Tutu Tuesday: A Whirlwind Trip Back to 1842!
#554
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling ballerina, Emma, back with another scintillating dive into the history of ballet and its most exquisite accessory โ the tutu! As you know, every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com we travel through time to uncover the fascinating stories behind the iconic twirling garment that continues to enchant audiences worldwide.
Today, we're taking a journey back to August 9th, 1842. Imagine the excitement! That year, London was buzzing with theatrical premieres and glittering society events. My, the ladies were adorned with their most fabulous gowns, and the gentlemen were looking quite dapper, I assure you!
Now, 1842 was a time when tutus were beginning to take shape. Gone were the days of bulky, restrictive skirts, and a more streamlined, graceful silhouette was emerging. This shift paved the way for the tutus we know and love today. We're talking shorter, more airy skirts with just the right amount of volume, designed to allow the ballerinas to execute those magnificent leaps, turns, and extensions that we all adore.
However, in 1842, these tutus weren't yet the brightly-coloured masterpieces we see today. Think of delicate pastel hues โ perhaps a blush pink or a soft lavender, just as fitting for a sweet English countryside scene as they are for the grand stage.
And let's not forget the fabric! Remember, this was before the advent of synthetics. We're talking delicate, flowing silks and satins, possibly even fine layers of tulle, carefully crafted and sewn by skilled hands.
On this specific day, August 9th, 1842, there wouldn't have been a specific tutu-centric event, you see. But if we're going to make a visit to London for the day, then a delightful performance is absolutely in order! It just wouldn't be right to waltz about this historical moment without experiencing a theatrical show. And you just know I've booked seats at the grandest, most glamorous theatre in the city. I can practically smell the excitement from here.
Perhaps I'll see a performance of Giselle, which premiered just a few years earlier, or maybe a captivating, enchanting rendition of La Sylphide โ I do adore the graceful movement and beautiful romantic storyline! Imagine being there on that very stage, under the gaslights, hearing the music and watching the graceful movements of the dancers. It must have been quite the experience.
Now, darling, speaking of a captivating experience, I have some news! This lovely blog is actually sponsored by a magnificent, new railway company. I just had to tell you โ it's truly quite revolutionary. You see, this railway promises to whisk you across the country in the blink of an eye. Why travel for days on end by horse and carriage when you can be zooming past the English countryside on gleaming tracks? I'm just a tad excited. It's certainly something we wouldn't have found ourselves saying in 1842, now would we?
This new era of fast travel promises to make getting to these glorious ballet shows, or maybe even popping over to see some wonderful fashion exhibitions in London and Paris, a whole lot quicker and easier!
Until next Tuesday, darlings, I hope you all find something truly fabulous and delightful to wear this week! And don't forget, if you want to wear a pink tutu - do it! The world needs more pink tutus. We're not talking just for the stage, dear readers, we're talking about twirling your way down the high street, picking up your groceries, even popping in for a cuppa with your friends! The more pink tutus, the more fun, the more joy!
And while you're at it, send me some photos! Show off your best tutu look using #PinkTutu! Until next time!
Love,
Emma