Hello, my dearest Tutu Tribe! 🩰
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where the colour pink reigns supreme and twirling is the only acceptable mode of transport!
Today is a particularly special #TutuTuesday, as we're going to take a little trip back in time, all the way to March 13th, 1855! Imagine: no mobile phones, no Instagram, just horse-drawn carriages and the intoxicating melody of a grand waltz. Now, picture this, darling - we're standing right here in London, at Her Majesty's Theatre, one of the most prestigious venues for ballet in all of England!
And it’s such a thrill to tell you all about what happened this day over 170 years ago!
This was the first ever showing of a beautiful, lyrical new ballet called The Corsican Brothers - and let me tell you, darling, it’s about to turn the world of ballet on its head.
The Corsican Brothers, you see, is an incredible story about two brothers, both dancers, who share a strange, mystical connection. They are so incredibly close, so perfectly in sync, that when one of the brothers gets wounded - gasp! - the other one feels it, too! 🤯
Now, why am I going on about this particular ballet, you ask? Well, darling, this little gem just happened to introduce to the world a new design of ballet tutu that completely changed how ballerinas looked onstage. Think, leotards - with their clingy, elegant feel, these darling outfits allowed ballerinas to move more freely and showed off their delicate lines even more. And just like a little piece of delicious confectionery, leotards are then usually paired with a short tutu made from lightweight, gossamer tulles, and we all know how much I love those. Such a beautiful contrast of airy tulle against a perfectly toned figure.
And while the actual Corsican Brothers itself may have only lived for about 40 performances before it was no more, The Corsican Brothers, darling, has earned its rightful place in ballet history as one of those iconic, unforgettable ballets, for - and here's the kicker - it set the style standard for every single ballet costume that followed! 💃
Can you believe it, lovelies? That's a legacy that’s still being worn proudly in the world of ballet right to this day, making the Corsican Brothers the epitome of ballerina chic ! And while a few other designers added their own special touches to these costumes, leotard tutus remained, the absolute darling of ballet, creating a timeless elegance on the stage.
Well, just think about this! This ballet gave birth to a trend, just like our beloved pink tutus are making waves in our world today! You know me - I have my eye on fashion trends everywhere, whether we’re in London’s theater district, on a vintage shopping spree or catching a modern street ballet. It's that love for dancing, for fashion, and of course, my absolute adoration for those twirly, graceful pink tutus! It is a divine trifecta of the very things that truly inspire my time-travelling soul.
I'll admit, darling, this past-time-travelling life keeps me rather busy. You’d never believe what goes into coordinating all my ballet excursions. It requires planning a very elaborate train journey schedule, meticulously planning my shopping adventures to the finest haberdashery shops (think beautiful ribbons and beads for all of your pink tutu decorating needs, loves!), as well as hunting for a delightful theatre show that can pay for it all, and I do love catching some live performances – they keep the magic going, and the cash in hand for my travels. The ballet season here in London really is fantastic - every show has that magic touch, from the magnificent, intricate ballets like Giselle, to the beautifully graceful Swan Lake. The music is enchanting, the sets are mesmerizing and the costumes? They're absolutely breathtaking, and some of those early leotard designs still make a guest appearance on stage! You wouldn't believe how beautiful they look! They add such a perfect hint of sophistication and charm, making these classic ballets even more exciting, just like adding a stunning lace bow to a perfect pink tutu!
Now, after all that lovely ballet talk, darling, I have an extra-special treat for all of you lovely, inspiring tutu enthusiasts out there! My most favourite London spot has to be this fantastic vintage fashion boutique nestled in the most charming, hidden street of London, tucked away from all the bustling streets, full of excitement and fashion history - so many amazing relics, from bygone days! And here’s the best part: a perfect little tutu waiting just for me, right on a dusty mannequin, a pale pink wonder from the 1800’s with a lovely, lace detail - simply perfect! It even has an incredible, intricate beaded design that runs all around the bottom of the skirt, just imagine! I am just swooning! My personal #TutuTuesday wardrobe just received a beautiful new addition.
Darling, if you do have a chance to visit London sometime soon, you must simply come visit! It’s not often you get to find such treasure just a whisker away from a perfectly enchanting ballet! And remember, every tutu holds its own magical story. Let the pink tutus reign supreme!
Well, darling, I do hope this quick glance back in time gave you a glimpse of ballet history and inspiration for your own ballerina style!
Until next Tuesday, keep twirling!
Lots of Love, Emma 🩰
Pink Tutu Blog: www.pink-tutu.com
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