Hello my lovelies, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! Today, weâre taking a trip back in time, way back to 1879 â a year bursting with ballet brilliance and fashion that just begs to be copied!
As always, your dear Emmaâs got her trusty pink tutu on and is ready to share all the delightful details. This post, dear readers, is extra special as Iâm celebrating the completion of my new ballet street performance outfit! The combination of bright pink chiffon and tulle with the perfect blend of sparkles has created a little bit of magic. Itâs truly inspiring. Now, on to the world of ballet in 1879.
The Grand Tour of the Theatre:
Oh, my dears, where to start? 1879 saw the rise of some absolutely stunning theatrical productions! The ballet world was brimming with stories, artistry, and breathtaking movements.
First on our list is none other than the legendary Marius Petipa. His ballet "La BayadĂšre" first graced the stage of the Imperial Theatre in St Petersburg. Imagine â the shimmering sets, the captivating choreography, and the exquisite costumes. One could only dream!
Then there was the Parisian OpĂ©ra, which, with the glorious Charles Garnier as the architect, hosted a captivating revival of âLa Fille Mal GardĂ©e.â You know, the one with the delightful storyline about a young woman who wants to become a dancer! Such a fun story, and oh, those sets, those costumes â truly unforgettable!
For those who love a bit of romantic drama, the Imperial Ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, showcased âGiselle,â an all-time favourite of mine! Oh, to be transported to a world of innocent love, tragic fate, and those utterly captivating movements⊠the whole performance is just divine!
And it wasn't just the grand opera houses that shone bright. Little gems of dance sprang up in provincial towns across Europe! There were smaller, independent troupes, bursting with fresh talent. Just picture yourself stepping into a cosy theatre, its atmosphere filled with the soft rustling of costumes and the sweet strains of the orchestra. Itâs pure magic!
Fashion for a Fairytale:
My oh my, the ballet fashions of 1879 were truly something to behold! From Paris to St. Petersburg, a whirl of beauty and grace was everywhere!
Picture this: voluminous, airy tulle skirts in pale pink, powder blue, and ivory â each movement swirling with the lightest grace. A delicate sprinkling of sequins added a touch of glimmer, and elegant ribbons in coordinating colours trailed beautifully behind. Itâs no wonder that women on the streets of Paris and London started sporting versions of these fabulous gowns. A perfect touch of elegance with a hint of whimsical freedom!
Now, we mustnât forget the men! While their tutus might not have been as lavish, the costumes were every bit as impressive. Tight-fitting trousers in crisp black velvet, adorned with the finest lace, created an image of power and grace. A simple, well-cut white shirt provided the perfect contrast and accentuated the movement of the dancers, who always moved with such incredible strength and elegance.
And then thereâs the footwear! Oh my goodness, you just wouldn't believe the shoes! These lovely dancers would be wearing delicate slippers, adorned with the finest ribbons and brooches, or the graceful âpointe shoesâ crafted from fine leather and painstakingly stitched together to create a masterpiece that allowed for such beautiful movements.
Now, my darlings, donât think for a moment that 1879 wasnât bursting with innovation! Fashion designers, inspired by the elegance of ballet, were experimenting with materials, introducing lace trims, velvet accents, and shimmering fabrics. They wanted their creations to reflect the same beautiful movement, grace, and spirit that they saw on the ballet stage.
Finding Your Inner Ballerina
Now, as you know, I'm a firm believer that every single one of you, my darlings, has a bit of a ballerina hidden inside! Don't let the big, bold tutu and the pointe shoes scare you! It's all about expressing yourself, finding your grace, and feeling the beautiful freedom of movement. And trust me, darling, the fashion from 1879, it can totally translate to a street-style outfit for today!
To bring back the feeling of that bygone era, here are a few little tips, just for you! Pick a breezy, flowy skirt, maybe a tulle or a chiffon one. The key, darling, is to let the skirt dance with your every move, Pair that with a fitted top or a blouse, and you are on the road to ballet fashion heaven! Remember, the key is to feel good, move with confidence, and bring a touch of the whimsical 1879 into your world.
Remember, my dear darlings, you can create your own little piece of ballet magic right in your own town! Put on some music, swirl those skirts, and let your body express the elegance and grace of those magnificent 1879 dancers!
Stay gorgeous, my sweethearts, and remember â keep that pink tutu on and dance!
Until next time,
Emma xx
