Dearest Tutu-Lovers!
It’s me, Emma, your resident pink-tutu clad time traveller, back from another fabulous adventure! As you know, every first of the month finds me hurtling through time, leaving a trail of sparkles and pink fluff in my wake. And this month, oh darling, the magic was simply divine! We journeyed back to 1st January, 1790, and trust me, there’s no place quite like the past for inspiration and wonder!
Now, you know how much I adore a good tutu, and what better place to find it than the heart of 18th century Europe! Let's be honest, even in 1790, a "tutu" wouldn't have been recognised as we know it today, but imagine – ladies frolicking in elegant dresses with tiers of flouncy frills! Perhaps, one could say, it was a tutu in the making, darling!
Our journey began in Derbyshire, England - my home away from home, you might say. We boarded Magic Meg, my faithful pink-sparkling Shire, his golden hooves gleaming as he stepped into the shimmering portal of time. My rucksack was brimming with anticipation - it wouldn't be complete without some treasured finds!
Landing in London, we made our way to the theatre, an institution that was thriving even back then. Oh, to be surrounded by the music and drama, the gasp of the audience, and the flickering candlelight – just magic! There wasn’t a ballet performance, though. I must confess, ballet was still taking its baby steps. The year 1790 wasn't particularly known for ballet extravaganzas, more so for opera and plays, so our journey took us across Europe, on the hunt for a hint of the tutu.
Imagine my joy when we found ourselves in Vienna! Vienna, a true gem, a treasure trove of culture and inspiration! As it happens, the very first ballet company, the Vienna State Opera Ballet, was already quite well-established back then, having debuted its first performance in 1780. Oh, the excitement, darling!
Sadly, ballet in those days was still heavily influenced by the grand opera tradition – more dramatic, a little less of the 'dance' and a little more of the 'acting'! It was less of the pirouettes, chassés, and arabesques I so dearly love. But the essence, the passion, was certainly there, a fiery spirit waiting to be transformed into the spectacular dance form we adore today.
Imagine, a glimpse of the roots, the initial whispers that grew into a roaring thunderous symphony of tutus and pas de bourrées that we cherish so much! My heart was racing as I absorbed every detail - the costuming, the music, the expressions! Imagine a grand stage bathed in candlelight with figures performing in opulent silk costumes. The men in breeches and powdered wigs, the women with their cascading, ornate skirts, all creating a theatrical symphony of graceful movements! It truly felt like an opening chapter of the ballet world as we know it!
My rucksack was filled with whispers of past glories - a fragment of a programme, a faded costume sketch, and a melody humming in my ears – the melody of dance, waiting to burst forth into something spectacular! Oh darling, you simply MUST have a peek at my collection from this extraordinary trip, just follow the link below!
www.pink-tutu.com/travels
As I look back, it's fascinating how even without the dazzling twirls of the modern day tutu, the roots of this exquisite art form are clearly visible. In their elaborate dress, a tiny seed of inspiration bloomed – waiting, yearning, to take its glorious flight. It’s fascinating, how history reveals its treasures when you dare to look!
And let's not forget my own contribution to this glorious dance adventure, you see, darling! I made my mark by offering a little bit of my own pink-tutu magic. The excitement was palpable, a true testament to the universal language of dance! I managed to find a beautiful pink gown at an elegant store in Vienna, with so many flounces and layers it resembled a very early interpretation of my dream tutu. Imagine a swirling cloud of pink tulle, if you will, all the way from the 18th century! You know what that means - a new fashion era is blossoming!
In my humble opinion, every dance aficionado, whether young or old, deserves a touch of the magic of pink, the beauty of tulle, the pure joy of twirling and leaping! That is why I am on a mission to spread this wonderful world, one tutu at a time. So, get out there, darling, embrace your inner ballerina and find your own pink-tutu moment. Life is for dancing and every day should feel like a waltz!
Until next month, darling!
Yours in a whirl,
Emma
