#TutuTuesday: A Whirlwind Through Time! (Post #97)
Hello my lovely Tutu-loving darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past. Today we're swirling back to November 5th, 1833, and a time when ballet was really beginning to blossom!
Let's hop onto my trusty time machine (it's a pink carriage with velvet cushions and a magical carousel horse for power) and take a trip to... Paris!
The City of Lights! Oh, the sheer delight! From the charming cobblestone streets to the dazzling boutiques, it's truly a dream come true. And let me tell you, the Parisians are absolutely enthralled by ballet. Just imagine: exquisite music, breathtaking artistry, and elegant ladies and gentlemen adorned in beautiful gowns and formal wear.
Now, if you think about the tutus you've seen in your favourite modern ballet productions, there's a good chance you're imagining the Romantic style tutu. This delightful dance skirt, with its layers of soft, flowing tulle, first appeared in 1832 at the Paris Opera Ballet in La Sylphide. The graceful, ethereal shape of the skirt captured the imagination of the time, showcasing the feminine elegance of the ballerinas.
Back in 1833, however, the world of tutus was still finding its footing. Although the "Romantic" style was gaining traction, it was still quite revolutionary. Ballet performances still showcased tutus crafted in different ways. Some ballerinas might be wearing skirts with more layers of tulle or perhaps fewer for a dramatic effect. Think of it as the tutu's wild and exciting adolescence.
So, what exciting happenings did November 5th, 1833 bring to the ballet world?
Let's look back at what the newspapers might have said! Perhaps we would have found an announcement of the upcoming performance of “La Sylphide” at the Paris Opera. Or perhaps an article discussing a new and daring dance move, a new choreography, or even a ballet featuring an exotic foreign dance.
It's easy to forget how dynamic and groundbreaking dance was in the early 19th century. New techniques and innovations were constantly emerging. The romantic movement in ballet was a whirlwind of change and excitement, and I’m lucky to get to travel through it!
However, remember this! Back then, ballet wasn't just a fancy performance, it was a hotbed of innovation where the creative genius of dancers and choreographers transformed into a dance form that changed the way people moved, and the way they thought. And this is where the magic of ballet, where tutus make the impossible possible.
Of course, 1833 wasn’t just about ballet in Paris! Let’s venture a little further afield, to London! This fabulous city buzzed with activity - shops full of wonderful wares, charming carriages, and theatre performances to entice even the most discerning soul! Did you know that the very first performance of Charles Dickens’s "Oliver Twist" opened in London on February 2nd 1838? And it took the nation by storm! Just like we swoon over a breathtaking ballet performance, Victorian England was gripped by Dickens’s work! Isn't it incredible to think how history unfolds, interwoven with artistry and beauty? We are truly connected across time through our shared love of captivating stories!
Tutu Tidbits for Your Tutu Inspiration
Remember my dear darlings, when it comes to wearing a tutu, there's a whole world of options waiting for you! You can find fabulous tutus of all colours and styles, be they fluffy and full or chic and sleek! A pink tutu will never fail to make you feel confident and whimsical.
I encourage you all to try embracing the world of tutus! It's an expression of grace, creativity, and joy, whether you’re twirling in your living room or attending a dazzling ballet performance. It's a magical accessory that has the power to transport you to a world of enchantment, just like it does for me!
So, until next #TutuTuesday, keep those pink tutus twirling, and let the beauty of ballet and historical adventures continue to inspire you!
Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com and share your stories about the tutu's magic! I’d love to see your photographs of tutus you're loving! Let's share our tutu stories and bring the spirit of pink to the world!