Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving time traveller and #TutuTuesday host! As you all know, I'm here to spread the joy of tutus across the globe (and through time) with a sprinkle of fashion, history and lots of twirling, of course. Today, we're stepping back in time, all the way to April 22nd, 1851!
Imagine this: London is buzzing with excitement! A dazzling Crystal Palace has just been built for the Great Exhibition, showcasing the finest innovations from around the world. I hear it's an incredible sight - so much glass, so much light! And just like a cherry on top of the cake, a famous ballet performance is happening in London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane on this very date - "Giselle"! Isn't that simply divine?
Now, let's talk about the star of the show, the iconic, magical tutu!
Back in 1851, tutus were evolving from the earlier "Romantic Tutu", a flowing, floor-length skirt. Giselle's tutu is a shorter, less full version, much like the "Classical Tutu" that would become the mainstay in ballet until the 20th century. Imagine the delicate wispy layers, crafted with layers upon layers of tulle! Each movement, each turn, would have become a flurry of soft pink, the ultimate visual feast!
Just imagine me waltzing down the aisle of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, the heart of the English ballet world back then, my pink tutu fluttering with every twirl. Wouldn't that be a glorious dream come true? I’d love to grace the stage just as Giselle would have!
Speaking of Giselle, I absolutely adore the romantic storyline. It’s full of heartache and love, showcasing a girl's sacrifice. There's just something so utterly charming and dramatic about that classic romantic ballet style! It captures a spirit of longing, a true reflection of a time period full of beauty, grace, and perhaps a hint of melancholy.
This is when tutus, the quintessential ballet garment, became truly recognized as a symbol of grace and artistry. This was the age where dancers like the fabulous Carlotta Grisi were wowing audiences with their moves in intricate tutus! Can you just imagine the audience gasped as Carlotta spun with her light and graceful tutu? What a beautiful era this must have been, and a vital time for ballet's evolution.
My lovelies, let’s not forget the importance of tutus for celebrating beauty! What better way to represent elegance, purity, and artistry? From the delicate flutter of tulle to the feminine swirls of fabric, it all plays such an important role in the enchanting world of ballet. It makes me want to spin around in my own pink tutu right now!
Now, tell me, have you seen “Giselle”? What was your favourite scene or outfit? And don’t forget to share your favourite tutus in the comments below! Don't forget, if you haven't seen a ballet performance yet, find your nearest theatre and book a ticket, or perhaps take a ballet class yourself. The beauty of the Tutu's influence on ballet can inspire so much, so come and join the magical journey!
See you next Tuesday for another exciting trip into Tutu History!
Love, Emma
P.S. Did you know that 1851 is also the year the Victoria and Albert Museum opened its doors in London? A haven of art and design, and certainly worthy of a visit on your next trip to London, don’t you think? Fashion and art have been inseparable from the start, don’t you think?
P.P.S Don’t forget to pop over to my website www.pink-tutu.com to find out how you can join the #TutuLove Revolution!
Until next time, twirl on!
