Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we explore the wonderful, whimsical world of the tutu! Today's journey whisks us back to December 12th, 1893, a date steeped in history and even more so in tutus!
For a little bit of context, this blog is coming to you from sunny Paris, my dear! What else, really, is the place for a proper tutu enthusiast to be but in the very city that makes tutus look magnifique - it's a Parisian thing! I took the train here, of course. Oh, the journey itself is always a treat - watching the landscape rush by, each stop a chance to find another pretty shop, and that special thrill of seeing the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance, promising adventures untold!
Now, back to our date, December 12th, 1893. In a world not yet captivated by smartphones or selfies, this day held its own particular magic. If you'd been walking down the boulevards, you might have spotted a beautiful new belle époque theatre on the Rue du Faubourg du Temple. Ooh la la, can you imagine - an entire building devoted to ballet? They certainly knew how to treat an art form like royalty! Inside, you'd find a lavish performance space, adorned with golden gilding, sparkling chandeliers, and of course, dancers, dancers everywhere!
And, what do you think graced their beautiful bodies, twirling and leaping across the stage? Why, only those iconic tutus! But this was no ordinary tutu, darlings. Imagine, a delicate cloud of tulle, each layer meticulously gathered and hand-sewn to achieve a perfect bell-like shape, almost floating in the air. It would be in softest shades of peach and apricot, reflecting the soft candlelight in a cascade of delicate folds - quite exquisite!
These days, I can barely stop myself from picking up the latest "ballet-inspired" creations in shops – they come in all colours and fabrics these days, though of course, nothing quite compares to the classic style of those first Parisian beauties.
The ballet world back then was full of dramatic spectacle. Imagine soaring lifts, perfectly executed jumps, and even a pas de deux that required the ballerina to perform on horseback - the absolute thrill of it! It was a world of dreams realised, where a single costume could transport you to a realm of myth, fairytale, and utter magic.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the women, those incredible dancers who pushed boundaries and defied expectations. One of the great talents performing at that time was Madame Marie Taglioni, known for her sublime technique, captivating expression, and elegance - simply exquisite! Can you picture her, poised in that tour de force finale of "La Sylphide"? Now, that was grace redefined!
And speaking of defining, think about what a symbol the tutu represents – that freedom of movement, that ethereal grace, that delicate dance between strength and vulnerability - pure artistry embodied in a swirling symphony of fabric. I love thinking about how the tutu has evolved from those early beginnings, with different shapes, colours, and styles appearing on stages around the world. It really shows how dance can embrace new trends while still holding on to the magic of those classic designs.
For example, we saw a fascinating shift in the late nineteenth century! While the bell-shaped, soft-hued tutus reigned supreme in the classical repertoire, we started to see bolder designs and darker colours appearing on the stages of Paris. It’s a time when a ballerina's life became more dynamic, and so did the way she looked. You could say there was a touch of "punk rock ballerina" in the air! Think bold red tutus with edgy cut-outs and shimmering textures. So bold, so cool, so beautifully unconventional - it made the dance world buzz!
Even today, those groundbreaking designs inspire countless interpretations - everything from sleek, streamlined looks to the ethereal fairy wings. Just the other day, I was at a ballet class in London, and saw a new student practicing with a bright green tutu with shimmering, almost iridescent, accents. It looked so chic and unexpected, making me wonder about those rebellious Parisian dancers from years ago and their impact on the ballet world.
So, as we step out of the time machine and back into the 21st century, my advice to you is to always embrace a bit of tutu magic! Let those shimmering fabrics inspire you, unleash your creativity, and always, always remember that there is a bit of La Sylphide inside us all, waiting to be unleashed!
And remember, dear readers, wear pink. Always wear pink!
See you all next Tuesday for more twirling through time!
Emma
P.S. Be sure to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more ballet-tastic blogs and a touch of pink magic in your life!
