Dearest Tutu Lovers,
Happy #TutuTuesday!
This week I'm whisked back to the vibrant heart of Paris, the city that truly embraces the ballerina's dance! This is where tutus were born, my lovelies, and it's simply electric with every pirouette.
Oh, it's just divine, being back in Paris. The scent of freshly baked pastries on a Parisian morning is something you simply can't replicate! And with the bustle of the city's fashion scene around me, I couldn't feel more alive. It’s not just about the dancing here - oh no, it’s about everything that comes along with it. Fashion, my darlings, is absolutely divine. We're talking luxurious silks and satins, elegant bonnets, and delicate lace gloves - Paris really sets the standard. And you just know it, because every lady has their gaze focused on that exquisite performance at the Opera, each and every detail so thoughtfully planned!
You're likely asking - Emma, what’s on 24th June 1884? Well my lovelies, let me paint you a picture.
It’s a positively gorgeous summer evening, the air hums with excitement, as Parisians anticipate a grand spectacle: The Faust Ballet at the Opéra de Paris. And trust me, it is grand! Every detail is designed to captivate, from the plush red velvet seating to the stunning costumes, every moment truly mesmerizing. You’d never believe what was happening before this... let’s talk tutus, shall we?
Just a quick note - you’ll notice a lot of "we" in this post, my darlings. That’s because, while I may be from the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, I do have a special little group of travelling companions. It’s no fun travelling through time alone, right?
Before this day, my lovelies, ballerinas wore their skirts pretty full. Think a lot of fabric, a whole lot of material - not exactly ideal for the rapid pirouettes, leaps, and high kicks of our era.
The story starts with our dearest Maria Taglioni, a visionary dancer who captivated Paris (and the rest of the world) with her ethereal grace. But in the year 1832, this iconic ballerina shocked the world by debuting a revolutionary dance design: the tutu. Yes, ladies, she dared to revolutionize our very essence! The ballerina was no longer confined by cumbersome garments! Imagine it - she was like a feather in the breeze, flowing across the stage with absolute lightness and elegance.
The Romantic style, it truly came alive, thanks to Maria, my lovelies. Imagine - billowing, ethereal tulles, in shades of white or soft pastel colours, almost melting into the light. This, this is how it was born, my lovelies. The vision, the movement.
We're just about twenty-two years on, and that elegant Romantic era of dance continues to shape our style. That early 19th century was absolutely pivotal in tutu history, my dears, you simply can’t forget that. But as time has flowed, the tutus themselves have evolved, you see, and it's not as straightforward as just one style, oh no, no, no.
We have the Romantic Tutu, a vision of beauty - that flowing silhouette of soft tulle - the embodiment of lightness, grace and magic.
Then we have the Classical Tutu, which, darlings, has become a favourite of many. Think crisp, sculpted, layers upon layers of delicate netting. This type of tutu, my lovelies, brings us into the era of a more disciplined, almost geometric style - like we have here today, in the heart of Paris! It truly captures a balance between elegance and powerful, captivating movement, a combination you cannot deny, my dears.
Then we have the "Peasant" Tutu, a softer variation. Not as airy as its romantic cousin but full of playful charm - the epitome of free spirit! Imagine a shorter tutu, often made of gathered fabric, perhaps cotton.
Today in Paris, they're on the precipice of change. The new "Russian" ballet is making waves and it’s quite exciting! We saw this "Russian" style ballet in Saint Petersburg, a spectacle that truly set a fire in our souls. Think powerful jumps, incredibly intricate movements, and – well, let’s just say their tutus reflect all that. We’re still finding our way into a modern world, but it’s so very thrilling, you wouldn’t believe!
As we enjoy the vibrant performances in Paris today, we must remember all these developments, the revolution in how dancers moved - all thanks to that beautiful tutu! My lovelies, I tell you, those long, cumbersome skirts were nothing short of stifling! We're celebrating this evolution in ballet, and its magic continues to be captivating, as ballerinas embrace the freedom of movement that only a tutu can provide!
I can’t say what is next in ballet, but I hope you enjoyed this journey through our #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History for this week! What’s the next big thing in tutus? My fellow travel companions, what do you think?
And that’s the point, my darlings, isn't it? The beauty of it all? Change, revolution, transformation - the evolution of the tutu has a story of its own, a magnificent journey, right alongside the dancers themselves! It is all an integral part of the ballet world, something we simply cannot be without!
Remember my dears, you never truly understand the grace, beauty and freedom of dance until you step onto the stage in a pink tutu! I’m just doing my bit, reminding the world that anything is possible, you know. Let’s celebrate this beautiful art form together, my darlings, always keeping our minds open, ready for anything.
With every dance, with every twist and twirl, may we be reminded of the beauty of change. Let's all keep dancing, and dreaming, my darlings!
Until next week!
EmmaDon't forget to subscribe to our mailing list for more updates on everything tutu!
See you in Paris (or another beautiful ballet destination) next week!
