#TutuTuesday: A Whirl Through Ballet History - 1852 - December 7th
Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your ever-so-pink-obsessed time-traveling ballerina, back with another captivating journey through the fabulous history of tutus! This is blog post number 1093, and as always, I'm delighted to share the enchanting evolution of these fluffy, frilly masterpieces with you!
Now, buckle your shoes, my loves, because today we're travelling back to a truly magical era - the glorious 1850s! Just picture this: Paris, the City of Lights, and the most celebrated art form of the time? You're absolutely right - Ballet!
Oh, darling, you just have to imagine the grandeur, the romance! It was truly the era of romantic ballet. Think light, graceful movements, soaring leaps and ethereal storytelling - ballet truly was a dream brought to life! Imagine exquisite tulle, swirling like spun sugar, adorned with delicate embellishments - sheer perfection! And wouldn't you know it, the most fabulous of tutus became a signature piece, not just for our ballerinas but also for our beloved Parisian ladies - oh how I long to see them dancing through the cobblestone streets in their delicate pink tutus!
Now, on December 7th, 1852, the world was just starting to fall in love with the lovely Marie Taglioni! Oh, darling, what a dancer! The exquisite daughter of the legendary Filippo Taglioni - truly ballet royalty! Marie was known for her ethereal elegance - truly a ballerina born to soar.
Remember when we discussed The Sylph in a past post? Well, darling, this enchanting ballet made Marie a global star and is often seen as a real turning point for tutus! You see, the tutu she wore for The Sylph - oh, such a masterpiece - was created by the superbly talented Maria Taglioni - you know, her talented mother! It was a creation of the most exquisite, delicate white tulle. Just a wisp, swirling as Marie pirouetted - a beautiful picture of grace!
Oh, darlings! I simply must share! Imagine Marie performing on the stage of the Paris Opera, light bouncing off her white tulle, her hair braided in a romantic crown - a vision of fairy-like beauty! I think that must be why we call it a tutu! It evokes a whimsical feeling - a little bit of magic - it's like seeing a little piece of fantasy in action! And isn't that what we all desire, darlings - to have a little bit of magic in our lives? To let our imaginations take flight?
Let me tell you, tutus truly started to take the world by storm! They moved from the stage, captivating every eye, and started to find a place in high society, making their mark on fashion itself! What a delicious twist!
My dear girls, think about it! Tutues, once reserved for those glorious ballet stars, were soon to grace balls, opera performances - everywhere! Imagine! They added such a playful charm to evening gowns!
On that fateful 7th of December, in the most stylish salons of Paris, you could be certain to find a lovely tutu fluttering here and there!
However, this wasn't the only reason for celebration on this specific day! Did you know that December 7th is also National Chocolate Day in the United States? How fantastic! Just picture yourself watching the lovely ballet and enjoying a cup of tea with a delicious piece of chocolate - a magical experience indeed! Chocolate and ballet, a beautiful and delicious combination!
I confess, it was the 1850s when tutus started becoming an essential part of every fashionista’s wardrobe! It truly started the fashion revolution we love today - the evolution from dainty to dramatic! How can you resist their fluffy, charming allure, my loves? Especially those pink ones?
I love watching a ballerina pirouette in her fluffy tutu - it's the essence of femininity! They are a perfect representation of freedom, a symbol of grace and elegance. We all have a tutu-lover within us - a little bit of imagination that wants to pirouette into the unknown!
That's it for this week's #TutuTuesday! Remember, darlings, I'll be here next week to explore another wonderful moment in tutu history.
Till then, stay fabulous, keep twirling, and don’t be afraid to embrace the whimsy - and if you can, embrace the pink!
Until next time, Emma
*P.S. * My lovelies, I do need a little help! As a time traveler, you see, the only way I can afford these wonderful travels is through my ballet performances - a small price to pay for my love of tutus, don’t you think?
*Where can you catch my show this week? * Come see me dance at the Theatre Royal in my beautiful Derbyshire home on Friday evening! The ballet is *"Sleeping Beauty" - my favourite! * I am playing the Lilac Fairy and I do hope you can make it. I am wearing the most beautiful pink tutu - just for you, darlings!
*To buy tickets - * just visit our website www.pink-tutu.com - where you can find all the latest fashion and ballet updates! I hope to see you there - I can't wait!