Bonjour mes amies! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we celebrate all things frilly, fabulous, and, of course, pink! Today’s post takes us back in time to the 31st of October, 1848!
Now, I'm not talking about Halloween, my darlings, because believe it or not, Halloween wasn't the big deal back then that it is now. I know, shocking! No spooky costumes, just good old fashioned 19th-century fun, which I have to say, can be quite delightful in its own way. Especially if you’re a budding fashionista with an eye for exquisite fabrics and flowing tulle!
But back to our date! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us to the world of ballet. A world filled with elegance, grace, and of course, the magnificent tutu! Imagine yourself, dear reader, waltzing around a grand stage in your finest attire. But not just any attire – I'm talking about a tulle-infused, feather-trimmed, perfectly pink, vision of ballet glory!
Oh my, darling, if only I could step back in time to see these marvels myself!
However, imagine a world where the tutu was a relatively new innovation! While ballet had been around for centuries, the Romantic Era of the early to mid-19th century, was the true moment of the tutu’s star ascent. That's right, my fellow pink enthusiasts, this was a golden age for our cherished fluffy friend, the tutu.
Think delicate fabrics like gauze, muslin, and of course, my absolute favourite, tulle. Think layered, light, and airy – allowing those ballerinas to move with a fluidity and grace we still marvel at today.
So what’s going on in this magnificent year, 1848, with regards to ballet?
Well, picture this: Imagine sitting in the plush velvet seats of a grand theatre in Paris. Perhaps the Palais Garnier, if you’re lucky! This was where some of the greatest ballets were staged and the dance world was ablaze with a love for all things tutued and fabulous. Oh, to have witnessed it all firsthand!
The most celebrated ballerina of the era was Carlotta Grisi! She is famed for her incredible talent and also her dazzling tutu creations that were simply to die for. Carlotta Grisi’s name resonates with true ballet history. Imagine the elegant and elegant gowns, layered over with fine tulle in a symphony of cascading ribbons and beautiful fabric combinations.
It’s no wonder these ballets drew audiences of Parisian society in droves, hungry for entertainment and spectacle. Just imagine, my lovely, the excitement of seeing a live ballet performance of La Fille mal gardée (the well-behaved girl) where our ballerina twirls, leaps, and pirouettes with all her graceful charm in a tutu fit for a princess. I bet you can almost hear the music!
That’s right my loves, La Fille mal gardée – created in 1828 - was a massive hit, proving that ballets are indeed for everyone, even in the Victorian era. It brought smiles and warmth to many faces – I can't even imagine how magical it must have been! And, of course, those lovely tutus just made it even more spectacular!
And speaking of magnificent ballet experiences...
Do you know what else is special about today? Well, not to brag or anything, but this is the very day I am making my stage debut as the lead in the world-renowned production of Swan Lake in a sparkling new tutu of the most exquisite pink! (Of course, it’s a custom creation! Never would I be caught wearing anything mass-produced - I do pride myself on having a taste for fine, one-of-a-kind garments).
This ballet takes us to Russia, which by this time, was becoming a powerhouse in the ballet world, a new generation of stars was rising! So imagine all the incredible performances going on all over Europe. Think ballet-themed balls and soirées. A time for elegance and beautiful dresses! We might not see it as an age of social change and upheaval, however, there was change afoot in the realm of fashion. Tutus in many forms, especially those exquisite ballet costumes made in pink!
Even more importantly, all those tutu moments are shaping up into a new era – that of the modern dancer, and what could be more wonderful! It’s almost like a magic potion being brewed.
So what’s a tutu lover to do but head to the ballet!
Speaking of #TutuTuesday, what is more delightful, what could be more enchanting than going out to a performance? There's a beautiful dance in a breathtaking setting that brings so many hearts together! And, of course, I love nothing better than going to a show and then, afterwards, popping into one of the vintage clothing boutiques in London, or Paris, to admire the gorgeous antique tutus (which, in a very cheeky fashion, are not in pink but I’ll overlook this, seeing as they are true historic treasures!)
Of course, pink-tutu.com would never condone breaking the law but perhaps I’ve purchased the tiniest bit of lace trim to add a delicate hint of pink, to remind me that our love of pink in these grand historical ballet tutus is something to treasure and honour.
So tell me, are you ready for the perfect pink ballet adventure, darling? And if so, do tell us what your favourite tutu colour is!
Au revoir mes chères!
Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to pop back to Pink-Tutu.com next Tuesday for more ballet-related fun!
