Greetings, darling dancers and tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-wearing historian, ready to whisk you back in time once more. Today we're embarking on a train journey (first-class carriage, naturally!), to the year 1897, where tutus were just starting to make their grand entrance into the world of ballet.
It's #TutuTuesday, which means we're delving into the fascinating history of these glorious garments. And, oh my, what a delightful story it is! This week we're hopping off the train in Paris, the heart of the ballet world, to get a glimpse of what life was like for dancers back then.
(Disclaimer: I'm writing this blog in the present, 2023, but all this is set in the past, so I'm not actually time travelling right now!)
On this very date, 16th March 1897, Paris was bustling with energy. The city was buzzing with theatre performances, operas, and of course, ballets! But back then, there wasn't the array of tutus we're so fortunate to see today. The 'tutu' wasn't a widely used term just yet - it was the tutu-à-la-Polaire, a type of costume that only featured in the very glamorous ballet de la grande dame, with a big skirt made of silk. And they came in a rainbow of colours, oh my! Red, green, gold - it's practically a Victorian dream come true.
My heart is fluttering, imagining the elaborate outfits adorned with intricate beading, and sparkling jewels. But it wasn't just the big ballgowns. They even started experimenting with tulle! Imagine that! Little by little, this lighter material started popping up in ballets de la grande dame. The ladies of the stage would show off their impressive, delicate steps as their lighter tulle skirts floated gracefully around them, showcasing a new freedom of movement that revolutionised how dancers looked. I can only imagine the sheer elegance!
Now, what was I saying? Oh, yes, the tutu-à-la-Polaire. It wasn't actually called that at the time, but this was its true star moment. Named after the legendary French actress and singer, Mistinguett - aka, the 'queen of the can-can'! She was known for her dazzling performances at the Folies Bergère theatre in Paris. Can you imagine a can-can dancer in a tutu? I know, divine! But that's another blog post for another Tuesday! The key takeaway is that, thanks to the flamboyant theatrical style of the era, the early tutu, or tutu-à-la-Polaire, was a truly dramatic affair - big, dramatic, and captivating.
But tutus didn't stop there! Even then, they were evolving! There was a real focus on individuality, so some dancers, the true fashionistas of their day, loved adding their own personal touches. They’d embellish the skirt with delicate lace, intricate ribbons, or even add a touch of silk.
Oh, don't even get me started on the costumes. They weren’t just clothing! It was a whole, theatrical world waiting to unfold, a fashion show! Everything was designed to be an enchanting spectacle for the eyes - it was truly captivating. Each dance was a chance to show off both talent and exquisite style. They would have absolutely loved the fashion show aspect of dance today.
So, next time you see a ballerina grace the stage in a tutu, spare a thought for the glamorous tutu-à-la-Polaire and those pioneering dancers of the 1890s. They set the stage for a centuries-long legacy of incredible style and expression. The evolution of tutus hasn't stopped yet and it's so exciting to see all these new exciting modern ballet performances using tutus to great effect. From the fluffy to the dramatic, the modern designs and shapes are stunning and all start from this era.
Don't forget, darling, tutus aren't just for the stage. They’re for every occasion, especially your own unique performance, whether it be shopping, going for a coffee with friends, a dance class, or maybe even a train trip! Embrace the spirit of the tutu and make it your own! And while you're at it, I think it's time to start planning for another trip!
Until next #TutuTuesday, keep on twirling and remember, a pink tutu is always the answer!
Emma x
P.S. What are you wearing this Tuesday? I’d love to see your fabulous #TutuTuesday creations! Don't forget to share them on the website!
(Image)
This blog post features a picture of a ballerina wearing a pink tutu, performing on a stage, and is taken by Emma wearing a white tulle pink ribbon tied to her hair. She's also wearing a large sparkly brooch shaped like a diamond, on a fluffy light pink tutu and white silk pointed ballet shoes.
