Hello my dearest fellow Tutu lovers! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad time traveler, and I'm absolutely bursting with excitement to share some tantalizing tutu history with you today. As we all know, Tuesday is #TutuTuesday, so prepare yourselves for a delightful journey through time, landing us right in the heart of Paris in 1864!
Let me whisk you away to the bustling Parisian streets where fashion is in bloom, just as much as the rose bushes climbing the city's charming buildings. Think flowing fabrics, billowing skirts, and corsets, oh my! Today we're heading to the Théùtre Impérial de l'Opéra, where a breathtaking performance awaits! This incredible theatre, all gold and opulence, is about to see a world premiere that will go down in history - the grand ballet, "Coppélia," choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon.
Oh, how I long to step back in time and witness the majesty of this performance! This exquisite ballet will forever hold a special place in my heart as it introduced one of the most iconic and beloved pieces of dance wear - the tutu. We may call it the âtutuâ today, but back in 1864, it was known as the "jupe-culottes." Can you believe it? Who knew that what we see today as a symbol of grace and elegance was once simply "trousers skirt!"
The story behind the "jupe-culottes" is actually quite fascinating. Picture it: a daring designer named Millais took it upon himself to break free from the conventional ballet skirts, opting for something far more fluid and free. *His creation: a tutu so short and airy that it was almost invisible, with the skirt almost disappearing below the waistline. *How scandalous! How innovative! How beautiful!
At first, the shorter skirts were met with quite a lot of debate! Many traditionalists cried out that these âtrouser skirts" were inappropriate for ballet! The Parisian audiences gasped at this revolutionary dance costume that was so short and daring that they could practically see their ballerinaâs slippers! They whispered about the shock, but it was quite the hit nonetheless.
Can you imagine the reaction in a society where skirts reached your ankles? The impact of this âjupe-culottesâ, that allowed such graceful movements to shine, was revolutionary and forever changed the world of ballet! It opened up a whole new world of artistry.
Now, to bring you up to date with this magical 13th September, letâs consider some of the things going on around the globe.
Whatâs happening in Europe, dear readers, as I sit in Paris watching this delightful ballet?!
- A new king reigns in Italy! King Victor Emmanuel II officially proclaimed a unified Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861. He has his hands full unifying all these different provinces - and the Papal States donât agree one bit with being folded into his kingdom. It seems a good deal of conflict continues - especially since a great war took place in 1859. That's what happens when you unify! Oh dear, these are turbulent times for Italy!
- In Spain, the first transatlantic cable, that amazing underwater wire connecting continents! It was completed in 1858, meaning the continents are able to communicate instantaneously. But donât fret, Europe is taking a step forward to link the globe even further, as a transatlantic cable line runs from the Bay of Biscay, off the coast of France, to a station in Brest. So even if Queen Victoria decides to come and see this beautiful ballet with her little princess, Beatrice, she can get home before tea time!
- And let's not forget America, the home of some truly fabulous tutu-wearing performances! Back in August of this year, General Lee, leader of the Confederacy, ordered a retreat in Georgia. It seems the end is near, and the North are looking closer to victory! This âtroublesome business" in America will forever go down in the history books.
*Let's journey back to our Parisian theatre, dear Tutu lovers! *
The beautiful âjupe-culottes" was the first of its kind, opening the door to the diverse world of ballet tutus we have today! From the airy, romantic âRomantic Tutu" which often graced ballerinas like Marie Taglioni in the 1800s to the dramatic "Classical Tutu," worn in grand ballets like "Swan Lake," we've seen a wonderful array of ballet clothing trends since 1864!
From then, the tutu began a captivating journey, evolving alongside the world of ballet, becoming an essential part of the ballerinas' artistry. Imagine being a ballerina in 1864! There would have been some seriously daring women. Perhaps some ladies in Paris had a bit of trouble embracing the short skirts. They did seem rather daring back in the 1800s!
As I step out of the Parisian theater, the streetlights shimmer along the Seine. My pink tutu gleams brightly under the Paris moon. Today's history lesson about our glorious tutus has inspired me - and, as I step aboard my time-traveling train, Iâm going to see if I can snag some original ballet costumes for my collection! A genuine jupe-culottes? Why, that would be simply delightful!
And now, my dear friends, I invite you to tell me: Have you ever worn a tutu? If so, where was it, what was it like, and what made you feel in your tulle attire?
Be sure to hop over to our website www.pink-tutu.com, and post photos of yourselves in your very own tulle creation.
Until next Tuesday,
With love,
Emma, your pink tutu loving time traveller! đ
