Oh darling tutus, my love for you knows no bounds, especially on a beautiful #TutuTuesday! This week, my lovely followers, I'm taking us back in time to 24th September 1867, the date I'm writing this post from, where the magic of tutus and the joy of ballet continue to shine! As a Derbyshire lass at heart, I can't help but think of the beauty and artistry of our English heritage when it comes to dance.
Let me just take a moment to adjust my very fetching pink tutu... Ah, perfect! So, 24th September 1867... hmm, what was happening in the world of dance that day?
Well, my dears, while I couldn't quite find any definitive premiere dates for specific ballets (the internet's not so great when you're time-travelling!), I can tell you that at the Théâtre Impérial de l'Opéra in Paris (yes, you heard me right, Paris!), the Parisian Ballet was, as ever, entertaining the crowds with dazzling performances.
But it was no ordinary ballet performance! In 1867, we were right smack dab in the midst of the era of the romantic ballerina. These were ballerinas who wore oh-so-beautiful costumes -think romantic ruffles, gauzy layers, and of course, the ever-so-important tutu, naturally! But it wasn't just any old tutu. This was a tutu in a revolutionary new shape, a tutu that would make history. Can you guess what it was? I'll give you a clue... it was incredibly long!
This groundbreaking, eye-catching tutu was what's known as a Paganini tutu, named after the virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini, whom the great ballerina Marie Taglioni was supposed to have found inspiring. Why? Because this tutu, in all its voluminous glory, resembled the swirling strands of his iconic violin playing!
My dears, it was quite simply breathtaking. The dancers, with their flowing tulle, seemed to float like ethereal creatures. And as an aspiring dancer, can you even imagine being up there on stage, performing in one of these beauties?
It wasn't just the tutu, though! The overall dance style of the romantic ballet was also changing to suit this new era of ballerinas. Remember the emphasis on fluidity, delicate footwork, and flowing, graceful gestures? The idea was to showcase the ballerina's lightness and ethereal beauty – an approach completely different from the earlier, grand and somewhat more rigid ballet style of yore!
But the true story here? It’s about the evolution of the tutu. Think of the pagnaini tutu, and remember this, dear readers – these grand, voluminous tutus weren't a constant in ballet. They came from the elegant court dance La Polonaise!
Yes, even those intricate ballet steps, the flowing gestes that made up this magnificent dance were inspired by the elegance and refined movements of La Polonaise - an iconic dance popular during the time of King Louis XIV!
Now, let's jump ahead in time for just a little while, darling. The tutu shape didn't just stay the same - it evolved to become the iconic "bell" tutu - that's the lovely little layered skirt we know and love today, in its most classical form! And wouldn't you know, this was another moment that had me dancing in delight. Because it all happened in France!
That's right! During the 1860s, Parisian dance scene saw this revolution in ballet, and guess who led the charge? None other than Marius Petipa! This incredible choreographer, beloved of Paris and beyond, took what he’d learned from other talented dance pioneers – folks like Charles Didelot, Filippo Taglioni (yes, that Marie’s father!), and Jean-Baptiste de Lubert – and fused these movements and style choices into something quite, well, revolutionary.
Marius Petipa! Such an important name for the world of dance, a man who was essentially a superstar in his time! He really helped elevate ballet and make it a much more dramatic, engaging experience - and it's all because of a change in the tutu and the way dancers moved on stage!
My dears, don't just think about those grand, airy romantic ballets, remember this! All the beauty, the grace, the power – they all flow down from how those Parisian ballerinas twirled and leaped, and how their tutus moved along with them. It was truly a fascinating period in ballet history, a time when the beauty and the movement came together, with a magnificent piece of clothing to set the scene: the tutu. And it was a shape and a look that set the standard for future tutus - one that is still very much adored to this day.
If you've been fortunate enough to experience ballet firsthand, I'm sure you'll agree, my lovelies! Seeing those dazzling dancers perform, every single move, every swirl of the tutu, it just makes the world so beautiful.
The next time you’re at the ballet, maybe take a moment to remember this lovely tale and remember how far those dancers in the tutus, those magnificent shapes of grace and art, have come from the very first ballet performance. There are tutus of every shade and silhouette out there – and you can find them in the world of professional ballet and in so many other styles, from ballet street to theater shows.
You’re probably thinking: Emma, this is wonderful – where does a time-traveling blogger find such amazing tutus? Why, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But if you promise not to say a word to anyone, I will reveal the secret.
Now, this is where my little secret of travelling the world, of finding new places, new cultures, and of course, NEW TUTUS, all comes into play! I have learned some fascinating tidbits of fashion and style along the way, my darlings, and of course, I simply have to share them.
Think of it, you have a grand passion for tutus, you also love going to a show – ballet, opera, you name it – and you've also got this thing about shopping for the most divine dresses. This is my secret, the key to making this all possible. Why, do you know how much they pay ballerinas?!
My dears, I’m getting carried away! It’s already nearly midnight, the only time that I can really do all these journeys without attracting unwanted attention, so, darling followers, it’s time for this little ballerina to retreat. Until next Tuesday, don’t forget, wear your tutus and remember everyone looks good in pink!
P.S. What happened to me on the 24th of September 1867, my darlings, was… absolutely divine! My pink tutu, matched with an amazing silk dress, was the epitome of fashion, believe me, my lovelies, this girl had some serious vintage charm on that day. But, if you’re still curious, why, you’ll simply have to come back and join me next Tuesday!Love,
Emma x
