Bonjour, darlings!
It’s Emma here, your trusty guide to all things tutu, and today I'm whisking you back in time – not by time machine, but by my favourite mode of transport – the train! I've just arrived in Paris, the heart of ballet, and it's positively buzzing with excitement. We're almost exactly one hundred and forty years ago today, January 20th, 1885, and the theatre scene here is abuzz.
Imagine a World Without Tutues?
This year marks the dawn of a new era, where tutus as we know them – the fluffy, delicate masterpieces – haven’t yet emerged in their full glory! That’s right, my lovelies, the 1880s are a transition period where skirts still heavily resemble what ballerinas wore decades ago, not the romantic, whimsical tutus we adore. But, I must confess, this doesn't stop the ballet performances from being truly breathtaking. It's almost fascinating to imagine them without their familiar voluminous skirts. Imagine: less fabric billowing across the stage, less airy lightness!
The Story of The Skirt:
Now, where did the tutu of yore originate? If you follow me, darlings, you'll remember that back in the 1700s, ballerinas danced in loose, wide, flowing skirts made of heavy fabrics like silk or satin, and believe me, the amount of fabric required must have been simply tremendous! Not exactly ideal for performing all those beautiful pirouettes and leaps! It’s all a matter of time and technology! Imagine a whole team of people just for keeping all that fabric on you! The sheer amount of fabric was restrictive and cumbersome.
The Need for Freedom of Movement
The ballerinas themselves, those brave and dedicated artists, started realising that their clothing was getting in the way of their movements. What started as a way of presenting beauty and elegance on the stage, needed to be redesigned to bring about more fluidity and control! So, little by little, these voluminous skirts started becoming less voluminous and more fitted, allowing them to showcase their impressive flexibility and agility. The stage started being transformed and became a playground of beautiful dancing!
A New Era, a New Silhouette
Now, the period between 1850 to 1885 is when skirts started changing to resemble the ones we recognise in modern day tutus. There is something enchanting about those earlier, softer, and more delicate skirts and tutus, but with a touch of sophistication to boot, my darlings. They’re like a perfect blend of vintage charm with a touch of modern finesse. And let's be honest, they were truly iconic in their own right!
Tutus and Technology:
There are a couple of reasons why tutus weren't really on the scene at this time, my darlings. Firstly, materials! We had not reached a point of such intricate lace and fabric technologies to achieve that sheer voluminous look that we see today. The sheer variety and quality of materials are mind boggling, aren't they! Secondly, design! This comes down to the creativity of fashion houses. These styles that we see on stage were in transition.
Today’s Ballet: The Allure of Tradition
If you haven't been to a ballet performance, please put it at the top of your to-do list. There's something utterly enchanting about seeing ballerinas effortlessly gliding across the stage. We must cherish their passion and dedication – it's a testament to artistry and grace. Ballet's magic lies not only in the skill of the dancers, but also in the costumes. Those graceful, billowing tutus seem to float them up on air and add to the ethereal and timeless nature of the performance. Ballet costumes can range from opulent gowns with sequins and rhinestones to flowing romantic tulle tutus.
Back to The Fashion Scene: Shopping Spree!
Oh darling, and the fashion here in Paris, absolutely fabulous! After a visit to a local atelier – don’t even ask how many beautiful silk fabrics and satin materials I picked up – I stumbled upon a charming antique shop on Rue Saint-André-des-Arts. Imagine my delight! Amongst the dusty lace and silk brocades, a pair of ivory ballet slippers winked at me. How could I possibly resist?! A beautiful old ballerina from the late 1800s wore these exquisite slippers for countless performances, just imagine the emotions and memories she left in them. Oh my goodness, darling!
I've fallen in love with the romance of these past periods, my darlings! This whole journey through time is so wonderfully educational and incredibly exciting! It’s hard to remember a world without those amazing full, frothy, swirling tutus we adore, but seeing ballet performances in these simpler costumes just makes me appreciate those magical dance moves even more! Until next time my lovelies, go on, keep dreaming those pink dreams! And do let me know if you have any fabulous historical tidbits or stories for me! Remember – life is beautiful, just like a ballet tutu, don’t you think?!
Bisous, Emma!
