Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, bringing you another delightful delve into the history of our beloved tutus!
This week, my trusty time machine took me all the way back to December 6th, 1836, landing me in the heart of Paris! I just had to see this bustling city for myself, a hub of fashion and dance. Can you imagine, my loves? The romantic era! Paris was awash with beautiful gowns, exquisite jewellery and, of course, the most fascinating fashions for the ballet. I’d seen the illustrations, but it was incredible to see these costumes come to life.
Speaking of coming to life, you wouldn't believe the theatre scene! I found myself in a packed theatre, ready to witness the magic of ballet unfold. My darling dears, these weren’t the ballet productions we know and adore today, no no! These were called “Ballet-pantomime” - quite a mouthful, wouldn't you agree? But these performances blended breathtaking dance routines with captivating stories and characters, and I was completely enraptured!
Tutu Times!
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show - the tutu! While our modern, short tutus were just a whisper on the wind in this era, the designs were absolutely fabulous. The most popular style back then was what we would now call a " Romantic Tutu." These graceful garments flowed down to the floor, crafted from soft, shimmering tulle. Just picture them!
And while I simply adore these stunning, elegant gowns, you have to admit, it’s pretty hard to do those big leaps and jetés with so much material around you! Luckily for our predecessors, the dancers had shorter tutus for their more acrobatic routines, showing off their skill and grace! I must say, I would have loved to have danced in these dreamy tutus myself!
London's Ballerina Buzz
While my adventures took me to Paris this week, let’s not forget my home, Derbyshire! In this time period, ballet was steadily making its mark in London, my dears! The King's Theatre and The Covent Garden Theatre were attracting some of the finest ballet talent in Europe. I can only imagine the excitement and glamour that surrounded these grand venues, with all the latest dances and costumes. Now that's something I'd love to experience, perhaps in the near future!
But wait!
December 6th, 1836, wasn't just a random date, it holds significance for us tutu lovers! Do you know who was born on this very day? None other than the legendary Fanny Cerrito, an iconic ballerina of the Romantic era! Her exquisite style and undeniable charisma left an indelible mark on the world of dance, making her a role model for so many dancers to come. Can you believe it, my dears? We are talking about an icon! And what better way to celebrate such a significant birthday than by embracing all things pink tutu and swirling in a twirl, right?!
The Tutu Crusade Continues!
My dearest tutu-lovers, you know my mission: to get everyone, every single person in the world, wearing a pink tutu! It’s a goal worth striving for!
I might be living in the 21st century, but it never hurts to learn from the past, and I certainly wouldn't be a true ballerina if I didn't appreciate the elegance and grace of those dreamy, long Romantic era tutus. But don't think for a moment I wouldn't grab a chance to spin in my favourite pink tutu. I've seen the past, my loves, and let me tell you, there is a time travelling ballerina waiting to greet you at every corner of history!
Until next #TutuTuesday, my dearest dears! Don't forget to share your tutu stories, photos, and anything else that gives you a tutu thrill, I can't wait to see them all!
Stay Fabulous and keep on swirling!
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit our pink-tutu.com for more #TutuTuesday posts, fabulous tips and all the tutu news from the ballet world! I can't wait to hear all your ideas.
