Hello my lovely Tutu-ettes! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-obsessed ballerina blogger, Emma, back for another Tuesday trip down memory lane, with #TutuTuesday.
Today we're stepping into a very exciting period of time for ballet - 1837! This is the year, my darlings, that a certain very special young Queen, Victoria, ascended to the throne, a landmark for our dear old England! Imagine all the glittering balls and beautiful operas this new royal era would bring!
Now, you might be thinking: "Emma, tutus are all about dancing. What's a queen got to do with ballet?!"
Well, my dears, a lot! Queen Victoria, like so many royal figures before her, loved the elegance and beauty of ballet. It was during her reign that the popularity of the ballet really blossomed, making it into the heart of social life, a truly enchanting form of entertainment.
But let's dive a bit deeper into this historical ballet era and see what was happening for our tutu-wearing heroines.
You've probably heard about the famous Russian ballerinas, all flowing lines and perfect technique. But, around 1837, it was the Parisian ballerinas, my lovelies, who were setting the trend, wearing skirts of incredible volume, often decorated with ribbons, lace, and the most intricate embroidery. Imagine being surrounded by a cloud of pink tulle! Absolutely divine.
Remember, tutus as we know them today hadn't yet appeared on the scene, darling. They were still evolving! Ballerinas were still wearing the long and voluminous skirts with complex layers. But trust me, it was just as majestic, and a vision of ethereal beauty.
And where did I make my first little time travelling journey to find out all this amazing ballet history? Why, none other than the enchanting Palais Garnier opera house in Paris! This magnificent theatre is simply dripping in history, each beautiful carving telling tales of grand ballets. Just standing inside is a little taste of heaven for a ballet devotee like me.
It's so fascinating, isn't it, to imagine the incredible journey that the tutu has taken from those elegant, intricate layers, right through to the flowing beauty we see today!
But the story of the tutu doesn't end there. Come back next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday trip to see what fabulous tutu transformations await. In the meantime, why not try dancing in a pink tutu yourself, even if it's just around your living room. Maybe add a tiara for extra glam! It's the best way to channel the graceful spirit of ballerinas throughout the ages!
As for me, my little lovelies, I'm off to find the perfect pink dress for an opera performance this evening, with an exquisite hat that's absolutely begging for a matching pink feather!
Remember to keep your tutus high and your spirits brighter than a spotlight on stage!
Your fellow tutu-loving ballet fanatic,
Emma
xxx
On This Day:As if all of this ballet talk wasn't exciting enough, guess what happened on November 28th, 1837? You might be surprised! On this very date, dear reader, a legendary playwright named William Makepeace Thackeray was born! Think "Vanity Fair", my dears! It seems the world of arts was particularly thriving this day! A big day indeed!
Speaking of events and celebrating, I recently saw the most wonderful ballet performance at the Royal Opera House in London! My journey on the train there was, of course, a treat in itself. Riding the carriages is simply divine when it comes to enjoying the charming British countryside! The theatre itself is an absolute dream, filled with ornate carvings that simply whisk you away.
The ballet, oh my goodness, was based on "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Such imagination and charm! The tutus were just exquisite – the costumes perfectly evoked the fantasy of Lewis Carroll's story. Afterward, I found myself strolling through Harrods, the ultimate department store in London! You just have to step inside and see it for yourself! And, of course, I treated myself to a delightful new pink ballet tutu!
My shopping spree in Harrods wouldn't be complete without an absolutely delightful cuppa from their tea room. Nothing beats enjoying the most fabulous afternoon tea surrounded by gorgeous things! I always feel so invigorated, it’s almost as though the shops and stores themselves become the performance stage. Don't forget, it's the little details and the experience that truly make a good day into a spectacular one!
Remember, darling, to stay sparkly! And don't forget to come back next week for another fun #TutuTuesday!
Remember, darling, we have all the fashion secrets at www.pink-tutu.com - come join me for more delightful posts!
