Hiya darlings! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time, ready to regale you with a little piece of ballet history! Today we're heading back to the 7th of July 1972 – can you imagine, the whole world was totally obsessed with The Osmonds then! Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of Donny, but this week's journey takes us to a far more elegant time, the realm of tutus!
So, buckle up and grab your pinkest pair of ballet shoes, we're taking the train to the very heart of the ballet world: Paris! As usual, I’m all gussied up in a magnificent pink tulle tutu - nothing less for a Tuesday dedicated to tutu history, you know!
As I step out of the Gare du Nord, I'm whisked into a scene straight out of a fairytale. The sun is shining on the cobblestone streets, cafes are spilling over with chatter and laughter, and the scent of fresh croissants wafts through the air – this place is like a symphony of charming sights and sounds! But I'm here for something much more dramatic – a peek into the fascinating history of ballet's iconic garment: the tutu.
1972 was a pretty special year in ballet. Imagine – Rudolf Nureyev is still dancing! That's like the Beyoncé of ballet, you know! This time, however, I’m on the trail of a totally different icon. We’re going to talk about a revolutionary new style of tutu: the tutu romantique!
Now, imagine, this dreamy fluffy masterpiece arrived right at the height of the Romantic era. They were totally reimagining ballet, you see, a break from all that strict classicism! So this new style of tutu? It became the new black of dance fashion! It was all about being light, free, ethereal, and let's be honest - incredibly romantic.
But here's the thing, darlings – the Romantic tutu was an evolution, not a revolution! Think of it like the difference between Victoria's Secret Angels and a vintage flapper - both sexy, both dazzling, but with distinct flair!
It all started with the traditional danse d'école tutus, right? They were kinda plain, a bit more about the dance technique than fashion. But, hold on, in 1839, Carlotta Grisi, a ballerianna, changed the game in Giselle! And this is where our revolutionary tutu really got its mojo.
She wore a short, super bouncy, frilly tutu. Forget those heavy, full length ones that hid your legs! Grisi's new number – the tutu romantique – was short and sweet, revealing all her stunning, elegant moves!
It was basically a fashion explosion – every girl was obsessed. This delicate tutu, so different from the classical version, showed the power of a dancer's strength and skill. It became the very symbol of ballet’s romantic ideals - delicate, innocent, expressive, utterly beautiful.
This was no ordinary tutu, it was more like an explosion of tulle, designed to take the audience's breath away. Marie Taglioni, another super star ballerianna, embraced the trend, she absolutely owned the style and rocked her performances in the Romantic tutu!
That era of the Romantic tutu was about grace, light-heartedness and femininity, which, as we know, is what made this style legendary!
Of course, no blog about ballet would be complete without mentioning what else was happening in 1972. There was such a buzzing energy in the world of dance back then, like a hot summer night full of dreams. For one thing, 1972 saw the opening of the stunning National Ballet of Canada’s home, the National Ballet School! The stage lights were on and everyone was excited. It was a time for bold new stories on stage and exciting contemporary choreographers.
But the legacy of the Romantic tutu lived on! The Paris Opera Ballet was on tour – oh, can you imagine! Paris was still the centre of the world when it came to dance and it still was for fashion! My heart skips a beat just thinking about those beautiful performances! And you know what, it wouldn’t be just the Parisians who fell in love with it. The tutus of today? The inspiration came right from that amazing, dreamy 1800’s look. You can totally spot it in any classic ballet production or performance from the most famous contemporary choreographers. It's a style that stays relevant, inspiring dancers and audiences alike with its pure, joyful magic.
That's why, as we stroll through the Parisian streets, I can't help but admire the captivating energy and timeless elegance that flow from this beloved city, the birthplace of such enchanting art! Just like our gorgeous Parisian tutu. And just as that gorgeous city, with its charming cafes and romantic gardens, Paris never gets old – and neither does the story of this iconic style!
You know what, darling? Every Tuesday, I just want to make sure we never forget the fabulous stories of our dancing world! I just think, it's like our own fairy tale in its own beautiful tutu!
And if that isn't something to make you smile, I don't know what is! So next time you watch a ballet, take a moment to appreciate the elegance and history of the iconic Romantic tutu – a true testament to the art of movement and artistry, a story that whispers of love, dreams and dance, and a truly special chapter in the wonderful story of ballet history!
Don't forget to check in next week for a brand new #TutuTuesday journey, right here on www.pink-tutu.com – until then, be sure to wear your pink tutu with pride and twirl your way into happiness! Until next time, darling!
