Oh darling readers, a most hearty hello from your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma! I'm back with another exciting foray into the past, this time to the fascinating world of ballet fashion circa 1879.
Today, we're stepping into the year 1879, my dears. Think Parisian whispers, glittering gaslights, and grand, gilded theatres! We're still quite a way from the full bloom of the romantic tutu, but there are absolutely enchanting glimmers of its glorious evolution taking shape.
Remember, the ballet tutu, darling, it wasn't just an ethereal garment. It was a symbol of artistry, a piece of exquisite craftsmanship, and a revolutionary change in how we see and understand the female body in dance.
This week, we're journeying back to January 28th, 1879, where a fascinating event unfolds. Oh, the dramatic tension, the whispered intrigue! It's the world premiere of “La Fille mal gardée,” a joyous comedic ballet with roots in peasant life, full of vibrant energy and whimsical delight. Now, I must admit, darling, it wasn’t a show-stopping revolutionary ballet. However, La Fille mal gardée truly is significant for its connection to the tutu, even in its early evolution.
And speaking of tutus, what a sight they are! Imagine the ballerinas, swirling on the stage, like elegant flowers in a soft breeze, their delicate forms flowing and swirling in soft tulle and lace. This time period sees ballerinas taking on new heights, literally! While we're still in the early days of "romantic ballet," you see more and more ethereal tutus adorning these beautiful performers, leaving their cumbersome, long-skirted predecessors in the dust.
For this period, the romantic tutu is still quite "young," much like the blooming blossoms on a spring rose. In the late 1800s, it was a revolutionary garment. Why, just a few decades earlier, ballerinas would be dancing in floor-length skirts, restricted by cumbersome fabrics and corsetry. Now, with these new and lighter fabrics, dancers could express themselves with much greater grace and fluidity, telling stories with their very bodies! The magic of movement, darling, unleashed at last.
Can you imagine the shock, the gasp, the delight, of the 1879 audiences? A whirlwind of white, like a storm of lace and ribbons! The sheer transparency, the delicate whisper of fabric, dancing gracefully, teasing the audience, this is how it began. Oh, the exciting new frontier of ballet.
Now, this is where my fellow Derbyshire girl Emma gets in the groove - don’t we all love a good trip to the theatre, darling? So you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm off to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane this weekend. As we always say in Derbyshire, "All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy!"
If you happen to see me there, do pop up and say hello! And by the way, don’t forget to grab a seat near the front for a peek at the ballerinas’ exquisitely crafted costumes.
But remember, our Tutu Tuesday journey is not just about history. It's about a love for all things delicate, graceful and fun, like those graceful pink tutus, darling. It's a love for the elegance and fluidity of the dance, the captivating energy, the thrilling experience, and yes, the delightful, the magical!
Now, it's time to share your Tutu Tuesday excitement with me! Have you discovered any interesting facts about the history of the tutu this week? Are there any specific performers, stories or designs you’d love to hear about? Tell me your Tutu Tuesday musings and let’s discuss all things ballet in the comments below!
And for the love of all things pink and frilly, never be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina! This beautiful art form holds a timeless power to inspire and uplift.
As I sign off for this week, remember to check back in next Tuesday, darling, for another delightful dip into the glorious history of the tutu. We’ll be embarking on a fascinating journey across time and space.
Keep your heads held high and your skirts twirling!
Until next week, darlings!
Warmly,
Emma
xx
[Photo: A photo of Emma in her pink tutu and a drawing of an early romantic tutu]
