Welcome back, dears! Emma here, your trusty guide to all things tutu and a total fan of anything that twirls! Today’s #TutuTuesday is a very special one – a journey back to the shimmering, glamorous world of ballet in December 1889! It’s post number 3025 for my little pink tutu haven on www.pink-tutu.com, so grab your favourite teacup and settle in for a waltz through time…
Now, December 17th, 1889? Well, the very air in Paris was alive with anticipation for the season’s ballets! Think sparkling chandeliers, velvety seats, and a wave of hushed excitement before the curtains rose. This year, the big talk was La Fille Mal Gardée (The Ill-Guarded Girl) – a riot of colourful characters and captivating choreography, just waiting for the stage to ignite their joyous story. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, darling, if you can believe it, my first class trip on the Orient Express to see this iconic piece! Such excitement, wouldn't you say?
Speaking of iconic pieces… the tutu was undergoing a grand transformation! Those layered, voluminous skirts you see in ballet illustrations today? Oh darling, they were a far cry from the airy, shorter styles gracing the stages back in 1889. This, of course, made for an elegant silhouette that moved with graceful abandon, like the dance itself! We are, after all, celebrating movement! And these designs showcased every twirl, every leap.
You wouldn’t believe how many hours the Parisian seamstresses dedicated to perfecting every detail, stitching and fluffing each layer of tulle for that magical, billowing effect! I confess, the fashion at the time was just divine, it’s no wonder my trips to the Rue de la Paix never disappointed. My most cherished find from 1889 was a exquisite, pale pink silk bodice – paired with a floating tutu, it practically begged for a pirouette! And for me, my love, well… nothing feels as perfect as a perfectly poised, full-skirted tutu. I often wish we could bring back the sheer beauty of these simpler days. Don't you think?
Now, back to the history bit! December 1889 marked the start of a significant shift in ballet costume design. You see, that beautiful, swirling "romantic" style tutu of the 1840s - with its tiers of tulle that floated like an ethereal dream - was on the wane. It was being replaced by the “classical” tutu. The skirt shortened and became tighter, with just one or two tiers. It was about showcasing the grace and precision of the ballerina’s movements, a more "refined" silhouette for our beautiful ballets. And oh darling, wouldn't you know it, they called it the tutu à la Camargo… just picture it, delicate and graceful and oh-so feminine. Perfect for pirouettes!
It's a bit funny, you know? Some say the classical tutu came about because ballerinas were getting tired of all the fabric, complaining about how much they needed to lift that huge romantic tutu for all their grand jetés and graceful arabesques! Can you imagine? I would die if I couldn't lift my beautiful tutu for a turn! The shorter tutu certainly meant more leg was visible, creating a visual delight! I know I felt just so liberated! (But of course, if we were discussing modern ballet, a shorter tutu allows you to see those fantastic, amazing, beautifully detailed feet!) The stage presence became more "sharp" and "energetic", a perfect complement to the developing techniques that were captivating Paris. The graceful choreography was "brilliantly" presented in this "show-stopping" look! It wasn't just about looking good - although I assure you, darling, this new look was incredibly charming - but it was about enhancing the dance and giving every beautiful step a platform to be seen! What more could one want?
But darling, let's not forget, back in 1889, the "classical" tutu wasn’t the only show in town. There were the "ethnic" tutus - inspired by the exotic allure of cultures across the world. These costumes took inspiration from India, Egypt, even Russia, and they became quite popular in ballet performances - and darling, a popular choice for those with the means to make such elegant purchases!
As a proud owner of two beautiful exotic costumes myself, I know that those details make all the difference - vibrant embroidery, flowing textures, sometimes with jewels woven into the design... Each movement, every step was an opportunity to experience a unique narrative within each of these beautifully curated costume masterpieces. So charming! So graceful!
Then of course, my darlings, you had the "Romantic" tutus. Those graceful flowing shapes - think dreamy cloud formations - a tutu that could almost inspire the wind itself to dance! Imagine how stunning it must have been in the Swan Lake performances, their ethereal beauty and elegance truly captivating the stage. I certainly felt more free in one of these creations!
Looking back at those costumes from 1889 - what a time! But don't get me wrong, this love for the tutu doesn’t fade! It's a constant through history, and I know it’s one we can embrace and cherish. I'll confess, I often get transported by nostalgia. Just seeing that beautiful soft pink tulle... sighs. And those carefully crafted bodices - truly the foundation for any well-executed look - that delicate embellishment on each one… It’s almost impossible not to be inspired. Just a little trip to my sewing room with a selection of fabrics (my absolute favourite pastime) and... bam, darling! I've got another one.
I love the evolution of the tutu; it’s a testament to creativity, to artistry. From the romantic swirls to the elegant precision of the classical style - the dance, the movement - it's the story that continues to inspire us. We get to see a beautiful ballet performance, a classic performance!
In my travels, the history of the tutu never ceases to inspire! Each step through time is an adventure, a revelation about the incredible creativity that’s poured into these beautiful forms.
I simply love it all - the way each tulle, each satin stitch tells a story; each new performance a fresh opportunity to experience the magic of movement through the glorious power of ballet!
I’ve said it before, darlings, and I’ll say it again: Every day can be a #TutuTuesday, and everyone should embrace the graceful magic of a beautiful, flowing tutu! (Except for maybe that grumpy gentleman I saw the other day at the Royal Opera House who insisted that his tuxedo matched my tutu… but you know what? I am on a mission to turn every day into #TutuTuesday!)
As ever, remember to share your own tutu adventures with me on www.pink-tutu.com! Keep dancing and keep shining!
Love,
Emma xx
