Hello lovelies! Emma here, back from a whirlwind tour of the late 1800s, just in time for our weekly #TutuTuesday blog. My trusty pink tutu and I have been busy gallivanting through the Parisian streets, taking in all the sights and sounds - and believe me, the fashions are something else!
It's 27th July, 1886, and the city is buzzing. Today, my fellow tutu-lovers, marks a special occasion in our ballet history: the very first performance of "La Bayadère" by Marius Petipa. This is one of the most famous ballets to feature those iconic, frilly tutus that we all adore! Think airy, floaty layers of tulle that look like clouds - pure ballet magic, I tell you!
Speaking of tutus, have you ever wondered how this beautiful garment became a ballet staple? Well, put on your comfy slippers and let's dive into the fascinating history of the ballet tutu, ladies!
It wasn't always all tulle and fluff, you know. Way back in the early days of ballet, dancers were more about their steps than their looks. The dancers of the 16th century wore heavy, embroidered costumes that restricted movement and made leaps and pirouettes next to impossible. But don't worry, there was a light at the end of the tunnel⌠literally!
In the 18th century, the invention of gas lighting brought in a new era for fashion. These lights allowed for the creation of lighter fabrics like tulle and lace, which could be woven into delicate garments that moved with the dancers! Oh, the freedom! Suddenly, a whole new world of artistry and graceful movement opened up on the ballet stage.
Now, itâs time to discuss the rise of the "Romantic era" of ballet (and fashion!) The dancers, influenced by Romantic art, needed to appear more ethereal and airy â like ballerinas literally floating across the stage!
Enter Marie Taglioni, one of the first prima ballerinas to sport the âRomantic tutuâ. Imagine a short, tiered tutu â just long enough to swirl and twirl but with a new emphasis on the lightness of the ballerina's limbs and movements! I know what youâre thinking: "The skirt has no train?" Well, imagine the shock and delight at the time! These revolutionary new tutus were all about showcasing the graceful lines of a ballerinaâs body and were a huge leap from the heavy costumes of the past!
Moving on, the end of the 19th century saw even more radical changes. Enter the "Russian era", with the rise of famous ballet schools in Russia. Dancers started wearing even shorter and more voluminous tutus â the very style weâre so used to today! It was about letting the fabric dance around the dancer and creating breathtaking, artistic visuals.
From âLa Bayadèreâ to âSwan Lake", these revolutionary designs became popular in classical ballet, and now we all adore them! Think of all those spectacular ballets â "Giselle," âSwan Lake,â and "The Nutcracker," which would have all featured stunning tutus. I wonder if Iâll ever travel back in time and see those incredible performances for myself?!
But my journey into the 19th-century hasn't been about ballet only. Paris, in 1886, is buzzing with innovation and fashion! Today, I saw an elegant, brightly-colored silk dress (imagine, bright colors! not just black and grey, like back in my time in Derbyshire) worn by a beautiful lady walking her tiny dog! I was nearly caught in a flurry of hoopskirt fabric when a horse and cart went past. It really feels like a step into another world. I couldnât help but try on a stunning hat in the most charming millinery shop I've ever seen â think lace, feathers, and beautiful bows. Oh, my heart is brimming with inspiration, dear readers!
Now, let's move on to some exciting news! As we move forward, keep an eye out for my very special announcement next week. It's about the ultimate ballet experience and will definitely have you on the edge of your seats⌠Iâll give you a little hint â think ballet, tea parties, and fabulous fashions!
I'm sending you all huge virtual air kisses, and donât forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for some inspiration! Now go on, darling readers, wear a tutu this week! Spread the joy of twirling!
Until next time,
Emma xo
