#TutuTuesday: A Blast From the Past! - Ballet Tutu History (Post #69)
Hello, my darling dance devotees! It's Emma here, your ever-so-slightly-obsessed tutu-wearing time traveller. As usual, I'm back with a trip down the most delightful of memory lanes: Ballet Tutu History!
This week, I've whisked myself away to a very special date - 23rd April 1833. Think cobbled streets, gas lamps casting long shadows, and a hint of Victorian bustle. Oh, and tutus! Yes, even in those days, we were rocking the frills!
I'm perched on the plush velvet seat of a grand carriage, the wheels rhythmically tapping a beat against the London cobbles. The wind rustles through the trees in Hyde Park as we make our way to the theatre. Now, let me tell you, the excitement bubbling inside me is almost as delicious as the pink macarons I’m enjoying on the way. Tonight is opening night at the Royal Opera House for the enchanting "La Sylphide" ballet!
Imagine my excitement when I arrive at the grand theatre. Gasps and smiles erupt as I sashay through the doors, my very own pink tulle tutu a beacon of loveliness. You can’t imagine how fabulous it feels to be the only one sporting the fabulous frill. The energy is electric, buzzing with anticipation, a sea of opera glasses raised and faces alight. The show tonight is everything. It is exactly how I envisioned the magical "La Sylphide".
Of course, it wouldn't be a Tutu Tuesday blog post without a proper delve into the tutu's evolution, wouldn’t it? Back in 1833, ballet fashion was evolving, moving away from the cumbersome and heavily layered dresses of earlier days. It’s said that the very first tutu we recognize was inspired by Marie Taglioni in this very show. Yes, the original! She waltzed onto the stage, ethereal in her short white tutu. Now, just picture a cloud, ethereal, graceful, floating! That was Taglioni's revolutionary look, and the world was swept off its feet.
It was revolutionary. Imagine a stage full of performers who previously swirled in huge skirts and long trailing lengths of fabric - imagine them trying to dance! Not only was Taglioni a stunning dancer but, this innovative and radical way of dressing for the ballet truly allowed her talent to be fully showcased, she looked incredibly delicate and graceful. Her creation had such an influence on fashion, both on and off stage, that I just know my pink tutu wouldn’t feel amiss here.
After the show, I join the swirling crowd making its way into Covent Garden Market. Oh, my, this market is delightful, full of colourful displays of fruit, vibrant textiles, and artisan creations. A real sensory overload! This is such a magical and historic place, the perfect spot to celebrate a fabulous night of ballet.
I even discovered the latest fashion sensation - silk tutus! The silky fabric glides effortlessly, swirling around the legs of those lucky enough to be wearing one, making them look positively airy and weightless! And oh, how I long to dance in one. As the market bustling comes to an end and the carriages start their return journey, I already look forward to next week’s Tutu Tuesday and planning my next journey. It’s not only ballet that has influenced me to want to embrace and embrace, it's how it inspired this very fashion! And speaking of inspiring… my ultimate mission? To encourage the entire world to embrace their own inner tutu, pink or otherwise, and twirl with abandon.
So, darlings, go forth and embrace your fabulousness, just like those revolutionary ballet dancers in 1833. And remember, life’s a performance, and every day is a chance to twirl!
Until next Tuesday, my fellow tutu-lovers!
xx EmmaP.S. Keep an eye out for upcoming posts. I'm working on something truly spectacular... 😉.