Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday post! This week, we're waltzing back to the enchanting year of 1851, a year brimming with style and spectacle. Oh, the thrill of discovering just how ballet's starlet-studded past shines!
You know how I adore discovering the stories behind our much-loved tutu - those iconic, delicate pieces of fabric that give ballet its timeless magic. Today, my friends, we're going on a grand adventure to the heart of Parisian dance. You see, 1851 marks a very special moment in history for our tutu-loving hearts!
As you've already guessed, the world was quite different in 1851. A whiff of the Victorian era lingers, filled with corsets and long, swirling skirts. But hold onto your hats, dear readers, because a very different fashion scene was starting to bloom - a scene where women like me are positively giddy with excitement! And the stars were aligned for ballet. Imagine my joy, waltzing into a theatre in 1851 and seeing the magic unfold right before my eyes - a dazzling display of movement, grace and sheer talent! My dear, a revolution was happening in the world of dance, and we're going to dive right into it!
The Birth of a Style
This era, 1851, was a time of transition for the tutu, where the romantic, almost floor-length tulle skirt of the early 19th century began to be streamlined. It was an exciting time, darling! Gone were the restrictive corsets and cumbersome undergarments. Imagine my delight - dancing became a liberating art form! Imagine flitting across the stage in lightweight, flowy skirts that shimmered with each step. It was a revelation for dancers, for sure, and it added a fresh, playful energy to the art of ballet.
The ballet tutu was truly embracing its iconic silhouette - think a full, airy skirt gathered at the waist, sometimes layered for added volume and oh, the layers! It would dance and twirl around a ballerina's legs, creating breathtaking patterns on stage. Talk about dramatic, my darlings! You know how I love my tulle, and it was practically the only thing used at this time. This new era also saw the emergence of the "Romantic" tutu. Can you believe the inspiration behind these creations! They embraced the themes of ethereal spirits and whimsical folklore. Talk about taking inspiration!
Dancing with the Stars
1851 brought with it some phenomenal ballets. Giselle had taken the world by storm a mere 15 years before, and it was a game-changer in the history of ballet. I saw the performance during my time-travelling adventures - the dramatic storytelling, the beauty of the movement, and oh, those incredible tutus! The story still tugs at my heartstrings - the young Giselle, tragically heartbroken and ultimately dying, the way she uses the ballet's mystical dance as a release for her despair! The beautiful way she steps up from the grave, a specter that is still full of love and grief - heartbreaking, romantic, dramatic! Truly one of the ballets that made ballet famous worldwide, I adore watching it.
Of course, what time travelling ballerina could go to Paris and miss the exquisite La Fille Mal Gardée? Oh, the charming peasant story - about a naughty, young woman falling in love with a charming suitor! I know you will absolutely love it, the colourful costuming, and the adorable dancing are enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face! What is more, you simply must try my La Fille Mal Gardée cupcakes. I know, a bit decadent!
Ballet & Couture
Paris is famous for its couture and I know, I simply have to talk about Charles Worth - what an extraordinary couturier! I hear the gentleman's designs set the Parisian salons aflame. My favourite things to look for when shopping are his stunning fabrics - luxurious silks and velvets, flowing layers - what could be more elegant? You see, I am sure that a couturier like Mr. Worth can’t resist using ballet for inspiration! A true fusion of fashion and dance, don't you agree? You know I can’t resist shopping for beautiful fabrics - the more shimmering, the better!
On a personal note: My trip to Paris in 1851 is definitely a standout. It is definitely a top choice for any time-travelling fashionista - so much inspiring theatre, incredible shopping! My ballet performance to fund the travel had gone really well. What an absolute dream! And for you - do let me know in the comments what time periods you’d love me to visit, just for you!
Now, my dears, the journey back to Derbyshire beckons. This post is going to take me the whole journey to complete! The train journey gives me plenty of time to look over the designs for next week’s ballet outfit, after all, every tutu is an adventure! Have a fabulous week and, above all, embrace your inner ballerina! Until next Tuesday, my darling. #PinkTutu #Ballet #TutuTuesday #Emma
