Hello my darling tutu-loving darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where tutus reign supreme and pink is always in! It's Emma here, your resident time-traveling ballerina, and today's #TutuTuesday is taking us on a trip back to 11th December 1849.
This week, we're diving deep into the world of ballet and those magnificent tulle masterpieces we know and adore – tutus! Oh, how I wish I could be in the theatre right now, mesmerised by the swirl of fabric and grace on the stage.
Before we get into the juicy history, let's chat about my outfit. Today I'm embracing the 19th-century style with a fluffy pink tutu. I absolutely adore the way the tulle layers float as I move. My dress is a vibrant coral, and the silk of my blouse practically shimmers. I topped it off with a touch of elegance, a delicate lace collar, and a blush-coloured ribbon tied around my hair. And, of course, a pair of my signature ballet pumps - they are simply perfection for twirling in!
But, let's get back to the topic at hand - tutus! Now, imagine for a moment, if you will, that you're standing backstage at the Paris Opera in 1849. This year, the French choreographer, Marius Petipa, a real visionary, created a masterpiece of a ballet, La Fille du Régiment - 'The Daughter of the Regiment'! Imagine the music, the romance, and the beautiful ballerinas in their flowing tutus.
So, let's talk about those tutus, shall we? They are the focal point of this ballet, an explosion of white and a whirlwind of beauty.
Tutus were just coming into fashion during this period. You might think tutus have been around forever, darling, but that isn’t true! Before the 19th century, ballet dancers weren't twirling around in those gloriously billowing tulle creations. They wore loose-fitting, longer skirts, but things changed as dance evolved, as dancers moved faster, higher, and lighter.
But now, imagine these 19th century dancers with a different idea about what a tutu should be – longer, looser skirts? How unromantic! No, my dears, this period was a turning point. It was the moment when the shorter, more modern, tutu, which gave dancers much more freedom of movement, was finally starting to become a key element in ballet costumes.
Why were these shorter tutus so revolutionary? They gave dancers a chance to really show off their elegance, and they allowed them to perform those incredible jumps, turns, and pirouettes. A tutu’s shape can accentuate the movement of the dance. Isn’t that magical?
And speaking of magic, on this date, the 11th December, in 1849, an incredible performance of La Fille du Régiment took place.
Let’s just say it was quite a spectacle, and we need to appreciate how important this moment in history was. This was when a true ballet superstar – Marie Taglioni, was dancing! Imagine a true star! It was all so exciting for those lucky enough to have witnessed it.
Today, the performance, the costumes, and that incredible swirling tulle tutu will have us all completely in awe! They remind us of the beauty and history of the ballet and the incredible skills of dancers like Marie Taglioni.
It's time for me to take a final twirl before I return to the present, leaving behind the romance and glamour of 19th-century Paris. I'll be back next week with a brand new #TutuTuesday.
In the meantime, why not take a whirl in your favourite tutu, head to your nearest theatre for a show, or enjoy a wonderful class. And remember, darling, never underestimate the power of a tutu - it can turn a mundane day into an exciting one!
See you next week, dears, for more history and some exciting tutu fun! 💖
Until then,
Emma
(Emma's Note)*
Want to find out more about these incredible ballerinas from the past? Look no further than your local library or visit some ballet websites! They’ll be filled with the most incredible stories and information. It's always amazing to find out more about the inspiring ballerinas who were performing on stage before us. And, who knows? Maybe I’ll meet them one day in my time travels. 💖
(End Note)*
TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #PinkTutu #BalletLover #Ballet #EmmaLovesTutus #Paris #Dance #FashionHistory #Theatrical #DancingQueen #PinkAndSparkly
