Hello, my darling darlings! Itās Emma here, your ever-so-slightly-obsessed-with-tutus blogger, bringing you another dose of #TutuTuesday history! This week, I've whisked myself back to 19th century Paris, where tutus were truly making their grand entrance onto the world stage.
Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, 1885?! What could be happening in the world of tutus then?". Well, my loves, this was a time when tutus were moving beyond their "simple and elegant" beginnings and diving headfirst into extravaganza. Imagine: feather boas, sparkling jewels, and the most gloriously detailed embroidery, all woven into the tulle that became a dancer's uniform.
Today, I'm practically waltzing around the OpĆ©ra Garnier, the most exquisite theater in all of Paris! This grand edifice is teeming with people dressed in their finest, attending a performance of "Giselle." The costumes! Absolutely stunning. The ballerinas are breathtaking in their tutus, those beautiful flowing layers, so ethereal and light, giving them a look that seems almost celestial. I've actually managed to sneak a little peek at the dancersā rehearsal before the performance. Such dedication and artistry, they make me want to jump on stage and twirl alongside them!
The tutu of the late 19th century was, quite frankly, an art form. They were not merely utilitarian garments; they were statements. You see, before we had the "traditional" tutu that you all know and love today, dancers wore things that were practical, but decidedly less dazzling.
Imagine! The original ballet tutu, the one that started it all, was hardly worthy of being called a tutu at all! They were merely short, gathered skirts that left little to the imagination. It was Marie Taglioni, the ādivine Taglioniā as they called her, who changed the ballet game, literally! With her famous debut in the ballet āLa Sylphideā back in 1832, Taglioni introduced a much fuller tutu with multiple layers of tulle, making her look light as air as she danced, much to the shock and awe of the Parisian public. Her style, a kind of romantic vision, launched an entire aesthetic and a very important moment in ballet history. The shorter tutu you sometimes see in modern ballet is actually more a return to the old, pre-Taglioni styles.
The Time Travel Adventures of Emma and Her Tutu:
Funding these historical adventures, you ask? Well, it's all thanks to my ever-growing stash of ballet costumes, I do my fair share of dancing, both in class and performing. Trust me, being able to transport oneself across time using nothing but your love of the dance is the most wonderful thing. Imagine! Having the privilege to dance alongside the greats! A performance in Vienna with Anna Pavlova, a rehearsal with the great Vaslav Nijinsky, even a chance to have tea with Dame Margot Fonteyn (oh, I nearly fainted then!), those were moments I'll never forget! I mean, a proper lady ballerina just has to wear the very latest in tutu designs, donāt you think? And what better way to explore the evolution of this stunning garment than to immerse myself in the actual period!
My London Love of Shopping!
Even when Iām not in my travelling tutu, my love for dance fashion takes me on all sorts of fabulous shopping excursions around my home city, London! Just yesterday, I found a perfectly lovely pink silk bolero and a pair of pearl-studded ballet slippers in a little shop tucked away in Mayfair. My tutu is my outfit, the core of my style, so accessories and layers are where I truly get creative! A silk scarf here, a shimmering ribbon there, a bit of feathered detail! My look is a perfect mix of ballerina elegance and whimsical charm, a touch of the traditional and the modern, a timeless silhouette with a contemporary flare!
Iām so incredibly excited about the future of the tutu, especially as it is taking over more and more forms and styles. As we enter the 20th century, the tutus become even more imaginative, a playground of experimentation with all sorts of incredible designs, fabrics, and colors. Youāll see everything from sleek and geometric to extravagantly decorative. Oh, I cannot wait to share those amazing journeys with you!
So there you have it, my darlings! I hope you enjoyed your little trip to 1885 with me.
Now, remember: embrace your inner ballerina! Find the tutu that best reflects your inner you. If you havenāt started yet, why not give it a try! Who knows? Maybe, youāll even end up travelling back in time with a dazzling pink tutu, too!
Stay sparkly,
Emma
P.S. I just got a note from my travelling agency, they tell me that the Paris OpĆ©ra has just premiered Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty"! Oh, my heavens! Donāt forget to join me next week for the most incredible journey through ballet history with the iconic tutus from "Sleeping Beauty"!
