Bonjour, my darling Tutu-Lovers! Welcome back to another week of whimsical adventures into the fascinating world of the tutu. Today, we're twirling our way back in time to January 11th, 1898 - just a little over a century ago - to peek at a period when the romantic tutu was taking the stage by storm!
As a ballet enthusiast with a penchant for pink (it's practically my signature!), it's utterly fascinating to delve into how the tutu, a symbol of grace and elegance, has evolved over the years. This week, I'm travelling via steam train to the heart of ballet, Paris, to experience a time when romantic ballets and the tutus that embodied them, were capturing the world's imagination.
The Romantic Revolution in Ballet
This era, known as Romantic ballet, ushered in a new age of dramatic narratives, mystical creatures, and passionate stories told through dance. You'll find some of the most famous and beloved ballets we still enjoy today – like Giselle, La Sylphide and Coppelia – first taking the stage around this time.
And what is a Romantic ballet without the perfect Romantic tutu?
Think lightweight, ethereal, and oh-so-feminine! Gone were the days of the cumbersome, restrictive skirts that ballerinas had worn in the past. This new breed of tutu, designed to accentuate the graceful movements and airy steps, was like a symphony of movement all on its own.
Think light as air layers of tulle – it’s no surprise that the French word “tulle” comes from the town of Tulle in the centre of France where the fabric is originally woven! This allowed the ballerinas to pirouette and arabesque with effortless freedom. This shift in design was so impactful, it even paved the way for a change in what a ballerina looked like! Gone was the sturdy figure, replaced with the lithe and fragile female ideal of the Romantic era. It is said that at this time Marie Taglioni, with her famously graceful dance style and wispy Romantic tutu, revolutionised ballet.
Let’s Get Historical
You might be wondering, dear Tutu-Lovers, why are we focused on this date in particular? Well, on January 11th, 1898, a brand-new version of Giselle premiered at the Paris Opera House! This wasn't just any production though - it was considered one of the first grand, lavish, spectacular revivals of Giselle. This new adaptation would become the one most of us know and adore today, and featured even more dramatic choreography and exquisite costumes than ever before, including, of course, a breathtaking Romantic tutu for the star Giselle herself.
Imagine the excitement of stepping into the Paris Opera House, a hive of buzzing energy, dressed in a magnificent gown with a puff of my own perfectly pink tutu, of course.
Can you just picture the elegant gowns and stunning bonnets (because, truly, what was Victorian fashion without bonnets?) of the high society guests crowding into the theater? What must the air have been like with anticipation for the show to begin?
As for me, I find that nothing brings a touch of magic to the mundane than slipping on my favourite tutu - It's such a joyous feeling to be enveloped in layers of tulle. The delicate swish as you move is like a whisper of tulle against your skin. Just like a ballet costume is an extension of the dancer, it’s so true for myself as well. You can bet my travelling wardrobe always has a pink tutu ready to twirl!
Pink - My One True Love
As we explore the fascinating story of the tutu, remember that, my dear Tutu-Lovers, every colour brings a different character to this piece of ballet fashion. For me, there’s nothing more joyous than the exquisite femininity of the pink tutu.
It’s not simply a garment; it’s an ode to joy, to beauty, and to the enchanting power of dance. Think about it - could there be a more captivating sight than a ballerina taking flight in a pink tutu? It truly elevates ballet from a performance to an enchanting spectacle!
And this passion isn’t limited to me, either - It’s wonderful to see the popularity of pink in tutus today - from everyday practice to grand performances. Just imagine all those ballerina girls dressed in pink – it's like a beautiful, enchanting, twirling storm!
I often say that, "If life is a stage, then we are all ballerinas" - So, let's embrace this truth and add a touch of pink to our everyday lives. Why not, on our next stroll, imagine we're graceful ballerinas taking a leisurely pas de bourrée in our most favourite pink tutus?
I'm sure if you find a pink tutu today that is destined to be yours, it will become a source of happiness - especially as we journey to find more pink tutus throughout the ages! And, don't forget to share your favorite pink tutu looks with me. Let’s make a tutu-tastic pink trend in every city, in every country!
See you next Tutu Tuesday, my lovelies! Until then, may your dance shoes twirl in perfect rhythm!
Yours in tutus,
Emma
