Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your pink tutu-loving guide to the world of dance history, and welcome back to my blog! I'm writing to you today from a beautiful Parisian salon, with the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance – I've simply had to come to Paris this week to experience the latest in ballet fashion and attend a wonderful performance of “Giselle”. It's positively enchanting, with all its romantic stories and dazzling costumes!
But first, a quick trip back in time, as we’re all about tutus today! For this week's #TutuTuesday, we’re travelling back to 6 September 1842. This day, my darlings, marked a significant moment in ballet history.
A Tutu Tailored for Talent
Think of Marie Taglioni, the elegant ballerina, pirouetting gracefully in a delicate, knee-length, layered tulle skirt – the ultimate vision of Romantic Era ballet! It was a time of experimentation in fashion and dance, with “le tutu” becoming the defining silhouette.
Our lovely Marie, the prima ballerina of the Paris Opera, captivated audiences with her breathtaking dance, but it was her revolutionary costume choice that helped make her a star. Imagine: for the first time, ballerinas were able to freely express their talent, with a light, flowing garment that gave their movements a delicate elegance. Imagine pirouettes with actual room to breathe!
Imagine this: the traditional long, restrictive, multi-layered skirts of the past were finally out.
Oh, to have seen Marie dance in those early tutus! I picture the way they swayed as she floated across the stage, with only a hint of sparkle catching the gaslights, revealing her graceful, athletic movements. Talk about a perfect harmony of movement and style!
But wait, there's more! I have some exciting news to share with you all!
What’s Happening Today in 1842!
Today, September 6th, 1842, is a special day in my dear Derbyshire, the county of my birth. We're celebrating the birthday of Florence Nightingale! Though she’s better known for her dedication to nursing during the Crimean War, I believe she would be just as captivated by the elegant world of ballet as we are.
And how’s a ballet blog to truly celebrate a special date without some exciting news?
I found an amazing Parisian milliner - her name is Marie and her boutique has the most extraordinary tutus I’ve ever seen! It's all pink, all silk, and all perfection. I just had to indulge myself with a few beautiful pieces to bring back to Derbyshire with me – we'll be holding a “tutu tea party” back home with all my girlfriends. Oh, imagine the gossip!
Oh, but that's not all!
Tonight, I will be witnessing a most extravagant affair at the theatre. That’s right!* The renowned Russian dancer, Alexander Daniloff, is performing tonight in "Giselle", I must confess, I’m excited as a little girl going to her first party - there will be music, dancing, and dazzling costumes... What more could a fashion-loving, tutu-obsessed blogger ask for?
Come with me!
My journey is not complete, for we will be off on another time-hopping adventure, my dear reader! Come along with me, join the #TutuTuesday journey every Tuesday as I bring you the latest and greatest of dance fashion and ballet history!
Until next Tuesday, keep those tutus twirling!
P.S. Don't forget to follow my blog, www.pink-tutu.com!
XOXO,
Emma
