Hello darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday where we journey through time, exploring the fascinating history of the ballet tutu! Today we're going to take a spin back to a particularly exciting era - the mid-19th century! This week has been jam-packed for me, with a magnificent performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House, a charming vintage ballet shoe find in Notting Hill, and a little shopping trip for some beautiful floral fabric - can you guess what's in the making? ;)
Anyway, enough about me - let's delve into the fascinating world of tutus! This week, I'm on the lookout for inspiration, and you can imagine how excited I was when I landed on the 28th of June 1845 - why? Because today marks the premiere of a little-known but very important ballet - "Paquita!"
For all of you who love La Sylphide, Giselle, and Coppelia – yes, the romantic tutu era is coming – you can thank "Paquita". While not as popular as the aforementioned classics, "Paquita" set a style and movement template for so many ballets we adore today! This particular production was created by the Spanish dancer Lucile Grahn - think of her as a leading ballet influencer of the 1800s - who went on to stage the ballet in many different venues with different choreography and costuming.
But what about the tutu? That’s where the excitement begins! The tutu in "Paquita" wasn't just some romantic fluttering affair; it was a groundbreaking fusion of two styles.
- First, imagine Giselle’s romantic tutu - layers of tulle flowing down her body, creating an ethereal, wispy image. That's one half.
- But then, picture a very structured, waist-high bodice – like a fitted bustier, but made of luxurious fabric with sparkling embroidery - and very short skirts - a sort of frilly-yet-structured peplum that stops just above the knees. This was a nod to the popular "Spanish" costumes of the era – think flamenco dancers!
It’s that combination that sets "Paquita" apart. For the first time, ballet started showcasing a new aesthetic: it wasn’t just flowing, ethereal movements; it was strong, athletic and full of energy.
Now, let's be honest - tutus, especially short ones like those worn by "Paquita", might make you wonder if you're going to get a little too much leg action, right? Well, hold on, the "Paquita" tutu was definitely on the shorter side – even more daring than what we wear today - but it's amazing how the ballet itself played with that.
You've got your elegant leaps and beautiful lines – but the choreography had a real swagger and sharpness to it - a powerfulness in the way the dancers moved and the way the costume flowed around them.
Just thinking about all that athleticism has got me wanting to practice my fouetté sequence - time for a little ballet class! Oh, and maybe a few more costume shopping trips later. 😉
Anyway, darlings, before I start skipping off, let me give you some quick "Paquita"-inspired tutu facts you can impress your friends with. Remember, knowledge is power – and knowing about tutus gives you even more power (not to mention elegance):
- "Paquita" launched the era of the shorter, more "dancerly" tutu! No more giant fluffy skirts – give me that sleek shape!
- This wasn’t just about fashion; the tutu's new shape allowed dancers to showcase their legs and intricate footwork like never before! Ballet suddenly became much more about technique, movement, and showcasing the dancers' strength and artistry.
- It inspired a style that lives on in classical ballet - think "La Bayadère" with its beautifully structured skirts. You can see "Paquita"'s influence in some of the most famous ballets in the world.
Now, this has been quite the journey, but I promise to tell you all about the ballet itself another time, alongside other time travel adventures in the world of tutus. As always, thank you for joining me on my adventures in tutu history! Now, excuse me, but there's a vintage tutu shop calling my name!
Remember to tag me in your own tutu pictures and follow me for more #TutuTuesday posts! Until next week, darlings!
P.S. For all the lovely Derbyshire ladies reading – don’t forget the Derby Theatre Ballet production of "Giselle" starting tomorrow! This show is not to be missed – trust me. See you there!
Emma 💕
*I'm so glad you're here to explore the amazing world of ballet with me. Have fun practicing your poses, and keep coming back for more #TutuTuesday adventures! *
P.P.S. Don’t forget to visit the www.pink-tutu.com blog every Tuesday for more amazing tutu history!
Until next week, keep twirling! 💖
