#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1883-02-06

Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu aficionado, reporting live from... well, let's just say, from a time that's definitely not 2023! Today is #TutuTuesday and as you know, that means we're diving into the fabulous history of our favourite garment, the tutu.

This week, we're stepping back in time, way back, to the 6th of February 1883. Fancy a trip on the Orient Express to a little Parisian theatre? I know I do! Let’s take a trip to the theatre in Paris to experience ballet in a world of beautiful silk costumes, elegant evening dresses, and (of course!) glorious tutus! I bet the scent of bergamot and jasmine is just exquisite…

*(Time Travel Tip: Just because I love train journeys doesn’t mean I recommend actually using them for time travel! They can get a bit bumpy and… err… I’m just saying. The wardrobe malfunctions are more than a little embarrassing! ) *

Imagine it: Paris, 1883. It’s a Wednesday and the buzz of theatre chatter hangs heavy in the air, as the audience enters the hallowed halls of the Paris Opera House. Tonight’s performance is a production of La Bayadère, a stunning piece that blends Eastern flavour and intricate footwork with classical grace.

But how different the scene is from our contemporary ballet! You see, whilst tutus in my day are light and fluffy, made of layers upon layers of tulle for a cloud-like effect, in this era, tutus were more...well, shall we say, dramatic?! They were massive, quite rigid, and often featured yards upon yards of heavy, opulent fabric! Think silk brocade, taffeta, and even velvet. Imagine having to dance in all that! You’d definitely need a good workout before stepping on stage!

These tutus were meant to accentuate a woman's form and highlight the graceful movements of the dancers. In contrast, today's tutus, which are mostly made of layers of tulle, are a lighter and more delicate garment allowing dancers to effortlessly glide across the stage.

(Emma's Tip: Try out a few different tutus in varying fabrics, like a tulle tutu for your home practise, and then an ornate, flowing tutu when you're hitting the stage for a fancy performance!)

So let’s imagine what you’d see if you stepped back in time and into the 1883 Paris Opera House for La Bayadère. A shimmering golden sun is depicted on the curtain backdrop, framing the set for a scene of vibrant colour. On stage, we see the ballerina, perhaps wearing a tutu with swathes of blue, red, or golden fabric, accentuating the classical steps and the choreography.

The beauty of the production rests in its intricate movement - not just the ballet steps themselves, but in the captivating narrative. The storyline is like a page ripped out of Arabian Nights – think grand, powerful characters, drama, and the ever-present possibility of love!

(Emma’s Tip: If you want to bring a touch of 19th Century Parisian ballet flair to your own choreography, don’t just limit yourself to graceful movements, explore bold shapes and large, expansive gestures! Remember, more is more!)

### Fashion For A Queen

Now, the ladies in the audience, of course, are dressed to the nines! We're talking about full-skirted gowns, extravagant bonnets, and the glittering embellishment that would make any of today's runway looks pale in comparison.

And, as you may know, this period of time was all about the exquisite corsetry! Imagine being laced into a beautiful bodice, adding even more dramatic movement to the elegance of these fashion forward women in their fine attire.

*Imagine the look in the theatre on a February evening – elegant and rich with romance, just as we strive for in our ballet today! *

*(Emma's Tip: Head down to your local costume shop, pick up a corset or beautiful silk bodice and recreate that Parisian theatrical air in your next ballet class! You'll be strutting like a queen in no time!) *

Back to the tutu itself: This fascinating garment - once a huge symbol of Victorian beauty - continues to influence us even today! The evolving history of the tutu teaches us a beautiful lesson: evolution is not just about moving forward, it's also about cherishing the past. So when you're dancing in your own pink tulle tutu, remember, it’s not just about movement; it’s about expressing a rich artistic history.

(Emma's Tip: Remember, each time you wear your pink tutu, it's a journey through history, so embrace it with pride!)

*So, my lovely ballet-loving cheries, what have we learned from our time travel today? * - We discovered how those beautiful tutus we see today evolved over time! - We’ve peeked into the exciting world of Parisian opera in the 1880s. - And we learned that, even through its constant evolution, the tutu is, and will always be, a beautiful garment!

Don’t forget to share your #TutuTuesday thoughts and photos with me!

And remember - everyone looks fabulous in a pink tutu!
Until next time, stay glamorous! *Emma XOXO *