Hello lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! It’s your favourite tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma, and today we’re waltzing back to 1833! Buckle up, darlings, because we’re about to take a trip to a time when tutus were just beginning to take the stage!
This week marks Post #80 of my Ballet Tutu History series – can you believe it?! 😱 It feels like just yesterday I was stumbling through the cobblestone streets of Paris, mesmerised by the early ballerinas' twirling, oh, so graceful, in their barely-there tutus!
Speaking of Paris, it's July 9th, 1833, and today marks a rather special date: Marie Taglioni's 28th birthday! Now, who's Marie Taglioni? Why, she's the ballerina who revolutionised ballet with her legendary performance of "La Sylphide" in 1832. Talk about a tutu icon! She's credited with introducing the Romantic tutu – light, airy, and floating like a whisper – and with a dramatic shortened length that exposed the ballerina's legs, adding to the feeling of effortless movement.
Now, can you imagine a world without that iconic ballet tutu we all love so much? Marie Taglioni and her vision of a "new ballet" had quite a big impact on the evolution of tutus. They made it more than just a stage costume. They made it an artistic expression and a symbol of a truly magical, graceful form of art.
But let’s rewind the clock for a moment, because it’s always fascinating to see how things evolve. Imagine if Marie had stayed in Derbyshire – can you imagine the sheer excitement if a Derbyshire girl took centre stage and revolutionised ballet?! It’s something that brings a giggle to my lips, but maybe that's just the pink-tinted glasses I always wear (it’s called style, lovelies!). 😉
Here’s a little fun fact for you: before Marie's "La Sylphide," ballerinas wore much fuller tutus with multiple layers of tulle – quite the contrast to the barely-there, single-layered Romantic tutus! You know, it kind of reminds me of our present fashion – just think how far things have come since those dramatic, flowing, voluminous skirts! Now we embrace minimalist pieces like my new pale pink mini dress that’s perfect for a casual evening out! 😍
Oh, speaking of style, my trip back to 1833 required quite the wardrobe makeover! While my modern pink tulle tutu certainly got some looks at the Paris Opera House (not all good, but it did start a few whispers – tutus are always in fashion, darling!), I wouldn't be able to blend in easily. Imagine walking down the cobblestones of Paris with my 21st-century ensemble!
Instead, I embraced a Parisian romantic style – think elegant and dainty! Soft lace, flowing silks, delicate colours – it's like stepping out of a novel, dear reader. Imagine, for instance, a beautiful blush-pink dress, cinched at the waist and finished off with a frilled collar. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what was considered fashion in Paris around this time. And wouldn't you know, I just adore it!
What I also discovered, and found absolutely delightful, are the lovely lace gloves worn by women during this time. A pair of delicate, pastel blue lace gloves make all the difference – it adds that air of grace and femininity that a pink tutu does. But we shall keep that a secret between us - a touch of modern style injected into 1833? Why, the Parisian women would just adore it!
Talking of tutus, have you all checked out the Royal Opera House website? You can take a peek at all the gorgeous designs worn in recent ballets – just look at the stunning craftsmanship and the magnificent creativity! It really reminds me how much I appreciate the history of the tutu. And this particular Tuesday makes me all the more grateful for the beauty that a ballet performance and an intricately-designed tutu hold. 💖
Now, before I get lost in the wonderful world of ballet again (I admit it's easy to get carried away!), I have to go! I'm off to explore Paris. Maybe I'll even visit the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse in the Palais Garnier - where better to experience a taste of the ballet world's golden era than where it all began! 😉
Keep an eye on this space, darling readers. Next Tuesday, I'll be revisiting the world of the tutu.
Until then, be sure to pop by my blog at www.pink-tutu.com – because it’s time for us all to twirl with a touch of pink! 😉
Until next time, keep on twirling, and spread that pink tutu magic!
💖Emma
P.S. Did you know that the ballet performance I funded my latest time travel adventure with was based on Giselle? The story of a young village girl who is heartbroken when her lover turns out to be an evil sorcerer. That was one beautiful performance and it filled the whole theater with a very emotional atmosphere! If you ever get a chance to see it, do, do go – it will absolutely mesmerize you! And don’t forget to look out for those exquisite tutus – absolutely breathtaking! 💕
