Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, back for another edition of #TutuTuesday. Today, we're taking a little trip back in time, all the way to 13th June 1848!
Can you imagine, no mobile phones, no Netflix, just the magic of live performance! Oh, and the outfits! Oh, the outfits... I might be a tad biased, but this era, my darlings, was a real golden age for ballet fashion!
Now, let's be honest, we’re a few decades away from the grand tulle tutus we know and adore today, but that doesn’t mean the ballet scene wasn’t utterly captivating. Back in 1848, the ballet world was focused on Paris. Yes, the City of Lights was the epicentre of it all - think elaborate costumes, incredible choreography and some of the most famous ballerinas the world had ever seen!
Imagine this, dear readers - a bustling scene with beautifully decorated theatres, a whole symphony of colour on stage. Think velvet bodices, layers of silky skirts and exquisite feathered headpieces. The je ne sais quoi of it all is something we can only dream of today!
Now, I don't want to get ahead of myself, but 1848 saw the birth of Carlotta Grisi, the future legend of the La Sylphide ballet, a performance I'd simply love to see. I imagine all the fluttering and swirling as she takes flight as a ghostly sylph! And speaking of Sylphides... just picture Marie Taglioni, the queen of romantic ballet! A ballerina with such grace, her airy style set the tone for the period. I hear stories of costumes being even lighter than they look - layers of gauzy fabrics designed for movement. Now, I've travelled a lot and seen some grand stages, but it's Le Théâtre de l'Opéra National de Paris, now that's a sight to behold! Can you imagine dancing under its beautiful grand chandeliers, twirling your way to your heart’s desire? The sheer spectacle! It's all just SO romantic, isn't it?
On a slightly more practical note - while our Victorian era grandmothers might not have sported a vibrant pink tutu, I'm fairly sure even they secretly longed to! And trust me, dear readers, I've seen the archives, and these ballet shoes were divine. Think satin and leather, exquisite embroidery, the ultimate combination of beauty and performance. Even today, these shoes serve as a reminder of the artistry and history behind our favourite art form.
As for today's date, 13th June, 1848, it was a big day for Paris! A National Assembly had been elected! Now, that’s not directly ballet related, but the arts are always connected to the political and cultural events of the day!
While I'd be happy to keep rambling on about 1848 and its fashion, my lovely friends, the day has just begun, and so much is happening around the world! There's a world of stories out there! And let's be honest, there's a lot to see, even in this very moment - a grand opening, a school recital or even a simple ballet class - it's the everyday things that give this world it's true magic.
So until next week, dear Tutu Twirlers! Stay pink, stay curious, and always, always twirl your way to happiness!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
