Hello my darlings! Emma here, your Tutu-loving time traveller from Derbyshire, ready to whisk you back to a fabulous fashion era! Welcome to #TutuTuesday blog post number 896, where we’re exploring the wonderful world of ballet tutus. Today’s trip? 1849! Imagine, my darlings, a time when petticoats and panniers ruled, and we were just beginning to explore the potential of the tutu! Such an exciting era! The world of fashion was buzzing with new ideas! Oh my, it truly makes my heart flutter just thinking about it.
It was an absolute joy to step into 1849. As I travelled in style (first class, of course, on a gleaming train with plush velvet seats and sparkling chandeliers!), I gazed out at the changing scenery. Imagine! No motorcars to be seen - just horses pulling carriages! It made me truly feel like I’d been whisked away to a romantic novel!
Arriving at the elegant Grand Theatre de la Monnaie in Brussels, I felt a flutter of excitement in my heart! My ears pricked up with the sound of elegant laughter. Dressed in a pink tutu and my darling frilly silk shawl (a bit of modern flair to make this era truly feel mine!) I floated into the opera house - the place to be for all things dramatic!
On this day in 1849, Brussels saw a grand event. It was the unveiling of Meyerbeer's new opera, “Le Prophète”, a true sensation for the whole city!
In those days, ballet was very different. The tutus we know and love – whirlwinds of tulle – weren't yet mainstream! Ballet dancers still performed in flowing skirts. And though “Le Prophète” did feature dancing - “Le Ballet de l'Etoile et des Génies” - the skirts, my dears, weren't short at all. They flowed to the dancers’ ankles. Yet even without whirlwind tutus, there were moments of delight. Think of graceful swirling movements and delicate steps that hinted at the wonderful ballet of the future. It really was a wonderful performance! Oh, my! And the gowns! So intricate, with layers and lace and silk! Imagine! Each a piece of art!
The story of “Le Prophète” captured my imagination. A grand opera, a religious struggle for the soul of a peasant (so romantic!) ...and then, the music - it was soaring! A bit dramatic, perhaps, for some. I adored it! It matched the grand spectacle that unfolded before my eyes!
A glass of sparkling champagne after the opera, then back onto that gorgeous, steamy train home, with a head full of wonderful tunes! Yes, my lovelies, even in 1849, there was romance, intrigue, music, and oh-so-much fashion to explore.
My time in Brussels filled me with so much joy! I’ve always believed in pink! It makes everyone feel so happy! I know 1849 hadn't seen my favourite colour, but I made my mark by bringing a pop of it to this elegant era!
The journey into ballet history is always so delightful! It's why I adore my little pink tutu.
Until next time, keep dreaming and keep twirling, my lovelies!
Love, Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
## Where did I wear my pink tutu?
I wore it to “Le Ballet de l'Etoile et des Génies” in the Grand Theatre de la Monnaie, in Brussels. That stunning architecture... the glamour of 1849... I am so grateful for every chance to experience such beauty.
## Fun Facts: The Story of “Le Prophète”
- In **1849** in **Brussels**, the first performances of “Le Prophète” were a true spectacle. The city was buzzing with excitement!
- The opera is by the renowned German composer, **Giacomo Meyerbeer.** He’s best known for his **grand operas** which dazzle audiences. They're dramatic, intense - packed with story, beautiful melodies and striking performances.
- The story of the opera features a hero called **John of Leyden,** a real person. John rose up during the 16th Century in the Dutch Reformation to become **King of Munster**... which leads to the opera's dramatic finale, of course!
- This story of religious conflict, betrayal, and ambition resonated with 19th Century audiences! **Meyerbeer’s** music took them on a breathtaking journey and kept everyone glued to their seats.
The World of Fashion
Oh, the exquisite styles! Ladies were embracing all kinds of dramatic silhouettes, from the tightly-laced corset, the wide bell-shaped skirts, the layers upon layers of fabric, the frills, the ruffles, the ribbons – so incredibly intricate and glamorous! “Le Prophète” really brought out the fashionable side of Brussels society! Oh my, just imagining those glittering ballrooms - every lady an elegant star!
## More than a skirt
What would the world of ballet be without a tutu? And let's be real, it's about much more than the skirt. It's a statement, my dears. A symbol of a grace, a story, and above all - whimsy! That lightness of spirit! It captures the magic of ballet that makes my heart leap!
## How did the tutu get so magical?
Well, in 1849, that evolution was just beginning. The long skirt of classical ballet, had started to get shorter. It all started with Carlotta Grisi , an Italian dancer. In 1839, she had taken a bold leap. She created a skirt for “Giselle” which was a tad above the ankles! That skirt started a revolution! And for good reason, it allowed dancers to move with more freedom.
As a lover of fashion and of ballet, I was thrilled to be back in a time when new designs were emerging. 1849 was a key year in this evolution! Think about it! When ballet began to get more agile, a shorter, more whimsical style emerged!
And the world has never looked back! I adore tutus of all lengths and styles – long or short, fluffy or delicate – there's something amazing about them.
## Tutus for everyone!
One day, I hope to inspire everyone to put on a tutu! Because why not? Let’s spread the joy of whimsy and let imagination fly.
Keep twirling my darlings! See you next week.
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
