#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1843-02-21

Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your tutu-loving time-traveling blogger, back again with another enchanting journey through the fascinating history of ballet! Today we’re taking a trip back to the 21st of February, 1843. Can you imagine what ballet was like back then? Let’s put on our pinkest tutus and travel together!

This week, I find myself in the bustling heart of London, where the world of theatre is alive and kicking! Oh, wouldn’t you just love to have tea at The Ritz with a box of delectable macaroons? The air here hums with the excitement of new productions and the anticipation of performances, a little like our current tutu obsession, wouldn’t you say?

You see, dear readers, 1843 is a time of great change in ballet. It’s a period when classical ballet, the kind with all the graceful leaps and elegant pirouettes, is still finding its footing, much like a beginner trying a new plié. There’s a buzz around the city of Covent Garden where The Royal Opera House reigns supreme. Just like a true ballerina, it’s gracefully risen to fame, becoming a must-see destination for discerning ballet enthusiasts.

Oh! Don't even get me started on the fashion, darling! Picture, if you will, gowns with flowing silks and sparkling embellishments – the epitome of Victorian elegance. It’s a time when frills, ruffles, and elaborate embellishments were all the rage, just like the tulle layers in a magnificent tutu. Speaking of tutus… well, that’s our little mystery for the day.

Hold onto your pink feather boas, ladies! There were certainly no tutus as we know them back in 1843! Imagine: graceful, swirling skirts of tulle and taffeta, all beautifully billowing in a breathtaking cascade? This dream hasn't become reality yet. The early dancers still danced in something resembling a floor-length dress with several layers of stiff fabric! Oh, dear, it all sounds a bit too… cumbersome. I imagine that might’ve felt rather restricting when trying a grande jeté!

Imagine performing "La Sylphide" in a big old dress instead of the lovely, romantic tutu. It wouldn't look nearly as graceful, would it? Luckily, those big, bulky dresses soon morphed into something much more akin to a tutu! It all happened because a ballerina called Marie Taglioni – what a divine name, right? – created a groundbreaking ballet. She took to the stage in a short skirt called a tutu, showing off those magnificent legs to full effect. She moved with incredible freedom and flexibility. I can imagine the gasps of the audience as they watched in awe. She redefined ballet dancing forever! It's like an amazing new collection on the runway that all the fashion-forward love, a sensation for the age, wouldn’t you say?

That’s what makes time-traveling through ballet history so much fun, darling! I just adore the way it has evolved through time. It’s been fascinating to watch ballet’s metamorphosis into the wonderful, graceful art form that it is today, a truly dazzling spectacle. And remember: We owe all those amazing twirls to brave dancers who dared to defy the conventions of their time. Just like the girls wearing their pink tutus in the streets of London.

Now, my darlings, you must know that this little blogger’s journey through time isn't just about tutu history! It’s about experiencing all the magic of this vibrant city. I adore seeing shows – the stage lights, the grand costumes, the sheer brilliance! And the shopping… don't even get me started! A vintage silk top or a new hat – every outing is a fashion adventure, much like adding another frill to a tutu. There’s a charming shop I’ve found near Covent Garden with a collection of antique jewelry. So delicate and elegant, each piece a tiny story waiting to be told. It's just what I needed to complete my perfect Victorian ensemble.

This week, on the 21st of February, 1843, everyone was talking about the Grand Royal Opera Ball, which promises to be the social event of the year! Oh my, I imagine the grand ballroom adorned with extravagant decorations, gentlemen dressed in elegant suits and ladies in their finest gowns… It's like a magnificent, twirling ballerina waiting to dance. Can you imagine, darlings, how exciting it would be to dance at a royal ball, all swishing tutus and glittering smiles! But of course, it’s all just a twinkle in a blogger’s eye!

Well, my dear darlings, this journey through time is calling! Until next #TutuTuesday, be sure to dance your heart out in your own dazzling tutus. Keep twirling, keep exploring, and remember… Pink is always in!

Yours in pink,

Emma xx

P.S. I'll be sure to catch a performance at Covent Garden and tell you all about it! You can find more of my travels on www.pink-tutu.com and make sure you follow my journey on social media – I'll be sharing sneak peeks and photos galore! And don’t forget to use the hashtag #TutuTuesday to join our tutu-loving community!