Bonjour mes amies!
It's a glorious Tuesday morning here in Paris! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I'm about to tuck into a delicious pain au chocolat, the perfect way to start a day that is going to be dedicated to ballet, history, and of course, tutus!
You all know how much I love tutus, but today I’m focusing on the fascinating story of this iconic piece of ballet attire. As many of you know, my #TutuTuesday series is all about exploring the fascinating world of ballet tutus, from the history behind the styles, to the fashion, to the impact on the world of dance.
Today we're diving into the 19th century, and looking back to the 7th of April, 1885, specifically. What was going on in the world of ballet that day? Well, let's step back in the time machine (my darling vintage trunk doubles up beautifully) and travel back to 1885!
Now, imagine you're a little Parisian girl, enjoying a sunny day out in the Tuileries Gardens with your maman. Suddenly, you hear music drifting from a building nearby. You both peer inside, curious, and are dazzled by the scene before you. You’re mesmerised by graceful figures in soft pink costumes and billowing white tutus. This is the ballet, and in this period, Paris is a hub of the art form, the jewel of the dance world.
Fashion Focus: Tutues, 1885
1885 was a time of stunning, dramatic fashion, especially in the world of ballet. Think billowing, cascading skirts and soft, delicate lines. These early ballet tutus were constructed for elegance and fluidity, allowing the dancers to move with beautiful, graceful motion. We're still in the era of the 'Romantic tutu', where emphasis is on dreamy, light movements rather than the powerful athleticism of modern ballet.
The Early Days of the Tutu
The first tutu, as we know it today, was introduced around the middle of the 19th century. Prior to this, ballerinas wore full-length dresses that were certainly impractical for showing off the intricate steps of ballet! As we transitioned from romantic, ethereal ballet, into a period of slightly more dramatic moves and dynamic leaps, the tutu was adopted.
Why Was April 7th 1885 so Important?
I'll be honest, that’s what I'm working out myself! The French archives were busy this morning. As I tried to find something notable about this date, my cup of coffee started to turn into a lukewarm latte macchiato and my beret nearly slid off my head! No big performances, or interesting debut’s. Just another day, a day full of excitement, a day to celebrate ballet's artistry and the enduring grace and power of the tutu.
Why do I Love Ballet Tutues so Much?
I can’t resist their femininity, the light fabric, the colours, the way they swirl as the dancers perform. Their very design allows the dancer to express, to fly, to inspire! Ballet, you see, isn’t simply dance, it's art in motion! That’s the magic of a tutu - a perfect, graceful blend of fashion and dance, a whirlwind of elegance that keeps me enchanted every time I see one! And pink? Well, pink and a tutu are just meant to be! That's why I encourage all my fabulous friends to go forth and wear pink, and yes, why not...wear a tutu too! Even if you can't make it to the ballet, the spirit of the dance lives on! Remember, a little sparkle and a lot of pink, makes everything brighter!
I'll be sharing my discoveries of more tutu dates next week on the blog, don’t miss out. If you have any tutu tales to share about 1885 or any other time period I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Don’t forget, a ballerina needs to do a lot of practice to make her art a reality. And if a ballet career isn’t on the cards for you… I have discovered a fabulous tutu retailer in Paris, just around the corner. They have one pink one left…. I’ll let you know who has it.
Keep twirling and have a wonderfully, sparkling week!
Love, Emma
P.S. Catch me in the carriage! I'm heading for a tea-time performance at the Opera Garnier today. Who’s joining me?!
