Hello, darlings! It's Emma, your resident tutu enthusiast, and welcome back to another fabulous edition of Tutu Tuesday! I hope your week has been filled with twirls and pirouettes! Mine has been a whirlwind - I’m just back from the most exciting time travel adventure!
This week, my time machine whisked me away to September 17th, 1895. The air was abuzz with the scent of lavender and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopped down the cobbled streets. You know, darling, sometimes I feel like I’m living in a Dickens novel!
Today we're stepping back in time, way back, to discover the origins of the ballet tutu – a piece of costume so iconic that it’s practically synonymous with ballet itself. And what better way to learn than with a trip to the Paris Opera Ballet! Can you imagine, a performance at the Palais Garnier? So fabulous!
Now, before I whisk you off to the magical world of the Paris Opera, let's discuss what fashion was like back in 1895.
Victorian elegance was all the rage! The ladies wore long skirts with frills and bows and elegant bonnets adorned with ribbons. They sported bustles to give them a delightful rounded shape - though personally, darling, I prefer the natural lines of a well-tailored tutu! Think layered silk fabrics, satin sashes and lots of ruffles.
But the ballerinas, oh darling, the ballerinas! Their costume story is so interesting! Back then, they were quite literally covered head-to-toe, with very little skin on show. We're talking layers upon layers of tulle, often in shades of white and pale pink (of course!). The long tutus flowed and danced gracefully with every movement. Just imagine it, darling! A cloud of pink fabric flitting across the stage – divine!
As I arrived at the Paris Opera, the bustle of the city melted away, replaced by the hushed anticipation of a pre-performance hush. The orchestra began its warm-up, and my heart beat with excitement.
It's important to note that in 1895, ballet was all about telling stories. The movements were less about acrobatic feats and more about expressing emotion. The long tutu, with its weight and flow, added to the drama. It was a little like a theatrical gown, but made to move!
The dancers wore long skirts and bare shoulders – remember, we're talking a more conservative time – and there was none of that ‘short, bouncy’ look we see today. No, this was graceful elegance in its purest form.
The ballet began, and my gaze fell upon the ballerina leading the company. Her movement was exquisite, graceful and restrained. Each turn, each leap, was precise and elegant, a story in motion. The long, flowing tulle was part of the story, accentuating the beauty and fragility of the movement.
During the interval, I took a stroll through the Grand Foyer of the opera house. You can just imagine the chandeliers dripping with sparkling crystals, and the air filled with the sounds of whispers, clinking champagne glasses, and the melodious tune of an operatic tenor. I’d swear I heard a few “ooh la las!” tossed about. Just imagine, darling, surrounded by so much glamour! It’s truly exhilarating.
Back to our little fashion trip down memory lane: This was also the age of the Romantic Ballet. I’m pretty sure there’s some correlation between these two – ballet itself, its costume and romanticism. Perhaps there’s something to be said for the dramatic flourish and theatricality of that period. It certainly does put a “love is in the air” shimmer in my soul! The ballerinas were often portrayed as ethereal and delicate, much like the fabric of the tutus.
There was a shift happening, however. The early seeds of change were being sown. Think shorter skirts and a new focus on lightness and speed, signaling a transition from the long romantic tutu towards the short, classic tutu we know today. These short tutus became more popular because they allowed the dancers to execute more elaborate steps, showing off their strength and athleticism. Think about the famous ballerina of this era, Isadora Duncan, she's so admired today, wasn't she! The era is all about the exciting and transformative moment where the tutu story began to evolve, like a flower bud beginning to blossom.
My dear, isn’t it fascinating how fashion influences even something as precise as the design of a ballet tutu?
However, just because a more athletic and less theatrical era of ballet and its costumes was starting, we mustn't dismiss the sheer beauty and charm of the long tutu – the romantic, flowy vision. It's almost a pity they are rarely seen these days. Imagine a romantic pas de deux with dancers in long tulle skirts – the sheer grace and grandeur, the gentle flow of fabric that almost seems to create an illusion. Absolutely captivating! There's nothing quite like it. I dare say I might try to design and create my own line of Romantic Long Tutu-Inspired evening wear! Just imagine a vintage inspired pink ball gown with just a touch of long romantic tutu… swoon!
Now, my dears, I shall bid you adieu for this week.
However, do be sure to return next Tutu Tuesday as I'll be continuing my Tutu History travels to a special year… that's all I’ll say for now!
Until then, darlings, let’s all wear a pink tutu this week, as a tribute to all things glamorous and fabulous! You're not just dressing, darling, you're expressing yourself! And remember, a tutu is always the perfect outfit, no matter where you travel in time!
Until next time!
Emma, your time travelling pink tutu enthusiast, signing off
#(I hope you enjoyed this Tutu Tuesday! Do let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.)
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