Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, my fellow twirl-enthusiasts! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for another delightful dip into the world of tutus! Today, we're taking a trip back in time to 12th September, 1837, a date that marks the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne. Let me tell you, a change of monarchy was not the only dramatic shift happening in the world of ballet. 😉
This is blog post number 298 in my Tutu Tuesday series - and I've gotta say, it’s never been more exciting to research ballet history than it is now. Why? Well, in 1837, we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era in the world of dance - an era where the tutus we know and love today started to take shape!
But before I transport you all to the elegant Victorian era, let me tell you a little something about myself. I'm Emma, your ever-so-pink tutu-clad ballerina from Derbyshire, England. My passion? Spreading the love of dance, the beauty of history, and of course, my all-time favourite garment: the tutu. (Let's be honest, what could be more perfect?) And since this whole "travelling through time" thing has been working out quite well, I get to indulge in all three - just imagine, being at the Royal Opera House one week and exploring the dazzling world of La Belle Epoque in Paris the next! It's a dream! 💖 And did I mention that I fund this fantastic journey with my ballet performances? You know me, a little twirl here, a few leaps there, and I’m off to explore another historical period!
Now, back to that grand date of 12th September, 1837! The 1830s were a time of dramatic shifts in dance, folks. Ballet was moving away from the intricate and often restrictive style of the previous century. Imagine those enormous, floor-length skirts… I couldn't even dream of twirling in those! 😅 Instead, we saw the emergence of a shorter, more fluid skirt – the "tutu", that would revolutionise ballet and leave a lasting legacy on dance.
The real beauty of this "tutu-volution" was the newfound freedom it brought to dancers. Imagine being able to leap, twirl, and move with a grace and elegance you never thought possible! *It was like ballet itself took a deep breath and exclaimed, "Let’s move!" And that, my darling tutu-lovers, is the very spirit of what makes dance so thrilling. *
Of course, no journey through time would be complete without a trip to a fabulous Parisian salon! This being the 1830s, Parisian fashion was leading the world in everything stylish. From opulent gowns to innovative textiles, it was truly a thrilling time to be a fashion-loving, train-riding traveller! My fellow tutulovers, you simply MUST imagine strolling through the elegant salons and admiring the luxurious silks and intricate embellishments of the day. The tutus themselves started to reflect this sense of extravagant elegance - we're talking a symphony of soft layers of tulle and delicate lace, all in gorgeous colours like soft pink and pale blue! Now those are colours fit for a queen! 💖
I must admit, that visit to Paris was quite the whirlwind experience! It was here that I met an enchanting character - Marie Taglioni, the famous Italian ballerina. A captivating woman! Her performance as a ethereal, romantic creature called the "Sylph" in La Sylphide (first performed in 1832) literally made my jaw drop. I found myself transfixed as she floated across the stage, her white tutu practically melting into the ethereal mist surrounding her. Her dancing seemed like poetry in motion! 😍
I can tell you, those dainty tutus were causing quite a stir, with their intricate layers and romanticism. The new short skirt really highlighted a ballerina's delicate movements and opened up an exciting world of artistic expression.
Now, it's time to step off the stage and onto a stylish train back to the modern world! While I'm in love with that enchanting era of 1837, my own little heart belongs to tutus of today - I just adore the fun, modern designs, the playful colors, and the incredible variations. We're talking everything from sparkly tutus with feathers to stylish, contemporary tutus in vibrant colours and designs! But don’t forget, it all started with those early tutus. Their evolution is something to be celebrated and enjoyed!
So, dear tutulovers, as you slip on your pink, purple, or any colour of tutu you desire this week, remember the stories these tutus tell - from those beautiful romantic, elegant white tutus of the past to the modern designs we embrace today. Each one carries within it a story of artistic expression, movement, and beauty.
And as always, don’t forget to share your #TutuTuesday looks and experiences on www.pink-tutu.com. Let’s spread the love for all things tutus, together! Until next Tuesday, my fellow twirl-enthusiasts, remember – a life without a pink tutu is just not complete! 💕✨
