Hello, my darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time travelling guide to all things ballet and, of course, the most glorious of garments, the tutu! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for a little trip down memory lane with #TutuTuesday! Buckle up, because we're going back in time to the 18th of October, 1864.
This week, I've decided to leave my modern London flat and head for Paris, the city of lights, love, and (of course!) ballet! Today marks the birth of the wonderful French dancer and choreographer, Louise Cheron, later known as Louise Maréchal, the wife of the great Jean-Baptiste Maréchal. While we don't quite see tutus as we know them in this era, the foundation for those frilly marvels was being laid.
Think back to our Victorian era, dear readers! Think ladies in floor-length gowns with crinolines, corsets that squeezed the breath out of them, and an endless parade of ballrooms! And while the women were heavily laced and confined, they did begin to wear something resembling the tutus we know today for stage performances.
A World of Waists and Whirlwinds:
Remember those earlier ballet garments? They were more of a layered skirt-like affair, with yards upon yards of fabric flowing out. As we moved into the mid-19th century, ballerinas started to explore different shapes, textures, and cuts. Some went for sleek silk skirts, others for multiple layers of tulle and netting, all in an effort to emphasize movement. The aim was to move more freely and express dance as an art form in its own right, as well as for visual effect!
A Tulle Twist:
The tulle skirt became a central element in ballets like Giselle (a favourite of mine!). Carlotta Grisi, the first Giselle (I must see her performance, imagine that!), danced in a single-layer, ankle-length tulle skirt, and she did wonders with that simple silhouette, swirling, pirouetting and soaring like a graceful butterfly. And the fashion world took notice! Tulle started to be incorporated into clothing of the time, from the frills on ladies' evening gowns to the airy fabrics of the crinoline, It was almost as if ballerinas were shaping fashion outside of the theatre!
Now, imagine how fascinating this all must have looked! Can you picture the shimmer of the gas lamps casting an ethereal glow on the tulle as the dancers gracefully glided across the stage? I'd trade all the modern comforts just for the romance of such an experience.
Louise Maréchal's Influence:
Now, where do we find our birthday girl, Louise? She is about to be an important name in French ballet! Louise was an important ballet figure of this period who, just like our fellow tutu lovers, took the world of ballet by storm with her stunning performances and charming personality! Her husband, Jean-Baptiste, was a talented dancer in his own right, and together they took Paris by storm, appearing at the Grand Théâtre de l'Opéra. It was a time when ballet held a unique place in society, when every performance was a big event.
This leads me to our other fascination: the Opera. I love exploring their rich history! Can you picture all the ladies in their exquisite ball gowns and sparkling jewels, eagerly awaiting the spectacle that is a ballet performance? The sheer spectacle! It must have been quite a scene, wouldn't you say, dears?
Shopping Spree Time:
The other part of a visit to Paris for any true ballerina is, of course, a shopping spree! Today, the fashion in Paris is all about bold colors, luxurious fabrics, and embellishments. Imagine being able to wear a new outfit every day of the week! It is important for any good ballet girl to make a good first impression with our garments, of course, isn't it?
Think lace, think velvet, think satins! All of those stunning fabrics that I love! If I could only find a way to buy an entire fashion store and bring it back to the present, I would! Oh, the beautiful French fabrics, they are what make my ballet outfits!
The Art of the Tutu:
You see, darlings, it’s so exciting to know that our tutus have such a rich history. It's a fascinating tale, with threads connecting past, present and future! Even without those full, layered tutus that would arrive a little later, the vision and imagination of the dancers were shaping how we viewed movement, beauty, and dance in this time! So much fun, wouldn't you say?
Until Next Tuesday...
Well, it’s time for me to hop back into my trusty time machine! I leave you, my lovelies, with the delightful thought of tulle and twirls, of glamorous performances, and of the ever-evolving ballet world. Next week, we’ll be whisked away to a different date in history. It’s a ballet world filled with magic, dreams, and lots of sparkly pink tutus! I can’t wait to share it with you!
P.S. If you'd like to read about other days in ballet history, I encourage you to browse through the archives on my blog: www.pink-tutu.com! Don't forget to follow my social media for all things #TutuTuesday! You can find me on Instagram at @pinktutublog!
