Hello lovelies, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, where we delve into the magical world of tutus, history, and, of course, pink! Today, we're going on a delightful journey back to 1850, a truly pivotal year for our beloved ballet world. Buckle up, darling, as we board the train to the past!
It's a brisk December morning, and the crisp air of London hangs heavy with anticipation. Today, the 24th of December, is Christmas Eve, but for us ballet aficionados, another significant event unfolds this evening at the Royal Opera House. We're in for a treat! The new "Giselle", a ballet full of romanticism and ethereal beauty, will debut!
My, oh my, where to even begin with the excitement swirling around this grand première! I've been lucky enough to score some coveted tickets and trust me, this production will be the talk of London for weeks to come!
Now, why all the fuss about this particular ballet? You see, the "Giselle" production isn't just another beautiful dance. It holds a place of paramount importance in ballet history. And do you know why? It's the first time we'll see Maria Taglioni on stage in a brand new costume design... and darling, the costume? Let's just say, it's a revolutionary leap in tutu-ism!
Think flowing fabrics and diaphanous lightness. Think billowing skirts that capture the air, showcasing effortless movement and incredible technique. Forget the cumbersome, weighty costumes of yore! Taglioni's new "Giselle" outfit is all about freedom, all about grace, and it's all thanks to one amazing woman who brought the world a brand new way to wear a tutu.
Now, it might seem like we've always had our beautiful tutus - but this iconic dance silhouette took time to come into existence. Just think! Those flowing, tiered, and oh-so-elegant tutus that we love so much weren't the norm in the early nineteenth century. Women danced in elaborate skirts with lots of frills and flounces. While pretty, these didn't showcase the beauty and the incredible skill of the ballerina. And let's face it, they weren't as twirly!
Thankfully, things were about to change! This "Giselle" is a true game-changer, showcasing an evolution in how the ballet world approaches costume.
Now, I don't want to spoil the grand reveal, but suffice to say, the sheerness of the fabric, the elegant tiers, and the absence of bulk... oh my, it's pure genius! This iconic design is going to influence so many other ballerinas. In fact, we'll see it pop up in operas across the country soon enough, changing the fashion of ballet forever.
What a time to be alive, isn't it, dears? It's such a joy to see ballet embracing this evolution in its artistry, especially since we have a little something to do with it. I'm absolutely ecstatic!
But that's not all! It's not just the exciting debut of "Giselle" that has me brimming with joy today. December 24th, 1850, also saw the publication of The Book of Ballet by Jules Perrot, a groundbreaking piece that dives deep into the world of ballet, detailing the historical origins, choreography, and technical skills behind this wondrous art form. Imagine, my darlings, having the entire history of ballet laid out for us in print! What a delight!
Now, imagine me with a steaming cup of tea, tucked into a comfy armchair with "The Book of Ballet" on my lap, reading all about the origins of my favorite art form!
Speaking of books, a new shop just opened in London – "The Ballet Bazaar" – and let me tell you, it’s a wonderland of tutus and all things ballet. You just have to check it out if you're ever in the capital!
Well, my lovelies, this delightful historical foray has been so much fun! I have to say, 1850 is definitely one for the tutu history books! What a beautiful year for the evolution of ballet and our darling tutus!
Remember, keep your twirling feet light, your smiles wide, and don’t be afraid to dance like nobody's watching.
And, until next Tuesday, remember, dear darlings: The only limit to what you can wear is how far you can twirl!
Yours in pink tutus,
Emma.
