Hello, my darling dance-lovers! It's Emma, your pink tutu-clad time-travelling fashionista, back for another dose of #TutuTuesday history! Grab your tea and biscuits, ladies, because we're venturing back to the 27th of October, 1896, a time when ballerinas weren't just dancers, but ethereal creatures, graceful beings swathed in glorious tutus.
As you know, I love travelling by train, and it was during a recent jaunt to the City of Lights, Paris, that I had the pleasure of experiencing the Paris Opera Ballet in its full glory. I can tell you, the magic was practically palpable! Imagine, if you will, a glittering hall adorned with crystal chandeliers, filled with elegantly dressed society ladies and gentlemen. And on the stage, these bewitching ballerinas - not in the rather austere tutus we see today, oh no, but in beautiful layered, romantic, almost medieval costumes! They glided and danced with such artistry, it was truly a sight to behold.
Now, as you can imagine, I had to investigate these fascinating garments. Luckily, my time travelling powers are quite the party trick when it comes to the Parisian vintage boutiques! Let me tell you, I unearthed some absolute treasures.
In 1896, the tutu was less about brevity and more about voluminous elegance. Layers of tulle and lace, often coloured a pale pastel, billowed around the dancers' bodies, creating a dreamy, almost cloud-like appearance. Think Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, the embodiment of youthful and fragile beauty.
These early tutus, far from being restrictive, were meant to accentuate the ballerina's grace and movement, a stark contrast to the rather 'busy' and stiff corsetry of the time. The style reflected the growing romanticism and emotionality of the ballet, and dare I say there was a certain 'effortless chic' about them that makes me want to scream, "I NEED one!"
What was this magical date of October 27th, 1896, filled with? The date saw several cultural highlights! In Paris, the Opéra National de Paris hosted a production of La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini. The opera’s tragic story and poignant music were a perfect match for the elegance and beauty of the ballet’s tutus, setting the stage for a truly enchanting evening.
Across the channel, in London, The Royal Ballet staged a special performance of Giselle, a classic of the romantic ballet repertoire. And in Vienna, the Vienna Philharmonic held their inaugural performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. Imagine how those waltzes would have sounded beneath the swirling tulle of the Viennese dancers!
Of course, it’s not all about tutus! Shopping is just as vital! I made a delightful trip to the famous Bon Marché department store in Paris. Back then, it was one of the first department stores, filled with rows of fashionable goods. I bought a beautiful silk scarf with a floral motif and some exquisite French gloves – perfect for a ballet-lover on the go.
This period was also ripe with innovation. This October, Lumière Brothers debuted their cinema apparatus, paving the way for film as an art form. While we have the silver screen to enjoy our ballets, in the late 1800s, people travelled to see these magical live performances! It reminds me of how fortunate we are to have these stories preserved and available to everyone.
But my lovelies, let’s not forget what truly matters: the TUTU. As I flit through time, I realise that the magic of the tutu doesn’t change. Its romantic charm, its ethereal grace - it is a testament to the beauty of dance and the elegance of women. And that is what inspires me to continue to share its history and bring the pink tutu into every era!
Now, my dear darlings, let’s chat! Did you know about the Victorian era tutus? Did you see anything similar at your last ballet performance? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this post with all your friends – after all, everyone loves a little tutu history.
Until next week,
Emma xx
P.S. Remember, we're only a few weeks away from Christmas! Start brainstorming your Christmas tutu look, because if I've learnt anything in my time-travelling adventures, it's that you can NEVER have enough tutus!
