Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, ready to whisk you away on a journey through the captivating history of ballet, all in the name of pink, of course! Today, we're stepping back in time to the 8th of October, 1850, a date filled with theatrical wonder and the beginnings of what would become ballet's most iconic symbol: the tutu!
But first, let me introduce myself to those who are new to my world. I'm Emma, a young ballerina from Derbyshire with a passion for all things pink and pretty, a love of tutus, and an unwavering desire to get everyone in the world twirling in them! Each week on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, I share my passion for ballet, explore its history, and travel back in time to witness its evolution, all in the spirit of those graceful pirouettes and perfect pliés that steal my heart!
Today, I've ventured to Paris, the heart of ballet during this time, where my pink tutu has caused quite a stir among the locals! Don't worry, I'm never without a charming and reassuring smile, ensuring everyone knows my purpose is nothing more than a love for ballet and a bit of time-travelling fun.
So, let's journey back to 1850!
Imagine a world where romanticism reigns, where delicate flower motifs grace the stage and ethereal ballerinas flit across the boards in soft, flowing skirts. We're talking a world that embraces elegance and beauty in a way that can only be described as magical!
Now, before we discuss the tutu itself, let's remember that the stage of the 19th century was an extraordinary spectacle. Elaborate costumes were adorned with feathers, velvet, silk, and elaborate jewellery, and theatrical performances, with their drama and flair, made every night a spectacle. But in ballet, a transformation was about to happen.
Enter the romantic tutu - not a dramatic billowing affair like those found in the world of grand opera. The romantic tutu was about revealing and elegance. Think a short skirt, with layers of tulle billowing around the legs, giving the illusion of graceful lightness and freedom of movement. It was the perfect fit for the graceful pirouettes and elegant movements of ballerinas who, for the first time, began to express emotion and personal narratives through their dance.
And what did our friends the ballerinas wear on their feet, you ask? Let's talk shoes, darling! Not quite the pointy-toed marvels we know today! Ballerinas in the romantic era wore softer, slipper-like shoes, providing them with greater freedom of movement.
As for our Parisian destination on this journey? Well, it would be nothing short of magical! I imagine stepping out of the bustling train station, right into the grand opera house, my heart pounding with anticipation for a grand ballet performance. And can we talk about the Parisian fashion? I envision women clad in elegant gowns, and gentlemen adorned in stylish frock coats. It truly was a beautiful era for fashion.
Back in Derbyshire, life wasn’t quite as glamorous. The Victorian Era had brought some fantastic new advances for women's lives and our wardrobe choices! Think full skirts, cinched-in waists, and plenty of lace and ruffles, but thankfully the tutu is slowly making its mark and bringing elegance and grace into my world. I think it’s my mission in life to have every Derbyshire lady rocking a pink tutu on a regular basis. We are already having much success!
Of course, it would be a real joy to dance with them, though I fear I’d have to tone it down to avoid damaging my travel device, the one which helps me slip seamlessly from Derbyshire to Paris, then onto the most fabulous fashion spots of every century and decade. It’s so convenient and means I never need to pack. It’s definitely worth missing a few days of ballet classes and spending more time watching than performing!
To make this journey complete, I couldn’t resist indulging in a shopping spree, darling! Imagine browsing through Parisian shops filled with delicate fabrics, exquisite embroidery, and the most luxurious silks! Such wonderful textures and colors would inspire countless ideas for a pink tutu masterpiece!
To finish off this blog, I encourage you all to do a bit of your own research into the fascinating era of the romantic ballet tutu. Take a step back in time and imagine the exquisite gowns, the elegance of the ballerinas, and the sheer beauty of this pivotal era in ballet history.
Let your imagination soar and allow yourself to dream of an era where grace, romance, and femininity ruled the stage. Because isn't it lovely to think that every single step in ballet's rich history is what has paved the way for us to enjoy such stunning beauty today?
Until next week my darlings, I leave you with a message to keep twirling, stay pink, and always keep the love of ballet in your hearts. And of course, wear a tutu – the world is a more fabulous place when we do!
Your time-travelling, pink tutu-loving ballerina,
Emma
