Welcome, darlings, to #TutuTuesday, post number 53 on pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu-tastic!
This week, I've travelled back to the magical year of 1833! It was a time when the world was buzzing with exciting new fashion trends - and ballet was certainly not left behind!
Can you imagine stepping out onto the grand stage, bathed in the warm light of a thousand candles, and gliding through the air, a flurry of tulle and silk? It’s hard to believe it wasn't always this way, darlings. For hundreds of years before 1833, the women who danced were wearing simple dresses or, more often than not, long, restrictive costumes. They were barely able to move, let alone spin, leap and pirouette like the ballerinas of today.
Oh, but my dears, change was in the air. A revolution in ballet was brewing! It was all thanks to our wonderful French friends. As we all know, Paris is the heart of fashion. The great Parisian ballet dancer, Marie Taglioni, led the charge. And what did she bring to the stage, you ask? The Tutu! Oh yes, darlings, the humble tutu we all know and love - the foundation of all ballet glamour!
From the pages of ballet history...
Now, let's rewind a bit. The early stages of the tutu didn't quite look like what we see today. These first tutus, sometimes called a "tutu-jupe", were shorter but still retained some of the fullness and skirtiness of the period dresses. Imagine, if you will, a kind of calf-length version of the ball gown silhouette – beautifully crafted with flowing layers of tulle and silk, allowing a bit more freedom of movement.
This new garment helped to highlight the grace of the dancers, showing off their intricate steps with more freedom. Gone were the heavy dresses and bulky skirts - it was the dawn of a new age, an age where dance and freedom of movement reigned supreme. And oh, darling, the dance scene took flight. Imagine those soaring jumps and impossibly graceful turns. I simply can’t help but smile every time I think about it.
Now, as for this week in 1833… What were they dancing to, you ask? It was a particularly exciting time for ballet. My trip took me to the esteemed Opéra Garnier in Paris, where I saw a glorious performance of “La Sylphide,” a ballet famously known for its graceful choreography, romantic theme, and beautiful costumes, all showcasing the stunningly stylish, elegant tulle we’ve come to expect from tutus!
Tutus, Travel & Me!
This, my dear lovelies, is exactly the reason why I travel so much! This year I'm so excited to be performing a fundraising recital here in Derbyshire to pay for another round of time travelling, this time, a ballet extravaganza! I simply cannot miss seeing the development of the tutu throughout the years, it's just too intriguing, and it's simply a must for any self-respecting tutu aficionado!
Of course, before each trip, I’m off to London, hopping on the train from my home in the Derbyshire countryside. London's an amazing city – it always provides endless inspiration. The vibrant dance scene and world-renowned shops and stores have got me going into shopping overdrive, I can assure you! It's all about finding the perfect outfit to accompany my fabulous time travels. And you know what? Nothing says “time travelling ballerina” like a good, old-fashioned pink tutu.
I believe in wearing a tutu for any and every occasion - even on a train journey. You can imagine, darling, how exciting it is when my little tutu-tastic style brings joy to all those on the journey! There's nothing more satisfying than making someone's day – and trust me, seeing a fellow tutu lover in a crowded train carriage never fails to brighten everyone's mood. Sharing my love of ballet is all I aim to do. And that's precisely what we're going to do today!
My Tutu Tips:
Wear a pink tutu. Every day. I say! And the best part? The perfect pink tutu makes any event that little bit more magical and just a little bit more spectacular! You don't even need to be a ballerina, darling.
Embrace your love of dance! Whether you go to classes or watch amazing productions like me, don't hold back on those tutus, darlings. Spread the tutu love, wherever you may go!
- Be adventurous! You might find your own personal, time travelling journey right here in the 21st Century. And who knows, you might even meet someone wonderful who's ready to wear a tutu with you!
Let's celebrate the magic of tutus and ballet, my dears! I simply can't wait to see what we discover next Tuesday.
Until next week!
XOXO Emma www.pink-tutu.com
