Post Number 1261
Greetings, dear readers, from the heart of the City of Lights, Paris! As you all know, I adore history, especially when it comes to the story of the ballet tutu! So today, I'm taking you back on a trip on the Orient Express, back to the 26th February 1856! Fancy a little Parisian waltz with me?
February 26th, 1856: A Whirl of Fashion!
My darling tutus! You can’t even begin to imagine the excitement and delight swirling around this fabulous Parisian scene. The French are very chic, as you’d imagine, so imagine my surprise at how different things looked back then!
Firstly, they only used a tulle which they called tulle de Saint-Gall. It had such a stiff material that was incredibly restrictive for dancing! It wasn't flowing like my favourite featherlight tutu fabric. They used an elastic band and ribbon to bind the tutu around the waist!
Let’s face it, It must’ve been horribly uncomfortable, especially for the graceful ladies twirling their way around the stage! But then I discovered it got even more bizarre! The ballerina’s didn't actually have a tutu on, oh no, they wore a * white petticoat! I nearly choked on my croissant. This would then be adorned with multiple layers of tulle, and then covered by a second layered white skirt. 🤯! Oh darling! And of course, all in * white*, what a boring fashion sense they had back then!
Just like me, dancers back then, wanted to see what the latest styles were from across the world! Imagine that! The stage was where dancers put on their best show but it seems they didn't just limit themselves to what the Parisian fashion scene said! Dancers like Fanny Elssler started making trips across the Atlantic and showing America the power and grace of the ballet! She wore tulle to be a little less restrictive for movement and began to *push boundaries and the rules of ballet costumes! Just as we do now. It must’ve been absolutely stunning, although I just wouldn’t dare travel with all that luggage, just look at the suitcases they had!
And on that note!
I'm off on a fabulous train journey with a view! What would this Parisian experience be without a touch of indulgence, right? There are just so many fascinating stories around Parisian history! I can’t wait to take you on our next journey.
Oh and don't forget to check in next week, dear reader, for the next #TutuTuesday where we’ll continue the grand journey of ballet’s favourite accessory – *the ballet tutu!! *
Until then, Keep twirling!
*Emma *
*www.pink-tutu.com *
