Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate the beautiful world of ballet and, of course, our beloved tutus! This Tuesday, we're taking a trip back in time, all the way to 1894, specifically 31st July, to uncover the history of this iconic garment!
As a fellow tutu enthusiast, you know that the allure of these ethereal creations knows no bounds. So let's embark on this journey together, shall we? My time machine is prepped, and I've got my prettiest pink tutu ready to go - pink is definitely the colour for a trip to the 19th century!
Today, I'm all aboard the Orient Express, headed to Paris. Why Paris, you ask? Well, it's practically the fashion capital of the world, and, at the time, home to the Opéra Garnier, where ballet was thriving! This date is quite important, you see, as it marks the debut of 'La Cigale', a ballet featuring none other than the stunning prima ballerina, Isadora Duncan! Think 'La Bayadere' and 'Giselle', but with a new modern flare! Imagine the excitement buzzing around Paris!
I'm getting all fluttery just thinking about it! Can you just imagine stepping into the grand Opéra Garnier, with the scent of jasmine in the air and a buzz of chatter, anticipation mixing with the soft sound of a harp tuning its strings in preparation? I would be in my absolute element - what better backdrop for a lovely, long tutu than this Parisian ballet haven?!
I can picture Isadora, in a flowy and beautiful tutu, performing under the elegant chandeliers, spinning, swirling, and telling the tale of La Cigale through graceful dance. This was a time when the tutu was not just a performance costume - it was an artistic statement! Just think, you could be wearing something so elegant that it takes your breath away and makes you feel powerful and beautiful at the same time!
There was something absolutely magical about that era! The tutues of the time were often more flowing and graceful, emphasising movement and artistry. I always love seeing pictures from this era - the romanticism of the gowns, the long gloves, and the graceful hair styles are all simply captivating.
So let's look back to 1894 and think about what makes the tutus of this era special:
- A Focus on Flowing Fabrics: Gone are the very strict and often corseted shapes of earlier eras. 1894 was the year where tulle started to become more prominent in the design of tutus. Think lighter, softer fabric with more fluid movements.
- Freedom of Expression: The graceful, yet dynamic style of ballerinas such as Isadora Duncan inspired tutus to allow more freedom of movement, mirroring a transition from the stricter classics of the past into more artistic and dramatic performances. They started to be shorter, allowing a view of the ballerina's legs and a chance to showcase her incredible skill.
- A Step towards Modernity: Though tutus in 1894 still held the tradition and the romance of earlier eras, we can see a gradual shift towards a more modern, artistic and individual look.
While our pink tutus may not look exactly the same, I am sure the sentiment behind wearing them still resonates! We all strive to be beautiful, free, and express ourselves through our passion for the art of dance.
I'm off to a ballet show now, in Derbyshire, the beautiful hills and pastoral landscapes of my home! Let's keep the love for ballet going!
As always, don't forget to share your favorite ballet memories and tutu stories with me! Until next week, darlings, keep your tutus fabulous and your dance steps bold. Remember to subscribe to the blog on www.pink-tutu.com, and give me a follow!
Happy dancing!
Emma xx
