Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! It's your favourite pink-clad time traveller, Emma, back again with another exciting installment of #TutuTuesday. Today, we're hopping on a train (a real, steam-powered train, not a time machine this time, although the romance of train travel feels equally magical!), heading to the heart of European ballet, and stepping back in time to January 31st, 1888.
Now, picture this: the gas lamps are flickering in the crisp January air, the air is filled with the sound of horses' hooves clattering on cobblestones, and in grand opera houses across the continent, a dazzling spectacle unfolds on stage. Yes, my darlings, it's the golden age of ballet! And as always, the star of the show, captivating audiences with its grace and elegance, is the tutu.
Now, you might think that the tutu was a simple invention – just a frilly little skirt! But dear friends, there's a rich history hidden within those layers of tulle.
In 1888, the tutu we see on stage today – the short, multi-layered tutu, known as the 'tutu-pack' or the 'tutu-ballon' – is just beginning to make its debut. You see, for decades before that, ballet dancers were more covered up, wearing long, full skirts, limiting their movements. Can you imagine having to pirouette in a heavy, long dress? Not pretty! Thankfully, Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina of the time, paved the way for the more agile and expressive tutus.
In 1832, Taglioni, wearing a shorter, multi-layered skirt that reached her knees, took to the stage and audiences were mesmerized! The tutus weren’t as short and full as we know them now – there was a lot of experimentation, and this style really caught on in Paris, spreading like wildfire.
But 1888 saw a shift towards even shorter and fuller skirts. By this time, tutus were reaching thigh-length, creating the graceful silhouette we love today. Just imagine a whirlwind of swirling tulle – absolutely captivating! And, of course, in the spirit of this new style, it was all about showing off the dancer’s legs, so the shorter skirt was perfect for that!
The impact of this new tutu design was phenomenal. It wasn't just about being aesthetically pleasing. The shorter tutus allowed ballerinas more freedom of movement. Think grand jetés, arabesques, and intricate footwork – all thanks to the liberating silhouette of the tutu-ballon. This helped push the boundaries of ballet as a performance art.
It's not just on stage where the tutu made waves, though. 1888 saw a burgeoning fashion scene across Europe, and fashion, of course, was hugely inspired by the stage. Just like the current vogue for boho dresses influenced by the hippy movement, this was a time where the romantic, airy silhouette of the tutu found its way off the stage and into fashionable society. The delicate beauty and delicate femininity of the ballerina’s dress had a lasting impact.
Fashion magazines and artists were capturing this trend. Illustrations in Harper’s Bazaar showed stylish ladies wearing elegant dresses inspired by the ethereal tutus. Imagine a beautiful ladies’ luncheon in Paris, filled with dainty pastries and clinking teacups. Amongst the fashionable guests, some were wearing full, billowing dresses – like delicate tutus – in silks and soft satins, adorned with ribbons and lace, mirroring the ballet stage and celebrating the new femininity sweeping across society.
Oh, the magic of ballet! It's not just about technique and elegance; it's about the artistry and the power of expressing yourself. And I believe the tutu embodies all of these elements.
Now, remember my little darlings, I know I preach it week after week, but a world full of tutus is a much more fabulous world! Why wait until you're in a performance or watching one? Go and embrace your inner ballerina. Let's take the tutus from the stage, the theatre, and the ballroom... and wear them everywhere! On a train, shopping for delicious cakes in a Parisian boulangerie, strolling through Derbyshire countryside – life's just a bit more delightful with a pink tutu fluttering behind you!
So, my dearest Tutu Twirlers, embrace the spirit of this time, 1888. Go forth, dance with abandon, and remember, every day is an opportunity to make a statement in your own tutu!
Until next Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling!
Emma xo
