to the public on 5 January 1875. That's right, we're just seven years on from that truly momentous event! Imagine a completely new, magnificent theater dedicated to showcasing all forms of performing arts...the most divine place for ballet to truly flourish!

The ballet program was bursting with spectacular and traditional performances: the Célèbre Ballet des Etoiles which showcased stunning technique. Remember our gorgeous tutus from my last #TutuTuesday? This is where they came alive, in a whirlwind of dazzling feats of strength and flexibility. Ballet costumes were being redesigned from what had come before in the late 19th century... It is clear that ballet was getting serious in 1882 and the era of tutus was soon to explode.

Now, dear readers, did you know this year, 1882, was also marked by an intriguing shift in ballet choreography? I'm thrilled to tell you that ballet was undergoing a very important period. Classical and romantic ballets were being fused with more modern expressions!

Do you remember Giselle, a masterpiece I shared with you last month? A true story about passion and heartbreak in the guise of a woodland nymph.

And I just have to introduce you to another ballet that had its grand opening around this time: "La Bayadère." Now this truly embodies the fashion and grand theatre style of the period!

"La Bayadère" by Marius Petipa (oh, what a grand, glorious name! - quite fitting for a ballet, don't you think?), is truly a delight to watch. Imagine dancers as temples dancers dressed in rich, vibrant costumes! (That colour theme - so fabulous, dear readers!). Think flowing robes, dazzling decorations and, of course, our favourite… the tutu! (although possibly not quite as recognisable in its modern form.

The influence of Marius Petipa on the dance scene of the time cannot be overstated!

The late 19th century was truly all about ballet, dear reader! It's hard to overstate its importance - the dance itself had moved from the courts of the European nobility to the world of theatre. The ballerinas took center stage and with that came new innovations in fashion and performance, culminating in... well… our beloved tutu!

Let's discuss tutu fashion for a moment. Remember, tutus at this time were still developing. Imagine layers of tulle…fluffy, airy, and beautifully constructed! A graceful cascade of delicate material with more length and flow. Remember that it’s the era of the Grand Jeté! That mighty leap with the feet flying into the air, well, they just had to create a tutu that could truly accommodate this iconic dance move. And, it seems, ballet fashion took on a new level of elegance in the late 1800s. The emphasis was on flowing, voluminous tutus… Imagine dancing across the stage as a graceful, whirling dream!

We will undoubtedly see more about this shift in fashion next week. I simply have to go back in time to 1883! The year the bustle really began to take hold. How will this dramatic change affect tutus? I have so much more to tell you...

After a long, magical day in 1882, it’s time for me to zip myself back to Derbyshire. I've truly enjoyed revisiting the wonderful history of ballets, tutus, and fashion, with you dear reader! But it’s already time to plan next week’s #TutuTuesday. Oh my, the amazing journey I’m planning for next time, I can't tell you everything yet. But be sure to join me next Tuesday, because I’ll be delving deep into a different corner of our time-travelling ballet-filled world!

Remember to share this blog with all of your fellow ballet enthusiasts and be sure to stay pink, stay lovely, and keep the dream of tutus alive!

Until next time, my darling readers…

Emma xx