Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and twirly. It’s Emma here, your resident Tutu Time Traveller, ready to take you on another delightful journey through the history of ballet and, of course, the fabulous tutus that have graced the stage throughout the ages.
Today, we’re whisking ourselves back to 13th October 1840 - a rather exciting day in the world of ballet, as it marks a landmark performance of Giselle at the Her Majesty's Theatre in London! And you simply must imagine my excitement - this is where our much-loved tutu story really begins!
Now, you see, I adore Giselle. The story is so dramatic - tragic, even - a young, innocent country girl falls in love with a nobleman who has disguised himself as a peasant. Poor Giselle is tricked by him, her heart breaks, she becomes unhinged and dies! A real tear-jerker, isn't it? But what really sets Giselle apart is the stunning choreography by Jules Perrot.
Let me tell you, darling, the story really does leap out of the stage with the breathtaking dance steps and, of course, those famous tutus. We owe Giselle so much - the romantic tutu, that classic form-fitting silhouette we all recognise - is an icon of the ballet world and for good reason. Its lightness and grace make the dancers seem to float across the stage like heavenly beings. It's simply enchanting!
But before we get too lost in the gorgeousness of the Giselle tutus, let’s have a quick word about 1840 itself, shall we? The era, oh darling, was positively brimming with fashionable flair. We’re talking elaborate ballgowns, beautiful hats, a whole world of colour and detail. If you asked me, the ballet world mirrored this spirit beautifully.
But, now let’s come back to my favourite topic: those beautiful tutus! Now, I might be a tad biased, but tutus really have never looked more magnificent! I dream of being on that stage in a full, perfectly pouffed tutu, my hair in a ballerina bun and feeling the music flow through me - divine! It would be positively magical.
Now, Giselle didn’t quite have the tutu that you might see today. Back then, the skirt was a bit shorter and wider, almost like a meringue, but equally as beautiful. Think of delicate layers of tulle, creating a truly ethereal look. Absolutely heavenly, don’t you think?
Now, darling, as always, I'm feeling so inspired! I have to confess that Giselle has totally gotten my imagination whirring and I simply must whip up a similar costume for our next trip into the Victorian age. I have to admit I adore how that era is often depicted in costume dramas, such full skirts and flounces! I imagine this would translate beautifully into the romantic tutu world. My favourite colour is pink, so maybe a blush pink tutu? Or a bright hot pink one with beautiful detailing - the possibilities are endless! Imagine all those delightful layers and how light and bouncy they'd be. Oh, how fabulous it will all be!
And the real pièce de résistance? The train! Oh, the dramatic sweep and the elegance it will add to the tutu. Don’t you think I’d be the epitome of Victorian romance with this vision?
But this Giselle experience is certainly not the end of my journey, darling! Next week, we’ll dive into the world of tutus yet again. And I do mean yet again. Just think - a whole world of designs awaits, just waiting to be explored and admired. The adventures in ballet history never stop!
Until then, be sure to check out my other #TutuTuesday posts. If you are just joining me on this fun journey through ballet history, please head over to the www.pink-tutu.com blog page where I've got many other amazing posts just waiting to be discovered. Oh, and don't forget to share your own tutu love on social media using #TutuTuesday! I simply adore seeing what everyone is up to!
Happy twirling! 💖 Emma
PS - My time travelling is funded through my own personal ballet performances. I often travel around the world - well, at least around England! - to perform at dance festivals, theatrical productions and even private events. The ballet world is filled with fabulous opportunities - you never know who you will bump into! If you'd like to join me on one of my upcoming adventures or just watch a show, get in touch!
