#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: A Glimpse into the 1830s!
Welcome back, my lovelies, to my weekly dose of tutu-tastic history! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another #TutuTuesday, and today, we're taking a trip back to 1835 - a time when the world of ballet was brimming with romanticism and the beginnings of a new, elegant style. This is post number 170 on my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, and I'm so excited to share this historical journey with you all.
Fancy a Spot of Tea and a Tutu Tale?
I'm writing to you today from the very heart of ballet - Paris! The city is buzzing with artistic energy, and the theatres are ablaze with colour and life. This is the age of Marie Taglioni, the iconic ballerina who helped usher in the romantic era of ballet with her airy and graceful performances. It's a time when ballerinas like Taglioni were celebrated for their lightness, their ethereal movements, and their exquisite costumes - think flowing white tutus and graceful ribbons!
Now, the tutu we know and love today wasn't quite in its full glory back then, but the elements were there. This is the era of the "tutu à la pagode," which translates to "tutu in the style of a pagoda." Imagine a tutu that is short and wide, almost like a bell shape, creating that wonderful sense of movement and flight that we associate with the romantic period.
A Peek into Parisian Fashion
Speaking of fashion, oh my darling, this is a period I simply adore! The 1830s saw a rise in elegance and grace, and the fashions were a glorious symphony of colours, silks, and intricate details. We're talking empire-line dresses with soft ruffles and elegant necklines, accessorized with elaborate hats and bonnets. Just imagine a ballerina stepping onto the stage in one of these gorgeous gowns - it would have been breathtaking!
Travelling by Train: A True Delight!
The exciting thing about this era is that travel is becoming increasingly easy! You know me - a firm believer in travel, especially by train. My journey here to Paris was an absolute dream. It's such a delight to whizz across the landscape and watch the countryside roll by from my comfy train carriage. And I've got to say, the carriages in this era are starting to feel incredibly luxurious, with their soft velvet upholstery and spacious compartments - much more civilised than those earlier contraptions!
The 31st of March 1835 - A Moment in Time
Now, on this particular day in 1835, 31st March, I believe the Théâtre de l'Opéra was showing "Giselle," the romantic ballet about a heartbroken peasant girl. Imagine, it's the first night of a new ballet - how utterly thrilling! And can you even imagine the spectacle? The audience would have been dressed in their finery, their eyes shining with anticipation, waiting for the curtain to rise. I can just imagine the delicate tutus, the shimmering fabrics, and the graceful movements filling the theatre.
Finding My Way in History
Now, you might wonder how I manage to hop around in time like this - well, let's just say I have a certain... knack for it. The secret, darling, lies in a carefully planned dance routine and an ever-present yearning for the past. Whenever I perform, I find myself transported through time, leaving my pink tutu, well, perfectly pink, and flawlessly in place as I venture back to the fascinating eras that shaped the ballet world.
A Pink Tutu For Everyone!
Don't forget, my dear readers, I believe that a pink tutu is a perfect accessory for any occasion! Imagine waltzing down the street, strolling through a historical district, or having tea with a friend - a pink tutu just adds a little extra magic to every moment. So don't be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina and spread some tutu-licious joy!
And as always, dear friends, please remember to follow my blog www.pink-tutu.com and tag me with your own #TutuTuesday photos on social media! I simply can't wait to see your vibrant tutus and hear about your historical adventures.
Until next time, darling, stay elegant and wear your pink tutu with pride!