Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, your tutu-clad time-traveling guide to the world of ballet. And oh, my dears, wouldn't you just know it, we're going right back to the 1880s today! So, pack your parasols, dust off your dancing shoes, and get ready for a journey back in time!
Remember, every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com, we take a peek into the dazzling history of the tutu! My journey is powered by the magic of the dance floor and, frankly, by my love of a good old-fashioned show, a vintage shopping spree, and of course, the exquisite world of fashion! Today, I’m in Paris – a haven for all things artistic and fashionable, even back in 1883!
Oh, and did I mention today is #TutuTuesday? Because you absolutely must wear your most fabulous pink tutu today – and trust me, darlings, this one’s a doozy. I’m talking full-on billowing tulle, enough ruffles to rival the French Riviera, and just the slightest whisper of blush pink. Sigh
This week, we're going back to a time where the ballet was at the height of its Romantic Era. Picture this: grand opera houses bathed in a gentle twilight glow, with ballets of "La Sylphide" and "Giselle" reigning supreme. The world of ballet was awash in ethereal, romantic themes and dreamy tutus.
We're smack dab in the midst of La Belle Époque! (Yes, even in the early 1880s!). A time of unprecedented change and unwavering joie de vivre! Everything is new and shiny, especially when it comes to fashion. In fact, the romantic style of ballet costume that reigned during this period had only begun to take shape during the 1840s and reached its pinnacle of romanticism in the 1870s and 80s!
The tutu was a bit different then. They weren't quite the "tutus" we think of today. You see, at this time, dancers didn’t have the same incredible strength, technique, and agility they do today. And let's be honest, they probably weren’t quite ready to be twirling about in the super-short tutus of the future. The dancers of the time preferred a much softer and gentler silhouette that flowed with their graceful movements! So instead, we find a variety of different looks; romantic, ethereal, and very, very pretty, that perfectly suited the era of grand romanticism. Think flowing, billowing chiffon skirts and light, romantic tutus.
These delicate "tutues" were designed with a generous layer of light tulle, layered over a chemise of silk, linen, or cambric, often adorned with a charming silk belt. And remember, ladies, it wasn't all about the tutu! Back then, they took fashion very seriously, and these graceful dancers were adorned in elaborate, flowing costumes complete with feathered headpieces and dramatic capes. Just think “Swan Lake” – the first production of which was, surprise surprise, in 1877. There wasn't a short tutu to be seen anywhere!
You might think a more practical costume with lighter materials was a welcome development, wouldn't you? Think again, darlings! You see, fashion is about more than practicality, it’s about the fantasy, about the illusion! And to that end, our lovely dancers wore more layers of tulle and petticoats under these romantic skirts than you could shake a stick at! Just think of those exquisite tutus in La Sylphide, which involved ballerinas being lifted effortlessly above the stage with just one hand! You betcha those beautiful tutus were more than a bit fluffy, just imagine them drifting through the air with the graceful elegance of a feather!
Don’t even get me started on the intricate embroidery! Talk about detailed work! Every single one of these gowns and skirts had to be hand-crafted with incredible care! This was before mass-production, so the women involved in creating these costumes had to sew with precision. I simply can't imagine the time and talent it took to hand-stitch every tiny pearl and bead. Honestly, the sheer craftsmanship was, and is, absolutely incredible!
But of course, with a style that demands so much time and labour, things begin to change! As time moved on, the costumes became simpler, streamlined, and a whole lot easier to make! Eventually, these elaborate costumes would transform into the practical yet glamorous ones we know and love today.
This was truly a magical time for the dance! Imagine what it would have been like to witness the graceful performances in those early tutus, with the dramatic lighting of the old opera houses bathing everything in a lovely rose glow. Imagine a beautifully adorned ballerina in a flowing gown, dancing gracefully in a perfectly structured tutu, the gentle shimmer of her dance creating an ethereal air that left the entire audience mesmerized!
This was a truly enchanting era! It is difficult not to love the elegance, the beauty, the romanticism, and the graceful fluidity of this bygone era! And the good news is that you don't need a time machine to transport yourself back there!
To really appreciate the dance and those lovely, graceful tutus, check out one of the gorgeous period ballet classics. It’s time for you to channel your inner Romantic Era dancer, darlings! Here are some shows to take in!
Giselle: A hauntingly beautiful tale of love and loss, "Giselle" remains a masterpiece of the romantic era, where a beautiful ballerina finds love with a nobleman who doesn't have a very good reputation. Just what you'd expect for romantic theatre, darlings! The story includes a truly unforgettable ballet performance as Giselle descends into a dark, twisted reality after realizing she was deceived and ends her life in sorrow. Her transformation into a wilful, evil wili, or spirit of the woods, is absolutely captivating.
La Sylphide: Prepare for a performance set in the countryside, filled with graceful movements as our ballerina finds herself the object of affection between two completely different young men! The music in "La Sylphide" is divine and truly enchanting and sets the perfect stage for a romantic ballet story! There is also a hauntingly beautiful wedding scene - which just goes to show how even the romantic ballet style wasn't without its drama and conflict!
If you can't make it to a show (I know! It can be hard, especially since there are so many fabulous theatres and productions these days) don't worry, you can still revel in the magic of these gorgeous tutu costumes from your very own sofa, or in your dancing room, or at a gorgeous theatre performance! You don’t have to be an expert, just immerse yourself in the visual storytelling and bask in the magical romance.
You know what's perfect for enjoying those glorious old ballet videos on your comfy armchair? Yes, darlings, a stunning, frothy, pink tutu! Trust me, it will transform you right back into the beautiful days of romantic ballet and remind you how much we truly appreciate the evolution of the tutu in fashion and the way this timeless piece of ballet costume continues to inspire.
Let me know if you enjoyed this trip back to the 1880s! Did it make you want to channel a romantic, elegant, dreamy ballet style? You can find more inspiring tutu adventures on our site and on our weekly #TutuTuesday! Just remember to choose your most perfect pink tutu, pop on your fanciest headpiece, and let's be absolutely fabulous darlings! Remember, always stay pink and always, always wear a tutu!
Until next Tuesday!
Xoxo, Emma
