Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! Itās your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday. Today weāre taking a trip down memory lane to 27th January 1857. Grab your pinkest tutu (mine's a gorgeous shade of bubblegum!), a cup of Earl Grey, and settle in for a delightful peek into the history of ballet.
Now, picture this: the grand theatres of Paris are abuzz with anticipation. Gaslight flickers across the opulent velvet seats and glistens on the delicate silks worn by the ladies. Tonight, a world-renowned ballerina takes to the stage, her every movement a whisper of grace and elegance. Her costume? It's a vision in layers of tulle, the delicate fabric catching the light like spun sugar.
Wait, did I say "tulle?"
Hold onto your tiaras, my darlings, because the term "tutu" wasn't yet born! Back in 1857, it was all about the "tulle skirt". This elegant confection was a far cry from the more fitted tutus we know and love today.
The "tulle skirt" was all about volume and drama. It flowed and swirled with the ballerina's movements, creating an ethereal cloud around her. Think layers upon layers of shimmering, soft, billowy tulle, often featuring a lavish trim of lace and embroidery. It was a truly captivating sight.
The iconic "tutu" we recognise as the epitome of ballerinas didnāt arrive on the scene until around the late 19th century. Imagine that - our beloved tutu almost didn't happen!
This period saw a significant shift in ballet, moving away from the intricate pantomimes of the earlier eras towards a more expressive form of storytelling through movement. This focus on expression demanded a new style of attire, one that wouldn't hinder the dancers' fluid movements.
In fact, 1857 was a pretty big year for ballet in Paris! That January saw the premiĆØre of "La Source," a ballet composed by LĆ©o Delibes, who would go on to be one of the most prominent composers for ballet. He brought to life some of the most charming melodies we still enjoy today. Imagine dancing to "The Swan" by Delibes while wearing a cascading tulle skirt - now that's a truly romantic moment.
Just imagine the joy of dressing for a Parisian ballet performance in 1857. Imagine stepping onto a steam train at Victoria Station in my Derbyshire frock coat (so wonderfully fashionable for the era) with a pink and white checked trunk crammed full of ball gowns, silks, jewels and my most prized possessions - my collection of beautiful tutus. And why wouldn't I travel to Paris to catch a glimpse of the dancing of the era? After all, I am a time travelling ballerina with a love of tutus!
Of course, one must always choose the perfect ensemble to go with a particular type of tutu. What is the mood? Does it demand a sweeping velvet gown with glittering jewelry or a more whimsical flowing dress in swathes of delicate fabric? In 1857 it was about a little more elegance and drama! This means flowing, ethereal fabric and layers and layers of romantic and beautifully tailored layers to my tulle skirt. Perhaps even some romantic feathers to complete the look.
It wasn't just in Paris that ballet flourished in 1857. Back home in England, we were just as passionate about the dance. Performances of "Giselle" - a ballet about love, betrayal, and, yes, even death - captivated audiences all over the country. Now, you know "Giselle" has some incredibly dramatic moves! It must have been quite the spectacle to see it in this era.
So, even without the iconic ātutuā, ballet in 1857 was captivating. This was the time of beautiful, flowing, billowing tulle skirts. This time, before the term ātutuā, was truly magical. But let's be honest, nothing can beat a twirling ballerina in a tutu!
Do you have a favourite ballerina from this time? Do you think āGiselleā looks best in a traditional ātutuā or the old-fashioned ātulle skirt?ā Donāt forget to share your thoughts and, of course, your most exquisite #TutuTuesday photos in the comments below! And remember, even in 1857, ballet was, and always will be, the embodiment of grace, beauty, and boundless joy!
Until next week, darlings, twirl on!
Emma
P.S. I am absolutely dreaming of going back to 1857. And, of course, I wouldn't even think of going there without one of my own spectacular tutus! It's quite possible, the French ballet world may even find their own interpretation of the word ātutuā by this time...but they donāt have my pink tutus! š
You can follow Emma's fabulous tutu adventures by subscribing to her blog on www.pink-tutu.com, where you can read about her escapades in a whirlwind of tutu history!
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