Post No. 748
Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, here, bringing you another dose of #TutuTuesday from the magical world of ballet history! This week, we're stepping back in time to a very special date – April 28th, 1846. Hold onto your tiaras, because this is where the story gets truly whimsical!
Let’s get this straight, fashion in the 1840s wasn't exactly renowned for its… shall we say, practicality. Ladies, imagine a mountain of petticoats, boned corsets so tight they could barely breathe, and layers of heavy, starched fabric, all under a cumbersome dress – no, thank you! Luckily, at this point, ballet had already begun to blossom into the glorious artform we adore today, and fashion had its influence, although sometimes I’m not sure for the best!
Our darling dancers were, naturally, more practical! Imagine a beautiful chiffon skirt, or sometimes gauze, as lightweight and billowing as the clouds, layered over the usual dancer’s undergarments, designed for ultimate flexibility. Yes, it’s already the starting point for what would eventually become the tutu – albeit with a rather more… full-skirted silhouette, a beautiful, romantic image if you’ve never seen it before, and a welcome change for the women in my 21st Century England, that's for sure!
Now, for some delicious 1846 news! Did you know that this date in history was a whirlwind of excitement in the ballet world? In London, a certain Mademoiselle Fanny Cerrito took the stage by storm in the ballet “La Vivandiere,” performing a truly dazzling sequence. Can you picture it, ladies? A graceful whirlwind of pink silk, twirling and leaping in a delicate flurry of graceful steps, mesmerising the audience and enchanting every heart in the room!
And it doesn’t stop there! The theatre world was alight with vibrant energy, with a captivating production of the legendary “La Fille Mal Gardée,” known in those days for its adorable country charm and hint of romance – every ballerina’s dream! I must have a glimpse! A little time travel may be required. 😉
I'll be back next week with more delightful glimpses into ballet history. But, before you go, please tell me – what's your favourite historical ballet period? Are you smitten with the romance of the 19th century or do you prefer the bold expression of the modern era?
*And most importantly, ladies, remember: every day can be #TutuTuesday! *
Stay stylish, stay fabulous, and don't forget to follow my adventures on my pink tutu adventures at www.pink-tutu.com, where I'll continue my travels back to different moments in time where the tutu made a special appearance, because as we all know, it’s always about that pink! 😉
