Greetings, my darlings!
Welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday here on www.pink-tutu.com! This week, I’m taking you on a rather exciting trip back in time. Buckle up, my lovelies, because today we're going all the way back to 24th January 1854! Can you imagine?
Now, back then, my fellow tutu enthusiasts, the ballet scene was a bit different from what we know today. We're talking about the golden age of The Paris Opera Ballet, the pinnacle of the romantic era, a time where tutus were still finding their iconic form. The tutu we know today, the shorter, tiered, graceful vision, had yet to truly emerge.
Let's step onto a train carriage, and off we go to Paris, the City of Lights! Can you smell the croissants and the perfume? I can! We are arriving at a glorious opera house, the Palais Garnier. Yes, this grand building, where grander tutus and dancers once graced the stage, still stands today. How incredible is that?
My outfit today? Well, it's going to be quite an homage to the period, as I’ve put together a glorious full-skirted, billowing tulle skirt, of course in my beloved pink, and topped it off with a romantic bodice adorned with pretty lace and pearls. We wouldn't want to shock the Parisians now, would we?
You see, darling readers, back in 1854, tutus weren’t all about showing off those lovely legs like they are today. They were longer, a bit more… "conservative", let's say. Imagine, for a moment, an elegant white tulle skirt reaching to the knee with layers upon layers of graceful ruffles. I can hear the crinoline rustle as I gracefully perform a pirouette!
That being said, the romance of these "full-skirted tutus" was undeniably elegant. It added a delicate and romantic feel to the ballet, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the times. Don't get me wrong, we're still talking about something absolutely magnificent - just a touch different from today's more agile tutus.
Just a side note, can you imagine trying to perform the rapid jeté steps and quick fouettés in a big poofy skirt like that? Hats off to the ballerinas of those times! I mean, you have to give them props! Their incredible balance and skill - mind blowing! I mean, they would've needed the stamina of a marathon runner to keep all those tulle layers under control!
Speaking of skill, can we talk about Marie Taglioni, a superstar ballerina of this period? Just imagining her gliding across the stage, wearing the legendary "white tutu," in that beautiful and delicate choreography!
Oh! That's right! The most celebrated ballet piece back in 1854 was "La Sylphide," and imagine, Marie Taglioni, herself, performed the starring role just three years earlier. What a dream! Can you just picture her flitting across the stage, a whisper of tulle and pure ethereal grace, just a sight to behold!
The 24th January 1854 was also the opening night of the new version of "La Sylphide." Can you just imagine the anticipation, the excitement? Everyone in Paris was buzzing, and they all would've been wearing the latest in fashion trends. The theatres were the social hotspots, you know.
Just imagine the grand ball that must have followed, my darlings! A whirl of beautiful dresses and even more beautiful tutus. Talk about a stylish time capsule to be a part of! I'd love to time travel just for a day back then, just to experience the excitement and the grace. Just maybe not the poofy, long tulle skirt! I'm all about the elegance, but my, it's difficult to get a move on with all those layers!
Okay, back to our ballet history, my fellow tutufarians!
So, 1854, a year filled with elegant dance, intricate choreography, and, of course, those iconic long, romantic, graceful tutus! The ballet world was in full swing and, even if it was a little bit different, it was certainly magical!
Remember, darlings, to spread the pink tutu love and let me know if you want to know anything more about ballet history, or fashion, or… well, just tell me everything you'd like to know about it. Don’t forget to join me here next Tuesday for a fresh dose of #TutuTuesday and some even more incredible tutu history. Remember to have a peek on our website, www.pink-tutu.com and join the revolution of the pink tutu!
Until next time, my dear tutu enthusiasts! Stay stylish and keep on twirling!
Love, Emma
