Welcome back, lovelies, to another edition of #TutuTuesday! It's your girl, Emma, back from another whirl through time - this week, I'm bringing you a snippet from the exciting world of ballet in 1851. Oh, the things I've seen!
You know, sometimes it feels like there's not a single new invention to be made. It's all been done! The spinning wheel, the sewing machine, the telegraph, even the bicycle! But when you travel back in time, you quickly realise that progress doesn't stop. And trust me, the world of ballet, just like the world of fashion, is constantly evolving!
1851 is a truly exciting year to be a ballet buff. It's the year of the Great Exhibition! London is positively bursting with excitement as the Crystal Palace stands tall and majestic, showcasing the best and brightest innovations of the time. And you know what else? The fashion scene is thriving!
While the bustle skirt is still in vogue for ladies of leisure, a more free-flowing style is taking hold on the dance floor. We're seeing the first glimpses of the tutus we all know and love today.
Let's rewind the tape, shall we?
From the Stage to the Street
Think frills, frocks, and frippery - that's the scene I've been witnessing this week, and it's absolute perfection. Imagine layers of tulle, cascading over each other in graceful, billowing clouds of softness. The very fabric of movement!
This week's inspiration is the famous "La Sylphide". You've all seen the elegant dancers, light as a feather, leaping and twirling in their delicate white tutus. But in 1851, this was a brand new thing! A true revolution in ballet dress.
What happened, you ask? The Italian Ballet Master, Carlo Blasis, was a genius! He started incorporating these airy, weightless tulle creations for the ballerinas in his company. Suddenly, the stage was alight with flowing fabric, and the dancers looked absolutely divine.
They say, in the fashion world, anything old is new again, don't they? Well, let me tell you, this is true even in the world of ballet.
This 'new look' caught on like wildfire. Think ballet stars like Carlotta Grisi, Fanny Elssler, and Marie Taglioni captivating audiences, their tutus catching the stage lights in a swirl of enchanting beauty.
The new tutus, with their ethereal air, allowed the ballerinas to dance with newfound freedom and agility. And oh my, how it added to the romantic air of the performance!
Imagine: you're sitting in the theatre, the orchestra swells with dramatic music, and on stage, a dancer pirouettes, her tutu swirling with a thousand delicate folds. Sigh. It's truly magical!
The tutus were just the beginning! New ballet shoes, lighter and more flexible, allowed the dancers to dance with greater ease and expression. The dancers were now even more focused on their movements and exuding grace like never before!
These days, we're accustomed to the sight of dancers in tutus, whether on stage or in the studio. But just over a century and a half ago, this was a fresh, exciting style that helped to revolutionise the art of ballet. It's hard to imagine the ballet world without it, isn't it?
Pink Perfection: The Color of the Future
So, tell me, dear readers, have you had a chance to admire a tutu this week? It’s all about the fluff and the fabulousness. A little pink never hurt nobody!
As for me, I'm going to go celebrate this milestone with a pink-tutu themed afternoon tea. If you're in the London area, swing by the Royal Albert Hall, I'm hoping to snag a ticket to a ballet show there this evening!
I’ve just seen an absolutely glorious display of silk tutus at the department stores - the vibrant pinks and peaches, the beautiful shades of lavender... Sigh. It's like stepping into a fairy tale!
So, let’s have a chat: What's your favourite colour tutu? And where's the most magical place you've seen a tutu?
Tell me all about it in the comments below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends so we can spread the tutu love even further!
See you all next Tuesday for more tutu tales from the annals of time!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. My latest ballet adventures have taken me all over London and beyond! Keep your eyes peeled for my blog posts and let me know if you see me around - especially at the theatre! It’s always so lovely to make new friends!
P.P.S. Be sure to check out my shop for the perfect pink tutu for all occasions. My tutus are the most magical in all of time! www.pink-tutu.com
