Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu enthusiast and time-travelling ballet buff, ready to whisk you back to the glorious, swirling world of tutus from a bygone era! This Tuesday, we're hopping on the express train of time and landing ourselves right in the middle of 13th July 1847, the date of the world's very first Royal Opera House performance of Giselle, a ballet so stunning it sent ripples through the world of dance!
And of course, no ballet worth its salt in those days would be without a tutu, my lovelies! While the tutus of this era might not have been the fluffy, fabulous creations we know and love today, they were still a crucial part of the dancer's wardrobe, hinting at the ethereal beauty of the ballerina as she floated across the stage.
Can you imagine the excitement of being there, witnessing history in the making? Giselle, with its story of betrayal, love, and a ghostly haunting, captivated audiences then, and continues to captivate us today! I'm practically leaping out of my own tutu with anticipation to watch this classic myself, it's like peeking into a ballet time capsule!
Now, let's get into some historical tea about those tutus. 1847 wasn't the first year for tutus, mind you. Those swirly delights had already started appearing on the ballet scene a little earlier. However, they were in their "early years," you could say. Think shorter, maybe a little less poufy, and still trying to find their feet in the world of dance.
One thing that definitely had them in their grasp was white. White was the color of choice for these early tutus, and believe me, darling, the white fabric they used wasn't exactly your typical "snow white." Think more along the lines of "eggshell with a hint of cream". Oh, and don't forget those lovely long sleeves. You could practically see the dancers' beautiful arms floating about as they twirled and leapt, just a vision of grace, don't you think?
The tutus back then also went through a few other metamorphoses, changing their style and their shape throughout the nineteenth century. A hint of colour started to make its way into the world of tutus, adding just a splash of pastel here and there to bring out the beauty of those delicate white fabrics.
Now, if you're wondering where to experience a little bit of this ballet magic, you need only look to the Paris Opéra Ballet. They've always had a place in my heart (and my diary!) for their graceful dancing and their fabulous costumes. Their style in the mid-nineteenth century was all about flowing lines and elegance. Just think of a beautiful waltz, graceful and soft, just like the tutus worn by these ballerinas!
But hold your horses, dears, we're not done yet! It's also a fabulous time for fashion itself, in all its glorious decadence. It's the time of the "Crinoline era" with full, billowing skirts. Think wide-brimmed hats and beautifully adorned gloves, just a touch of Victorian charm!
However, back to our main love: the tutus! Imagine the joy and wonder a little tutu would bring to a little girl's face in this time period! If only we could transport ourselves back and gift them a couple of pink, sparkly delights!
This week's #TutuTuesday feels particularly exciting because it marks a real turning point in ballet history! The beauty of tutus has truly come into its own and captivated hearts (and hearts-at-dance) worldwide. They're here to stay, bringing with them the artistry, beauty, and grace of ballet and its captivating magic. It's safe to say they will forever continue to inspire, from that first dazzling performance of Giselle, to my own dreams of sharing the pink tutu magic with you all!
And for you, darling readers, keep your eyes peeled next week when I'll be venturing through time once more! I have a feeling you're going to love what I've found - it's going to be a true treat for the senses!
P.S. Did you catch my performance last week? It was a complete and utter whirlwind! All eyes were on me and the stage shimmered under the pink tutu light! I just know you'll love this week's show - It's “Sleeping Beauty” at the London Coliseum! I'll be gracing the stage for a full week, and it’s sure to be the pinkest ballet event you’ve ever seen! You’ll never forget it, just like our history trip through the past of tutus, a tale that’s just as magical as the ballets themselves!
**Stay twirling, my lovelies!
Until next week,
Emma x **
