Bonjour mes chères ballerinas! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday on pink-tutu.com, where we celebrate the history of the ballet tutu and all its fabulous frills! Today, we’re taking a little train ride back to April 4th, 1854.
I can just picture it – London bustling with life, carriages rumbling through the cobblestone streets, and a wonderful air of anticipation in the theatre district. Why? Because today is a very special day, my darlings. Today marks the opening night of Giselle at the Royal Opera House!
Now, you may be wondering why this is such a big deal for us tutu enthusiasts. Well, let me tell you. Giselle is one of those iconic ballets, the kind that’s practically a time machine for ballet lovers like myself. Imagine: graceful, flowing choreography, a tragic love story, and, of course, those glorious tutus!
But here’s the twist - 1854 is way before the days of the modern, romantic tutu with its airy, layered skirt and the signature pink colour that sends our hearts aflutter. In fact, this Giselle was quite a different creature altogether.
Back in those days, tutus were a bit more, shall we say, ‘substantial’. The skirt of the tutu would have been a single, often heavy layer of fabric, closer to the kind of stiff, poofy skirt you’d see on a fairytale princess. No fluttering frills for Giselle in this production.
So, how did those old tutus move? Well, they didn't really, not like the swirling, ethereal twirls of modern tutus. It's all about the elegance of the pose and the beautiful line of the ballerina’s body, giving a more regal, dignified feel to the performance. But that’s not to say it wouldn’t have been mesmerising. Think of those incredible feats of balance, the graceful leaps, the heartfelt emotion conveyed through pure movement – pure ballet magic!
Don't get me wrong, the Giselle from 1854 might have lacked the breezy lightness of modern tutus, but it would still have been a captivating performance. I would love to be whisked back in time to see the magic unfold myself, perhaps with a glass of pink champagne at the grand opera house to set the scene perfectly.
After a trip through time like this, I simply can’t resist indulging in a bit of tutu-tastic fashion shopping myself. It’s only natural, right? Imagine myself strutting down the streets of Derby in a fetching tutu ensemble (of course, a pink one, naturally!), causing a flurry of smiles and curious glances as I make my way to a grand ballroom where a performance is taking place, bringing a bit of ballet magic to everyday life.
So, there you have it, darlings. Our tutu journey takes us to a time when ballet was just as captivating, but the tutu took a slightly different form. And yet, it’s just as much a testament to the timeless beauty and enduring appeal of this enchanting art form. Now, who wants to join me on another trip back in time, exploring the fabulous world of ballet?
Remember to share your favourite tutu moments on pink-tutu.com, using the hashtag #TutuTuesday and let me know your thoughts on the evolving world of ballet! And if you are lucky enough to attend a ballet performance this week, why not bring along a little something pink to celebrate!
Until next Tuesday, remember,
It’s a tutu-tastic world, and we're just getting started!
Emma
