Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time travelling ballerina blogger. It's another gorgeous #TutuTuesday, and this week I'm whisking you back to November 4th, 1890, to talk tutus!
Tutus in 1890 - The Golden Age of the Romantic Ballet
My dears, we are stepping into a world where the Romantic ballet was absolutely booming! We’re in the midst of the reign of Marius Petipa, the grand maestro of ballet, who had a special talent for designing utterly delightful tutus. The ballerina costumes in his ballets were all about ethereal lightness, airy grace, and just a dash of sheer romanticism. I adore the romantic era for its sheer gorgeousness and captivating stories – can you imagine a world without Swan Lake? (I know, horrors!).
But, we're getting ahead of ourselves - back to the tutus.
The Evolution of the Tutu
Now, we all know that the ballerina’s costume of today didn't spring into existence overnight. It went through several stylish transformations! You can thank the iconic romantic ballet for the elegant tutus that we wear today. The classic Romantic Tutu – that is the tiered, super-frilly style - was born! Think frills, ruffles, and endless layers of delicate, lightweight fabric, with lots and lots of tulle, making those dreamy swirling movements that mesmerize the audience possible.
On Stage, Offstage, and the First Tutues!
I love how the early days of ballet performance saw tutus not just for the stage! The French *‘tutu’ originally described a little underskirt worn by men and women. Now that's a trend I'd love to see a revival of! However, these 'little underskirts’ were rather different than the elaborate and fabulous tutus we see today. Think short, flowing skirts, almost like petticoats, made from lightweight fabrics. And then… Enter Marie Taglioni, our fashionista muse of the romantic ballet era! In 1832 she debuted La Sylphide in the Paris Opera! That's right my darlings! That's where the ‘modern tutu' came into being – it was the first time the revolutionary 'long, fluffy skirt' made an appearance! Marie danced, it flowed around her and... well, *poof! she's a ballerina icon forever more!
The Inspiration - From Ballet to Haute Couture
Ballet's influence is huge when it comes to fashion. And back in 1890, it was truly reaching its peak. Even Charles Frederick Worth – a famous couturier who designed exquisite clothing for the wealthy ladies of the era - had taken inspiration from the grace and the flow of tutus! Now isn't that inspiring? Those grand tulle ball gowns, shimmering and soft with romantic details, were very much inspired by our darling ballerinas!
The Ballet World in 1890: On Stage, Behind the Scenes and On the Rail Tracks
On November 4th, 1890, it would have been a beautiful day to visit London or Paris to take in a ballet show. The French ballerinas and their enchanting costumes were the main attraction for me! I'm so jealous of those who had the chance to see the stunning dancers and the magical stage back in 1890. The Theatre du Châtelet in Paris had just hosted the dazzling premiere of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, 'Sleeping Beauty'! Imagine watching a story like this, with its spectacular sets, dazzling costumes, and music so moving... I simply cannot even dream of such bliss!
And that's where my little train ride in 1890 would have happened, I'm certain of it! I was thrilled with the speed at which you can traverse from Paris to London. The ballet world has been absolutely thrilling to visit! I must admit though that traveling on trains and going shopping with all these fabulous French women on the Champs Elysees has definitely inspired my tutu-wearing wardrobe ...I must confess I have purchased a collection of amazing French fabrics for my next tutus – I must admit I always shop for inspiration.
And here’s a fashion secret – keep an eye out for my future blog!
As always, remember to keep sparkling!
Lots of love,
Emma xoxoxo
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