Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and I’m so excited to whisk you back in time for this week’s #TutuTuesday adventure! Buckle up, lovelies, because we’re about to take a trip to 1886, to a time when the tutu, my dearest love, was just beginning to pirouette its way onto the grand stage! 🩰
Before we dive into this fascinating historical tutu journey, let me tell you, I have just returned from a glorious ballet performance at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London. Oh, the divine artistry, the breathtaking choreography, and the sheer grace of those ballerinas! I've also spent an afternoon in Harrods, treating myself to a stunning new pink silk ribbon to tie around my own tutu - such a glorious colour for this most delicate garment! 🎀
But back to 1886! Can you believe that nearly a century and a half ago, the tutu was still relatively young? We’re in the golden era of ballet, and the tutus worn at the time were already stunningly intricate and elaborate!
A Tutu Tale From a Bygone Era:As I boarded my time-traveling train from Derby to the heart of Paris, my mind was racing with questions: What was ballet like back then? What were the ballerinas wearing? And what did they make of this daring new style?
The fashion world of 1886, dear reader, was quite different from our own. Dresses were full, with intricate detailing, and corsets were the order of the day. To my modern eyes, a dancer of this era would seem much more encumbered! The “tutu” back then, however, was quite revolutionary!
Imagine my delight at finding the Ballet de l’Opéra at its peak, its dancers making their way to the Theatre National de l'Opéra, clad in beautifully tailored ballet tutus made from layers of tulle and muslin. Such lightness! Such flow! It was a dramatic contrast to the heavier fabrics used in dresses and petticoats of the day.
The Birth of a Beloved Ballerina Fashion:You see, the classic "tutu" wasn’t quite what you’d picture in our modern era. The tutu à la française, born from the fashion and theatrical trends of the 18th century, was a long, wide, gauzy skirt worn by women, inspired by the dress of the Roman Goddess of Victory, Nike. But it was Marie Taglioni, a graceful ballerina extraordinaire, who really brought the tutu into its own.
In the 1830s, she wore a light, white, ankle-length tulle dress in the production of La Sylphide. It was so revolutionary for its time that audiences were stunned! Here, at last, was a garment that freed a dancer to move and fly, just like the ethereal creatures that populated these early ballet productions!
And it was through such incredible talents as Taglioni that the shorter tutu – that shorter, airier style that embodies freedom and elegance – was truly born. This revolutionary design was what truly cemented the tutu as the icon of ballet it is today. ✨
Tutus Across Time:Of course, it’s been an incredible journey ever since, my lovelies! Just think: the romantic era gave us the iconic white tutu of Giselle, the tutu à la grecque that made a comeback in the 20th century, the sleek, modern tutu pancake, and even the iconic tutu tutu, or "classic" tutu.
Oh, the stories those fabrics and shapes tell!
For me, this week's #TutuTuesday is all about reminding ourselves of the journey that brought us here. The dedication of choreographers and dancers, the audacity of fashion designers, the dedication of fabricators and makers - all have played a part in creating the garment that truly embodies grace, freedom, and the essence of ballet itself.
As we marvel at the elegance of the 1886 tutu, we are reminded that the tutu, our dear, lovely tutu, is an emblem of innovation and change - a reminder that even in a time of rigidity and tradition, there’s always room for creativity and beauty.
Next week, I’ll take us to an exciting era for ballet, dear loves. Where will my journey lead? Stay tuned!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful collection of tutu styles on www.pink-tutu.com and let’s all spread the joy of this iconic garment together! #TutuLove 💖
