Greetings, darling readers!
Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Paris! You know how I love a bit of Parisian chic, and the ballet scene here is absolutely fabulous! It's like a time warp, you could be watching a show from a bygone era, and yet still feel absolutely modern and in touch. Speaking of time travel... well, you all know I'm a bit of a history buff, and nothing sparks my imagination like a lovely tutu. So, buckle up and join me for this week's #TutuTuesday!
This week we're going back to the year 2001. Just over two decades ago, now - a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of ballet history, but a time full of change and excitement! You know how I love my sparkly, billowing tutus. But have you ever stopped to think about how that design came to be?
Today we're going to look at the story of the "Romantic Tutu," born from the "Romantic Ballet era," the name given to a flourishing period of ballet which blossomed during the first half of the 19th century. It's such an iconic style and, let me tell you, a far cry from the restrictive, heavy costumes worn by the ballerinas of yore!
Picture this, my dears. The year is 1832. In Paris, they're showing a brand new ballet by the talented Jean Coralli. The name? La Sylphide. This piece features an otherworldly creature called a sylph - think graceful and ethereal, like a mischievous fairy. They cast the magnificent Marie Taglioni, one of the most celebrated ballerinas of all time, as the sylph. And let me tell you, when Taglioni twirled onto the stage in her soft, short-skirted costume - a far cry from the knee-length, heavy tutus of the day - it caused a sensation! It was the "Romantic" look! A new way to wear the tutu.
This shorter, airy style, made of layers of gauzy material and light-as-air tulle, liberated the ballerinas! It allowed them to move more freely, to really take flight and showcase their athleticism in ways never seen before. It was like watching a creature of pure imagination dance, light and airy and enchanting. And, the audience adored it. This style became the "Romantic" look for the "Romantic Era" which revolutionised how the ballet tutu was made and worn and became a signature element in romantic ballet. The tutu of Taglioni in La Sylphide was inspired by Greek drapery which fitted the aesthetic of the day, that the ballerina was not just a dancer but an expression of airiness and light.
In Paris, it was La Sylphide, with Taglioni's revolutionary costume, that kicked off the āRomanticā ballet revolution. But before the Romantic Era, things were rather different, you see. In fact, itās almost shocking to think about how ballerinas used to have to perform! Imagine trying to leap with all that fabric weighing you down! And the stiff corsets! (Shudders) Luckily for us, the new styles quickly became popular. Soon, almost every ballet dancer was embracing the Romantic Tutu.
One of the greatest ballet dancers of the "Romantic Era", after Taglioni, was Carlotta Grisi. This dazzling ballerina (who had her own signature red tutu, you know! It looked like a scarlet poppy!) made sure the short-skirted style dominated the world of dance and became what is often called the "Romantic Tutu". What a stunning, glamorous costume and an iconic piece of ballet fashion history, donāt you think? And itās a legacy that lives on in every single tulle-tastic skirt you see on a ballerina to this very day, my lovelies!
But, of course, styles evolve, don't they? The "Romantic" Tutu became an inspiration and went on to become what you see on stages around the world today, and, of course, in my own wardrobe!
Which brings me back to the present, to my visit to Paris and to what you lovely people are probably reading about... today's Parisian ballet dancers! These artists have no fewer than four variations of the tutu that grace the stages, each for different styles. There is the Classical tutu, that familiar fluffy skirt (made with wire to help give it a defined shape), which is best used for traditional pieces like Swan Lake. Then thereās the Modern tutu which is shorter, a bit tighter and sleeker, ideal for a dynamic ballet piece. You can still catch glimpses of the Romantic tutu, all those layers of soft fabric to suggest lightness and a more ethereal feeling, as we saw in Taglioniās La Sylphide.. Finally, you get the Frilled tutu, with more layers, longer lengths and some extra frills around the waist, and its perfect for grand pieces like Giselle. And for any dance enthusiast (like me, my dear, you already know this!) the Tutu always holds that element of enchantment, don't you think?
Right now, Iām having the most fabulous time in Paris. The train trip was just delightful and my trip to the Louvre was unforgettable! It's absolutely heaving with art and beauty, and all the tutus - well, even the ancient sculptures seemed to have a sense of grace and elegance that I just couldn't get enough of! I have a new, exquisite French tulle in the blush pink colour that will be the inspiration for a brand new tutu of my own. Just imagine the layers! My Paris-inspired Tutu! There's just so much to take in, my dears, especially with all these wonderful displays of beauty around. Iām sure you will all agree. It truly is a ballet paradise! The Theatre des Champs-ĆlysĆ©es is simply beautiful. So elegant and beautiful - if I had the opportunity, I'd stage a ballet here. Maybe next week. Who knows! Until then!
A fond farewell and bon voyage, my dearest reader.
*#PinkTutu #RomanticTutu #TutuTime #DanceFashion #ParisianDreams # BalletLove #TravelDiary #EmmaDoesFashion #BalletHistory *
See you next #TutuTuesday!
And please, feel free to tell me your favorite ballet stories and share photos of yourself rocking your very own tutu. I'd love to see them and have a little chit chat on www.pink-tutu.com.
With Love & Tutus Emma
