Hello my darling Tutu Twirlers! It's Emma here, back again with another blast from the past on #TutuTuesday! Today's date is a particularly exciting one for us history-loving, tutu-obsessed lot. It's 27th September 1898, and believe me, things are about to get awfully exciting in the ballet world!
This is blog post number 3483 on my Pink Tutu website – www.pink-tutu.com – dedicated to everything tutus and all things ballet, naturally! Every Tuesday, I take a peek into history, travelling through time on the strength of my ballet performances (a lovely lady in pink tutu must have skills, mustn't she?!) so I can bring you the latest tutu-related news, fashion trends, and insights from ballet's history!
Today, I find myself right in the heart of the ballet world - Paris, naturally! Oh, Paris...it's simply enchanting, especially if you love ballet! Every corner bursts with energy, fashion, and grace, with beautiful boutiques, grand theatres, and impossibly chic dancers at every turn.
And what’s so exciting about the 27th September, you ask? Well, on this very date, the grand opening of the Théâtre de l'Opéra Garnier, known by us tutu-loving ladies as the Palais Garnier, was just 28 years ago. I tell you, it must have been truly spectacular to see, just imagine!
The Palais Garnier, for those of you who haven't yet made it to Paris, is one of the most incredible buildings I’ve ever seen! Built for opera and ballet performances, it's grand, beautiful, and overflowing with artistry. Think sweeping staircases, marble columns, galleries with breathtaking chandeliers – all set to showcase the world's most beautiful dances and the most incredible costumes. Just the perfect setting for tutus!
Now, the Palais Garnier is still an active ballet centre, hosting ballets that we can still enjoy today like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. The Paris Opera Ballet performs there regularly, and you can bet your bottom dollar their costumes are simply stunning.
Speaking of stunning costumes, and believe me, I'm all about costumes here at Pink Tutu, the tutus back then were, well, a bit different. We're talking longer skirts with intricate layers of netting and petticoats. Imagine something akin to the ballerinas you see in classic films, only a bit more romantic and with an even greater sense of delicate refinement. The tutus in those days were much heavier, too. I shudder at the thought – imagine trying to do a fouetté in that much tulle!
Now, 1898 was the peak of Romantic ballet, my dear friends, with a strong emphasis on flowing, graceful lines. These ballerina ladies weren't known for their jumping feats, like today's acrobatic wonders! It was all about delicate movements and airy grace, making a tutu as much an expression of their choreography as their actual skill.
The most sought after tutus in those days, my darling, were created in the ateliers of Monsieur Carmien and Monsieur Lamoureux. These master artisans were responsible for creating the most exquisite tutus – not just for the Parisian Opera but for ballerinas across the world. The amount of dedication to detail that they possessed is something we can only marvel at.
Remember, dear tutu-enthusiasts, back in 1898 the fabric and construction were different to what we see today. They used more delicate and natural fabrics like silk and cotton gauze, as well as materials like horsehair for shape and support. These exquisite tutus weren't simply fashion; they were works of art in their own right!
Now, let's talk a bit about the colours they favoured. While we all know and love a classic white tutu, it wasn’t the only shade available. Pale pinks, creamy yellows, soft blues, and delicate greens were also very popular. I think it’s worth adding here, how wonderfully in keeping with the romanticism of the time. Imagine a delicate blush-pink tutu swirling as a ballerina embodies love, passion, and dreams - perfection!
So there you have it, darlings! A glimpse into the fascinating ballet world of 1898. I truly hope you've enjoyed this journey through time with me. You know, every time I jump back in time, I am reminded just how long-standing our love of tutus is.
But there’s a lot more to learn about our favourite ballet costume, and don’t worry – next week, I'll be taking you on a new adventure, so keep your eyes peeled for next Tuesday's #TutuTuesday.
Don’t forget to follow me on www.pink-tutu.com and on social media – I’m Pink Tutu Emma everywhere.
Until then, keep twirling, my dears, keep twirling! 💖🩰
Love,
Emma x
