Post Number 1199
Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your tutu-tastic time-travelling ballerina blogger, back from another adventure!
As always, it's #TutuTuesday and this week we're waltzing back in time to December 19th, 1854. Now, I know you might be thinking, "1854? What happened on THAT day?" Well, my darlings, everything happened! Or rather, nothing happened, except, of course, the constant, beautiful progression of ballet history.
But before we get swept up in the romance of tutus, let's talk travel! My journey to 1854 was simply divine! I journeyed by train from my home in Derbyshire, England, which, I have to admit, was far more charming then than it is now! The countryside whizzed by, dotted with quaint cottages and sleepy sheep. A bit of a change from the modern cityscape, eh?
Paris: The Heart of Ballet
Once I arrived in Paris, the heart of ballet in those days, I was whisked into a world of grandeur! Imagine a bustling metropolis, a flurry of horse-drawn carriages and the scent of freshly baked pastries wafting from every corner. Sigh What a dream!
The Grand Opéra: A Night to Remember
Of course, my highlight had to be attending a performance at the Grand Opéra! The sheer scale of it took my breath away – imagine chandeliers glittering like diamonds, plush velvet seats, and the buzz of excited chatter. Then, the music started, the lights dimmed, and the curtain rose... I won't lie, tears welled up in my eyes! Seeing those exquisite dancers gracefully moving in their Romantic tutus was just exquisite.
A Tutu Time Capsule
And those tutus! Now, they were a far cry from the impossibly layered, extravagant designs of today. But that's what makes it so exciting! Think simple, flowing skirts with minimal layers, made of soft gauze or tulle, often white with delicate embellishments. This was a time of transition, you see, moving away from the cumbersome skirts of earlier centuries towards the elegant, airy tutus that we still adore today.
The Romantic Era of Ballet
This period is known as the Romantic Era, which, to my taste, is just the most delicious era for fashion! We're talking delicate fabrics, ethereal designs, and a sense of dreamy liberation that totally makes my heart skip a beat. It was all about fluidity and elegance, highlighting the grace of the dancers – a real breath of fresh air compared to the heavier, more restrained styles of the past.
From the Stage to the Street
Now, I have to admit, even though I'm obsessed with my pink tutus, there weren't too many ladies wearing them on the street in 1854. This, my lovelies, was the domain of ballerinas.
That being said, the style of tutus in 1854 is clearly reflected in the fashions of the time! I’m talking loose, flowing gowns with lots of fabric and delicate embellishments. They were still very structured, with cinched waists and long, full skirts, but they possessed a lighter feel, almost like an early precursor to the Victorian-era silhouettes that would come into vogue soon after.
Embracing the Glamour
I did find a little vintage shop crammed with lace and ribbons, and, wouldn’t you know it, they had this adorable white dress with a puffed, almost tutu-like skirt! You can bet I purchased that little number in a heartbeat – it’s totally perfect for channeling the Parisian romance of the 1850s.
A Passion for Performance
My time travel adventures are fueled by my ballet performances, so you know I had to find a show! Luckily, Paris always offers a whirlwind of entertainment! I even managed to catch a few private classes and a performance at the Opéra-Comique! I must admit, I felt totally at home, even though everyone thought I was a bit out there with my bright pink tutu. You can’t stop a girl who wants to share the passion for ballet!
So, as we wrap up our journey back in time, remember...
Tut us, love us, and be fabulous!
I'll be back next Tuesday with more Tutu-licious history!
P.S.
Have any questions or comments on my 1854 adventures? Drop a line below!
Remember to visit the website for even more pink tutu goodness at www.pink-tutu.com!
Keep twirling!
Emma
