Greetings, dearest readers! It's Emma here, back with another jaunt through time, this time landing smack-dab in the middle of…1883!
Can you imagine, no electric lights, no cars, just horses and gaslight…oh, and those glorious bonnets! Now, bonnets aside, I'm in Paris today, the capital of all things elegant and oh-so-tutu-worthy. It's always a joy to visit Paris, especially on a Tuesday, the day the Opèra Garnier, this grand palace of ballet and music, throws open its doors!
Today is December 11th, 1883, and the Parisian ballet world is aglow with the excitement of a brand new performance! But before we dive into the magic of the theatre, let's take a little trip back in time and explore how tutus have evolved.
A Little Tutu History
Tutus, my dear friends, haven't always been these billowing, glorious clouds of tulle. In fact, their story is a captivating one, a journey of fashion, movement, and evolving dance styles.
Imagine, dear reader, if you will, the very early days of ballet, around the 16th and 17th centuries, when dancers would twirl in gowns, full of petticoats, their skirts swishing and flowing like…well, let's just say, they didn't exactly inspire lightness and grace!
Then came the 18th century, and things started changing. Dancers began wearing tighter garments, moving more freely. But even then, tutus, as we know them, weren't quite here yet. There were gowns with tighter bodices and longer, flowing skirts, but not the "fairy tale" tutus we know and love!
Now, the 1830s – that is where our story gets really interesting. The romantic ballet era burst upon the world, demanding a more graceful and ethereal look, one that emphasized fluidity and lightness. This is where the first tutus began to take shape – not yet the full, multi-layered tutus we adore, but with shorter skirts that revealed the dancers' legs, bringing them closer to the delicate, almost wispy beauty of the period.
Then, in the mid-19th century, we see the real transformation! These evolving skirts got shorter and shorter until we get to the grand tutu, or the tutu-tulle - a voluminous confection of layers upon layers of tulle. It's hard to think of a tutu without seeing these fluffy marvels of dance, so intricately layered, floating and flowing with every leap and pirouette.
Oh, the beauty! There's a special joy to be found in watching these glorious tulle creations sweep and dance, showcasing the dancers' form, grace, and strength.
Back in Time: Paris, 1883
This era, my friends, is the golden age of the romantic tutu! The dance styles, influenced by the tutu-tulle design, have embraced that ethereal elegance, delicate steps, and poetic narratives. It's a magical time to witness.
Now, about today's performance... tonight, at the Opèra Garnier, it's Giselle. Oh, I can hardly contain myself! This ballet is one of the most stunning pieces in the repertoire! The story, of the peasant girl Giselle, tragically betrayed and dancing herself to death…well, just imagine the tutus in that grand adagio.
And speaking of tutus, I can tell you from my tutu-timeline-travel experience, this time period in Paris is a veritable ballet costume wonderland! The finest of materials are used to create each garment, intricate detailing, ribbons, beading, and even feathers... a dance of fashion and creativity.
The Opéra Garnier, now here's a building that deserves its own story! Think gold, intricate chandeliers, lavish architecture. I mean, where else can you go where even the staircase itself inspires elegance! It's a feast for the eyes and the soul.
I will of course be shopping for more ballet paraphernalia! It's almost time to take my seat and watch those enchanting, graceful tutus glide across the stage. But until next Tutu Tuesday, be sure to twirl your way to www.pink-tutu.com and subscribe for all the latest tutu news!
And as always, wear your pink tutu with pride!
Your fellow tutu-lover,
Emma
xx
