Hello my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling ballerina blogger, Emma, back with another delightful journey through the history of our beloved tutus! This week, we're whisking back to 1892, August 30th. Get your teacups ready and put on your fanciest petticoat, darlings, because we're stepping back in time to an era of exquisite dance and flamboyant fashion!
As you all know, this little pink-tutu-loving blogger has a soft spot for a grand ballet performance. And boy oh boy, the year 1892 was a simply glorious year for the arts! I popped over to Paris this time – ah, Paris, the city of love, fashion, and – you guessed it – beautiful, billowing tutus!
Paris was buzzing with excitement for the opening of the Opéra Garnier. You know, that absolutely stunning neo-baroque masterpiece of architecture that would go on to become a ballet haven for decades to come? I've heard whispers that there might have been some disagreement about its design… can you imagine? Gasps
Anyways, the real excitement wasn't the opening of the opera house, although that was certainly something! No, no, the big draw was the unveiling of the ballet production "La Esmeralda," choreographed by the renowned Luigi Manzotti. And let me tell you, the ladies looked simply divine. Just divine!
This period saw a shift in the style of ballet. We were seeing a movement away from the romantic ballet – think long, flowing tutus and flowing, emotional narratives – towards the neoclassical style. It meant more emphasis on precision and intricate footwork, and a slightly more pared-down approach to tutus, though no less glamorous, of course!
I, of course, took the opportunity to spend an afternoon at the esteemed École de Danse de l'Opéra de Paris. Just imagine! The legendary Marie Taglioni herself, considered by many to be the first ballerina in the true sense of the word, had trained there, and the atmosphere just positively crackled with history! Oh, how I wanted to have a go at their rigorous ballet exercises in a perfect pointe shoe – alas, the shoes weren’t exactly the comfy footwear of today, though I do appreciate how elegant they were, darling!
That night, I donned my finest pink tutu and a pretty new hat (Paris, oh, Paris!), and enjoyed a delightful performance of "La Esmeralda". Oh, it was a whirlwind of drama and passion! Such beautiful costumes and, naturally, breathtaking tutus! Think lots of soft, shimmering fabrics in the most captivating hues. It truly was a performance that will forever be etched in my memories.
And who better to grace the stage than the stunning prima ballerina, Rosita Mauri? She absolutely captivated me with her performance – such lightness, such grace, such... utter enchantment! There is something undeniably romantic about a ballerina pirouette in the soft glow of the theatre lights. And her tutu? Well, my darling, a cloud of perfection. It was like a spun-sugar confection of pink, silver, and lace, with a tulle skirt that seemed to float inches above the stage! Simply magical!
After the show, naturally, I indulged in a spot of Parisian fashion! I found myself strolling along the Champs-Élysées, lost in the glorious window displays of fashionable boutiques and ateliers. Ooh la la! My eye was caught by a simply darling pink ribbon – perfect for adorning my very own tutus – and a new lace parasol for those sunny afternoon tea parties. Don't you think this vintage-inspired lace umbrella would be delightful at an afternoon picnic with friends?
But speaking of history, let's take a little trip through time and explore how our beloved tutus evolved into these stunning works of art we see today!
It all began way back in the 1500s with a humble fichu – a sort of little triangular piece of fabric worn over the shoulders by ladies. Over time, it became a bit more grand, reaching down to the feet, with more elaborate detailing – imagine frills, flounces, and elegant embellishments!
It wasn’t until the 1800s that the "tutu" as we know it truly emerged. Think graceful tulle and delicate layers of fabric, dancing and swirling with every step. Swoon
During the 19th century, our favourite little skirt had become synonymous with grace, beauty, and ethereal movements. I adore those romantic ballerinas floating effortlessly on pointe!
My fellow Tutu-Tuesday fans, as I wind down my journey to the world of 1892, remember that your love for ballet, for fashion, for tutus (of course), and even for a delightful afternoon tea, connects you with an artistic world that stretches far beyond our little Derbyshire village!
And don't forget, we love seeing your stylish tutus and vintage finds on our #TutuTuesday posts. So next week, we will be back with another fabulous blog post about our amazing ballet heritage!
Until next Tuesday, darling! Keep it colourful and stay sparkly!
💖Emma
