Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident Tutu Historian, and as always, it's #TutuTuesday! Grab your favourite cuppa (mine's Earl Grey with a splash of milk, thank you very much) and settle in, because today we're going on a thrilling adventure through time. We're fast forwarding to the 17th of December, 1839!
Ooh la la, picture this, my dears. A time when gaslight flickered across elegant ballrooms, and the waltz was all the rage. Fancy frocks were de rigueur, of course, but imagine, if you will, that tiny but revolutionary garment that would soon transform the world of dance… The Tutu!
But, darling, let's not get ahead of ourselves! Today's focus is 1839, and while the Tutu hasn't made its grand entrance just yet, trust me, it's simmering just below the surface of theatrical fashion. And what could be more exciting than being on the cusp of such a brilliant invention?!
You see, in 1839, it's all about the long, billowing skirts of the day. They flow, they swirl, they practically envelop the dancer, making movement a slow and graceful affair. Imagine Marie Taglioni, the darling of the Paris Opera Ballet, her movements as ethereal as a wisp of smoke. It's truly a feast for the eyes!
But there's a bit of a struggle going on, wouldn't you say? The long skirts were quite a handicap, even for the most skilled ballerinas. And who can blame them? A tiny bit of movement, a quick pirouette, and it's a tangle of silk and lace! Imagine the frustration! It's just not as airy and dynamic as we prefer it to be.
That's where our beloved Tutu, still in the wings, starts to shimmer, beckoning like a tantalising vision. I bet those 19th-century dance stars are already dreaming of what might be! And, I dare say, so are we.
A Fashionable Frolic:1839 - what was on in the world of fashion and performance? My dear readers, get ready for some delightful gossip!
London: You might find me twirling my way through Covent Garden, taking in the latest performances at the Royal Opera House. Oh, my dear, the grand productions! Such elegance, such artistry! It's where it all started, my dear - this thrilling passion for the dance.
Paris: A dash over the Channel, darling, to the heart of European fashion. Who hasn't dreamt of a Parisian adventure, sipping coffee at a quaint café, and taking in the intoxicating allure of the Palais Garnier? A sight for sore eyes!
Berlin: Oh, for a journey on the steam train! (Imagine - no cobblestone streets! It's all so convenient, even with a travel-sized tutu in tow!) And speaking of travel, a visit to Berlin must be a must. The royal courts are dazzling, my dear. All those grand balls, a ballet performance, perhaps a touch of opera? It's all too thrilling!
Just a hint, my lovelies... we're only a few years away from the invention of the tutu. 1839 was a year filled with grand performances, bustling fashion houses, and a subtle sense of innovation simmering beneath the surface.
But more importantly, darlings, we know the year of the Tutu is coming, and we can already feel the joy and exhilaration it will bring to the stage. Oh, wouldn't it be a dream to go back in time and introduce them to their fate?!
But alas, a time traveller can only do so much... We can only revel in the excitement, embrace the history, and of course, channel our inner fashionistas with a little bit of Tutu fun in the present day.
So tell me, my dears! What is your favourite part of ballet history? What time period would you love to explore? And let me know in the comments if you plan to wear a tutu today! It's a wonderful Tuesday for a dance, isn't it?
Keep your tutus twirling! Love,
Emma xx
P.S. I am finding some absolutely wonderful ballet dresses, and tutus, for sale in shops this week - look out for my Shop Spotlight post next Tuesday - coming soon to a pink-tutu near you!
#TutuTuesday #ballet #history #fashion #dance #pink #timetravel #vintage #travel #coventgarden #paris #berlin #ballrooms #opera #travelblog
