Hello my lovely readers! It's Emma here, back with another instalment of my beloved #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog!
This week, my time machine whisked me back to the 26th August 1834, and let me tell you, dear readers, this journey was absolutely brimming with inspiration. Oh, the fabulous outfits, the opulent theatres, the thrill of live performances – it was a ballet fan's dream!
Of course, I had to dress for the occasion! You know I couldn't resist a gorgeous pink tutu, this time in a whimsical swirl of soft tulle, with a dash of sparkling silver embroidery and a cascade of ribbons. The carriages all gave me a curious look, but I tell you, being the only pink tutu-clad lady in London at this time was quite the statement!
Now, for a bit of history, the ballet world in 1834 was bursting with excitement. A young Marie Taglioni, a real trailblazer in the ballet world, was dazzling audiences with her innovative, lighter style of dance. And while she was the toast of Paris, over here in London, the Theatre Royal Covent Garden was gearing up for a special treat - a revival of the legendary ballet "La Sylphide."
This ballet, which made its debut back in 1832, is significant not just for its graceful and expressive choreography, but for its impact on fashion. Remember our earlier posts on how ballet costumes started changing, going from the bulky, stiff, and less-revealing skirts to flowing, elegant, and wispy creations?
Well, "La Sylphide" took this trend to a whole new level! Marie Taglioni was one of the first dancers to wear the tutu, you know, the delicate and charming skirt we all adore, so elegantly fitted around the waist and then flowing in a beautiful, ethereal shape around the legs. Can you imagine? She moved like a whisper of silk, such delicate elegance, truly enchanting!
The beauty of this new costume? It wasn't just about its stunning appearance; it allowed dancers greater freedom of movement, opening up a world of possibilities for graceful pirouettes and graceful jumps, allowing the dancer's artistry to truly shine. And speaking of beautiful, those shimmering white tulle tutus! Can you imagine seeing a graceful ballerina like Marie Taglioni, her feet light as a feather, swirling on stage in a white tutu – pure magic.
This revolutionary look had the audiences utterly captivated. Fashion started to copy these looks, bringing the graceful, flowing silhouette to elegant daywear, so you can see why "La Sylphide" made quite a splash, darling! I've been searching through old magazines and fashion plates, and the inspiration is just stunning – imagine a silk dress in the softest blush with flowing, delicate ruffles - utter bliss!
Speaking of fashion, I spent the entire day shopping in London's elegant boutiques, so exciting! Now, imagine my delight, dearest readers, when I stumbled upon a lovely haberdashery shop packed with the most beautiful ribbons! It was like stepping into a magical dream. There were silk ribbons in every colour imaginable - emerald green, sapphire blue, and of course, lots and lots of pink!
You can only imagine my delight when I stumbled upon a stall that was dedicated entirely to the glorious art of dressmaking! The ladies there were like artists, fashioning beautiful fabrics into garments with an unparalleled artistry. And for the day’s finale, what was there but the Covent Garden Theatre! What a beautiful place, oozing grandeur! The red velvet seats, the golden accents, the smell of history in the air, and that anticipation building for the show... a real treat!
Watching Marie Taglioni pirouette across the stage, graceful and captivating, in her beautiful, airy white tutu - I must confess I was in awe. It was a pure spectacle, and just a reminder of the powerful magic of ballet. I believe the ballerina herself was touched by a burst of applause mid-show - the roar of the audience echoing through the theatre – so heartwarming. And of course, a bit of light applause from me in my pink tutu, just for a little bit of fun!
Speaking of theatre, did you know the most thrilling thing? The theatre had this exciting new idea - they put together a group of men to do what they call "Ballet Masters", teaching the dancers! Apparently, in those days, most dancing lessons for men were in ballrooms or by professionals trained at other institutions, which made it more exclusive and a bit less structured.
Oh, darling! Isn't it exciting? A ballet class can happen at the very place you see it performed!
So there you have it, darling, my dearest #TutuTuesday adventures! As always, don't forget to leave a comment below, let me know if you have your own lovely memories of attending a "La Sylphide" ballet! It would be truly lovely to hear from you, and to discuss fashion and the beauty of dance.
I have a feeling I'll be whisked back in time again next week, perhaps to Paris! My lovely pink tutu is itching for an adventure. Don't forget to subscribe and join me next Tuesday at www.pink-tutu.com, because who knows what wonderful ballet moments await?
See you next week!
Love,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at #PinkTutuEmma for exclusive behind-the-scenes pictures and stories. Remember, if you see someone in a pink tutu - that's just a reminder of the joy of dance and a little bit of sparkle in your day! Let's bring a bit of magic into the world, one pink tutu at a time.
