Greetings, darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, and welcome back to my #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! Today, we're stepping back in time to the 23rd of January, 1844, a date that holds a special place in ballet history - but more on that in a moment.
Before I take you on our historical journey, allow me to thank you for joining me on this, my 630th post! It warms my heart to know you lovely lot are so enthusiastic about the evolution of this delightful, swishy garment that is the ballet tutu. After all, a tutu is not merely a garment; it's an embodiment of grace, beauty, and, dare I say, a sprinkle of magical enchantment.
Oh, and if you haven't already, be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com, my online shop dedicated to all things pink and tulle! From fluffy tutus in every shade of pink to darling accessories and stylish balletwear, it's the ultimate destination for all things tutu-licious!
Now, back to our voyage through time! You see, darlings, the history of ballet, and thus the tutu, is a grand tapestry woven with threads of tradition, innovation, and passion. And I'm simply in love with sharing those threads with all of you.
You might think that January 23rd, 1844, isn't a date of any particular significance in ballet history, but you'd be wrong, dear reader! That's the date, just a short hop from my home town of Derbyshire, that the iconic dancer, Fanny Elssler, first danced on English soil at London's Drury Lane theatre! Now, if you know your ballet history, you'll know this is no small feat. Fanny Elssler, the captivating Austrian ballerina, had taken the world by storm with her charismatic performances. With her electrifying stage presence and a dash of daring that made audiences gasp and cheer, Fanny single-handedly shifted the tide of ballet, leading the way for more emotional and theatrical productions.
Imagine the excitement buzzing through the air as Fanny Elssler gracefully waltzed onto the stage, her lithe form swathed in a billowing, diaphanous tutu. Now, imagine my sheer joy at getting to experience this, not only at Drury Lane that day but in multiple theatres across Europe! Seeing these spectacular ballets firsthand, taking notes for my research, and witnessing the sheer awe on the audiences' faces is what makes time travelling worthwhile!
This, my dearest readers, was the golden age of romantic ballet, a movement defined by the intricate steps, emotive expression, and breathtaking tutus. Remember, a true ballet tutu was a powerful symbol of feminine beauty and grace, embodying the stories being told onstage. It's hard to imagine that ballet before the iconic romantic tutu, though it does exist, because that era's grace and beauty were defined by the voluminous, layered skirts worn by dancers, much like a long, flowing ball gown.
What are the main elements that set romantic ballet apart? One key ingredient is a stronger emphasis on individual storytelling in ballets, rather than mythological themes. We see dancers portraying more relatable figures and experiencing emotions that mirror real life - love, loss, joy, sadness. These emotions are beautifully captured and heightened by the dance itself.
For me, darling readers, that's another reason I adore this era. I can literally FEEL the emotion of each story! But it's not all dancing and emotions - I just have to say that I have the best time hopping around Europe on these time travelling journeys. I've caught the train all over, stopping in Paris to gawk at the fashion of the day - that empire waist, darling, was made for me - and found myself at opera houses, taking notes for my next blog, or sitting front row at the theatre to marvel at these awe-inspiring ballets. You see, darling readers, one of my main goals in life is to convince everyone in the world to don a pink tutu. Just a little bit of whimsy goes a long way to spread joy, don't you think?
I might have been caught wearing a rather fetching hot pink tulle skirt at the theatre and, naturally, got asked several questions! They were curious about the unusual "ballroom gown," which you can understand; we are so far away from the tutus we are used to! I took a breath and told them about Fanny Elssler, and then went on about how I, and many like me, are big fans of this kind of fashion. As a big fan of dressing up for ballet performances, it would be rude to show up in something like jeans! Oh my goodness, no - we need sparkle, and lots of it. I told the crowd of onlookers, most of them quite amused, about how I travel through time just to find the right pink tutu! Some gasped - and to think, there I was, feeling just a bit bashful.
And, dear reader, my adventures are just beginning! From studying the development of tutus, finding unique and gorgeous vintage examples, to, of course, showcasing some dazzling examples of my own pink tulle designs, you can always find my pink tutus wherever I go.
This journey through time wouldn't be possible, dear readers, if it wasn't for the power of ballet. In 1844, ballet had become an extravagant, sought-after spectacle, attracting society's elite and fueling my travels, which, in turn, has given me this gorgeous chance to show you just how fascinating its history is. You know how much I love dancing, how I’m never without a sparkly, pink tulle skirt, so let me tell you: seeing these glorious ballet performances live, breathing the air of anticipation as the curtain rises, and soaking in the drama - all this feeds my very soul!
Next week, I'll take us through a different decade in the history of tutus, tracing the fascinating story of this elegant garment! Until then, happy tutuing, darlings, and never forget: even when things get a little crazy, a pink tutu will always be a little spark of happiness and magic in the world!
Love,
Emma xoxo
