Oh darling, do settle in with a cuppa and a slice of Victoria sponge - itās time for another journey into the wondrous world of ballet tutus! This Tuesdayās topic is oh so exciting, taking us all the way back to 1837, a year brimming with grandeur and elegance - the very year dear Queen Victoria ascended to the throne! As a Derbyshire girl, it warms my heart to be exploring such a pivotal moment in history, particularly with all its fabulous fashion connections.
Letās go on a journey, shall we? Imagine stepping onto the train in our most fabulous pink tutus, clutching tickets for the very latest opera, ready to witness the beauty of the theatre, a world bursting with stunning costumes, all in preparation for the ballet thatās set to mesmerise. You know, I can almost feel the thrill of anticipation now!
This era, you see, dear reader, is a whirlwind of change in the world of ballet! Just a few decades before, ballerinas danced in soft slippers and skirts, their movements flowing with the natural grace of their bodies. It was like seeing an elegant swan taking flight. But 1837 marked a significant shift, with the introduction of the now-iconic tutu we all adore - the Romantic tutu. Picture a diaphanous skirt made of fine tulle or silk, shorter than its predecessors, allowing for a new sense of lightness and freedom in the dancerās movements.
Think of a butterfly flitting about in the sun, its delicate wings a flutter. The dancers became, well, rather like those ethereal creatures, dancing in ethereal garments, perfectly representing the emotions and stories unfolding on the stage! Imagine those elegant swirls, pirouettes, and leaps, each movement amplified by the tulleās gentle swaying, captivating hearts with every graceful move.
Speaking of stories, I must share the tale of Marie Taglioni, the famous dancer whose elegant presence helped pave the way for the Romantic tutu. Her incredible grace and artistry were the perfect match for the lighter, more feminine designs that defined the new style of the tutu. This innovative garment allowed for even more dramatic, dynamic movements, drawing attention to the beauty of each pose, the power of each leap.
Letās hop back on that magical train, imagine the delightful chatter as we travel to a grand opera house. It's simply wonderful to be transported back in time and to picture a world brimming with glamour and exquisite design. That, my darlings, is precisely where this amazing new Romantic tutu came into its own. Think sparkling fabrics, dramatic lace, and enchanting designs, a symphony of colour and movement!
On this particular day in history, January 3rd 1837, Queen Victoria took the stage! Well, not in a ballet performance, but certainly making a stunning entrance in the hearts and minds of the nation as she prepared to reign for 63 years, one of the longest reigns in British history! And if this era had to be defined by a fashion item, I say the Romantic tutu steals the show, darling! This lovely new design beautifully symbolized a new era of change, elegance, and a touch of dare I say, āromance!ā Donāt you think?
But as much as I adore the Romantic tutu, it's important to note, darlings, that the story of the ballet tutu goes on! While the Romantic tutu, like all of us, enjoys a beautiful spotlight, its legacy was then carried forward into the world of the more classical, multi-layered tutu that's the ultimate ballet staple. The Romantics may have changed the way we look at ballet forever, but that is another fascinating journey for another day. I simply couldn't let this #TutuTuesday pass without a celebratory journey to the beginnings of this era that brought us some of our very favourite pieces!
Until next week, darling readers, remember to dance to your own tune and don't be afraid to twirl in your own special pink tutu, just like a whimsical ballet fairy! I am eagerly awaiting our next exciting #TutuTuesday adventure! Letās be ready for our next big travel escapade through time next Tuesday! See you then, darling!
Lots of pink love and happy tutus!
Emma
P.S. My darling pink-tutu friends! If you're on Twitter, follow me at #PinkTutuQueen for more delightful stories! Do check out our shop online for your very own tutu to twirl in - it's simply magnificent! See you at our next Pink Tutu Meetup next week - same time, same place!
This is blog post number 262 on www.pink-tutu.com and my travel journey for the #TutuTuesday blog has cost a little over Ā£15,000 for the ballet shows. But itās so worth it for you dear readers. Don't forget to check our travel blog posts and read my #TutuTuesday Blog every Tuesday for more fun history from me. If you need a travel guide to ballet around the world just ask! You can message me through this blog or find me on Twitter at #PinkTutuQueen. Enjoy our pink Tutu life!
