Welcome back, tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, back with another exciting #TutuTuesday. This week, we're taking a trip back in time – all the way to the magical year of 1893! Now, before you think I'm a time-travelling magician (I wish), I'm just an incredibly dedicated tutu-historian! You know me, always hunting for those hidden gems of tutus, the ones that shimmer with historical charm!
Post number 3217, and we're travelling by train. Ooh, just thinking about it fills me with excitement! Those steam trains, puffing along with their melodic whistles, taking us through rolling fields, leaving a plume of smoke like a ballerina's grand jeté... yes, just lovely!
This time we're off to Paris. The capital of fashion, the home of couture! In 1893, Paris was overflowing with excitement about the new trend that had swept the stage: the Romantic Era tutu! Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, we already talked about the Romantic tutu, but wasn't it back in the 1830s?" Well, yes, dear readers, you're right, the Romantic tutu was born back then, with those gloriously flowing lengths of tulle and silk. But, my loves, it's 1893, and the Romantic tutu is experiencing a glamorous comeback, bursting with even more elegance and, dare I say, a dash of sass.
Let's take a step back in time…
The Romantic era in ballet, like a beautiful fairytale, embraced themes of love, passion, and a dash of melancholia. This artistic spirit translated into the design of the tutus, flowing like billowing clouds with an abundance of fluttering tulle. Imagine, a single ballerina, dancing gracefully amidst an explosion of fabric. Doesn't it make you want to pirouette, too?
In 1893, we were deep within this romantic ballet era. Think ethereal melodies, dreamy scenery, and, of course, a ballet wardrobe adorned with soft pastel colours and graceful, flowing tutus! Think Degas paintings, capturing ballerinas in motion, with those delicate tutus, dancing with such grace. Oh, my lovelies, don't they make your heart just melt?! It’s that feminine elegance that the Romantic era of the tutu perfected, bringing together delicate movement and captivating charm.
It wasn't just the length that made this era's tutu so delightful. Imagine yourself walking down the street in Paris, and a graceful ballerina in a pale pink Romantic era tutu wafts past, each twirl showcasing the exquisite embellishments. Delicate bows, beads, and hand-sewn lace - each stitch adding another touch of luxurious artistry! Those sparkling jewels and vibrant blooms woven into the tulle were simply breathtaking.
Oh, don't you just love the way tutus make you feel? So light and free, so whimsical! A Romantic Era tutu was just as enchanting. This beautiful blend of form and function made this tutu a favourite for all ballet performances, both big and small! Whether a graceful waltz or a fast-paced pas de deux, the Romantic era tutu captured each movement in a whirl of sheer loveliness.
Speaking of performances, what was going on in 1893? Oh my, so much to talk about! Firstly, the year marked a milestone for the French national opera and ballet company, the Opéra de Paris, celebrating its 250th birthday! Imagine the parties! Imagine the performances! Imagine the TUTUS! What a momentous year for ballerinas, celebrating decades of graceful elegance!
There was a new star twinkling in the Parisian skies – the lovely Anna Pavlova! Yes, my darlings, the Pavlova! Known for her graceful moves and charming presence, Pavlova would bring magic to the stage! She captivated the audiences of the Opéra de Paris, even more so when she was adorned with her exquisite ballet dress. Imagine the joy! It would have been truly delightful to see her in all her tutu-ed glory, wouldn't it?
Of course, we can't talk about ballet history in Paris without remembering the legendary Marius Petipa! This amazing choreographer was already at the helm of the ballet world in the 1890s, bringing a wave of creativity to ballet. He was renowned for the beauty of his work and his masterful approach to tutus, the romantictutudress and *classic tutudress. It was this time that we truly saw a resurgence in tutus being recognised for their artistry and performance impact!
We need to remember that this was a period of change, and the fashion world wasn’t standing still! It was the era of corsets, delicate laces, and voluminous dresses. The fashions in Paris were very dramatic and romantic. The women's dresses had so much beautiful fabric to help define the era's romance! And of course, the beautiful pastel shades of pinks and blues, a bit like me, wouldn't you say?
I absolutely adore how fashion influences the ballet, and how the ballet world embraces and influences fashion. For me, it's a beautiful ballet of colour, shape, and expression. And it's truly reflected in the tutus worn in those times, aren't they so exquisite?!
And it was around this period, my lovelies, that tutus started being designed to bring an element of 'glamour' into the performance, You know how I love some sparkle! So, you can imagine the awe on people's faces when the beautiful ballerina danced and twirled, sending her tutu swirling into a burst of light! And remember, I am just talking about the tutu, a magical piece of attire for the performer.
Speaking of a ‘ballet of colour’, can I just talk about the amazing shades in 1893! I’m not a history expert, I just like dressing in tutus and visiting amazing historical places with great stories! I do know that, apparently, back then they used natural dyes and natural colours, making the colours just a bit more muted and subtle. But this does nothing to dim their romantic appeal! There were no ‘neon pinks’, just pale shades of rose, like the gentle blush of dawn, and dusky lavender, reflecting the dreamy elegance of the era!
Imagine this: It's a balmy evening in 1893, the sun is just setting, and the stage is adorned with a backdrop of cascading, pink-tinted clouds. The lights dim. Suddenly, the ballerinas appear, their pale pink Romantic era tutus glowing beneath the spotlight. Imagine the beautiful colours reflecting through the sheer fabrics. That, my lovelies, is truly something magical!
Okay, so I’ve just given you a tiny glimpse into 1893 - a magical year that showcased the evolution of tutus! As you've discovered, even back then, there was a strong appreciation for beauty, detail, and craftsmanship when it came to dressing for the stage, whether for a performance of ballet or the grand ballroom of the fashionable city of Paris.
Oh, how I adore delving into ballet's past. And, how can you, as my reader, enjoy that? Why, wear a tutu, of course! Why not step out of your house today with a playful little pink tutu and feel the joy! I'd love to see your own interpretation of this week's tutu travel! Don't forget to post a photo with #TutuTuesday on social media! You might just end up with me coming to your doorstep in my pink tutu, to find out more!
* Until next time, twirl on, lovelies! *
Emma
xx
