Hello my lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another delve into the history of the glorious tutu.
Today's #TutuTuesday takes us back to January 25th, 1887, and the lovely city of Paris, the absolute epicentre of dance fashion at this time. The air is buzzing with the excitement of the Paris Opera Ballet, where tonight the enchanting Anna Pavlova, a young Russian ballerina with incredible grace, takes to the stage. She’s known for her flowing movement and the dramatic, ethereal feeling she creates - oh, the envy!
Now, let’s chat tutus. In 1887, we’re still firmly in the era of the Romantic tutu. Picture billowing layers of tulle, flowing to the ankles, and you’re right there in the 19th century. This style of tutu gave the dancers incredible freedom of movement and a truly ethereal, almost angelic presence on the stage.
But what's especially exciting about 1887, is that we're on the cusp of some significant change in tutu design. You see, those elegant billowing skirts, while absolutely stunning to watch, were starting to present a bit of a problem for the ballerinas. All that fabric could get tangled, you see, and, dare I say, might even obscure some of their exquisite movement!
Fear not, my dears, because Charles Frederick Worth – oh, such a brilliant man – had just revolutionized fashion with the new "Princess" style of dress. Now imagine, dear reader, applying that elegant, fitted waistline and the free-flowing skirt of that new style to a tutu! That’s the exact evolution taking place!
Those romantic layers weren't vanishing entirely, mind you. They just got a little more structured. Imagine a flowing, soft top, cinched tightly at the waist, before cascading into those layers of tulle, but now just to the knees. Imagine how liberating that must have felt, with every turn and leap unhindered!
This innovative new silhouette allowed for more dramatic movement, more of the ballerina's body on show (making their gorgeous skills even more captivating) and of course, it also gave way to a more flattering, feminine look. Think elegance, strength, and a hint of dramatic flair. Absolutely breathtaking!
I can only imagine the joy those Paris Opera Ballet dancers felt wearing these newly-evolved tutus, dancing to the music of great composers like Tchaikovsky and, oh, don't forget my absolute favourite, "Giselle!"
You can imagine that I'm absolutely brimming with excitement to be a part of such a momentous time!
A Few More Things to Think About: 1887 and Tutus
Did you know, darling, that the French "Crinoline" played a key role in developing this structured tutu look? That fabric was used to add volume and structure to those skirts! Talk about innovative design, huh?!
Back in 1887, there was already a whole range of tutus to be seen in ballets, not just for "Giselle"! The "pas de deux" was popular and needed to showcase elegance and drama with a long tutu, while the grand ballets called for longer tutus for stately presence! Oh, don't get me started on "Swan Lake." Those white tutus are absolute perfection!
Speaking of perfection! Don't forget my darlings, it wasn't just the design of the tutu that changed; the dance technique and the actual ballerinas were evolving too! The ballerina's movements became increasingly athletic and acrobatic and demanded the fluidity of that newly structured tutu!
Fancy going on a little trip? Paris was a bustling hub of culture and the home of many theatres dedicated to dance! In fact, I would suggest catching a show, especially a performance of "Giselle"! It's said to have debuted back in 1841, showcasing just how powerful the early versions of the tutu could be. Oh, to be swept away by its enchanting music!
Well, my lovely lovelies, that’s all for today! I must hop aboard the magical, time-traveling carriage that brings me back to my lovely home in Derbyshire, to catch the last act of the local dance school's production of "Sleeping Beauty"! There's a gorgeous pink tutu in it, by the way! It simply has to be seen to be believed!
Remember to join me again next week, same time, same place for another thrilling installment in the glorious history of the tutu. Don’t forget to let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Until next Tuesday, darlings! Stay fabulous!
P.S. If you need me to be your personal stylist to select a pink tutu for the theatre next week, I'm happy to give you some pointers! I just love choosing outfits.
And one last thing! I'm off to find some delectable Victorian confectionaries now! Fancy joining me for afternoon tea in Derbyshire next week?
XOXO Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
This blog post has been written with the spirit and language style you requested and to give the best portrayal of a blogger at the time. Please note, that time traveling and a ballet-funded lifestyle are completely fictional, but we have to let a girl dream! 😄
