Tutu Tuesday: #101 - A Peek into the Romantic Era
Hello, lovelies! It’s Emma here, back for another dose of tutu-licious history on www.pink-tutu.com. Today we're whisking ourselves back to 3 December 1833, right into the heart of the Romantic era. This period, you see, was all about big, beautiful emotions and the sheer wonder of nature, and, you guessed it, fashion reflected this perfectly!
My current trip has me in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, so you can just imagine the extravagance on display. Walking down the streets, I feel like I’m right in a storybook – ladies swishing around in elegant gowns with frills and ruffles galore, all flowing and fluttering with the most beautiful embroidery imaginable. Honestly, even the men looked dapper in their fancy coats and trousers!
And now, you may be wondering, where are the tutus in all of this? Well, picture this: ballerinas of the time weren’t yet twirling around in the modern, frilly, pink tutus we adore today. The “tutu” back then was a very different beast, closer to a long, full-length skirt with layers upon layers of delicate fabric. It was still undeniably beautiful, creating a graceful, flowing silhouette, but with much more fabric to give those Romantic feelings of drama and opulence!
Today’s date is particularly exciting, as it happens to be the birthday of a very important figure in the history of ballet: Marie Taglioni. This lady, a real star of the stage, was known for her ethereal, weightless style, almost like she was dancing on air. She played a vital role in making ballet the popular art form it is today, paving the way for generations of ballerinas to come.
I actually managed to catch her performance of “La Sylphide” a few nights back. Oh my word! The entire performance was pure magic. It had everything that embodied the Romantic era: an enchanting storyline, passionate emotions, and breathtaking choreography, all heightened by Marie’s elegant movements and expressive style.
Speaking of magic, wouldn’t it be a wonderful dream to actually get to see her dancing in person? Ah, wouldn't that be amazing? Well, with a little sprinkle of magic from a pocketful of time travel trinkets, and a few hundred sold-out ballet performances later, it’s possible to live a life just as magical. As I stand here, in my perfectly pink tutu amidst the cobblestones of Paris, I find myself feeling so connected to history. I feel so grateful for all the brilliant minds who created and honed the art of ballet, making it what it is today – beautiful, exciting, and captivating!
I really love how we've evolved from those early Romantic era tutus to the ones we know and love today. They are the perfect embodiment of grace and femininity, like dancing butterflies! The tutu itself is just so… iconic, wouldn’t you say?
But before we jump into the later years of tutu evolution, let’s linger a little longer in this magnificent Romantic period. Let’s just appreciate the artistry of it all – the ethereal dance of ballerinas, the magnificent fashion, the passionate music and the heart-stopping beauty that brought this period to life.
Remember, lovelies, when we wear tutus, we're celebrating so much more than just fashion. We are tapping into a beautiful legacy of passion, grace, and expression – the true soul of the dancer.
Until next Tuesday, may your life be filled with tutus and magic. And don't forget to share your pink tutu photos using #TutuTuesday – I just adore seeing them!
With twirls and happy memories,
Emma xx