Greetings, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed time-traveller, back for another exciting delve into the wonderful world of the tutu! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for #TutuTuesday and this week we're journeying back to a rather exciting time in dance history: 3rd July, 1855.
As you know, my favourite thing to do (apart from twirling in a pink tutu) is to hop in my time machine and discover the stories of how the tutu evolved, so let's whisk ourselves back to Paris, the City of Lights and, dare I say it, the heart of the tutu!
Now, on this very date in 1855, something absolutely fantastic happened. The 'Exposition Universelle', a grand celebration of global achievements and innovation, opened its doors. Can you imagine the thrill! I'm thinking overflowing Parisian boulevards bustling with artists, inventors, and even ballerinas in their finest costumes (which would, of course, include tutus!).
This grand event wasn't just a chance for a spot of culture. Think about it - a fantastic platform to flaunt the very best of ballet in all its glorious grace and style!
1855 was a turning point in ballet's history. We had Marie Taglioni, the pioneering ballerina known for her light and ethereal performances in her tutus of gossamer tulle, creating a whirlwind of elegance on the Parisian stages! I absolutely adore those classic, romantic tutu designs - think soft, cascading layers of fabric that seem to dance in the air. It's just utter perfection.
But let's not forget those wonderful theatrical performances! Just imagine the sheer excitement of being swept away by a grand, glittering ballet, with swirling tutus adding that touch of magic!
Just a peek into a few things you'd be able to catch at this amazing Exposition in 1855.
You'd be delighted by Théophile Gautier’s captivating ballet "La Esmeralda" that wowed the crowds with its tragic story and passionate choreography. The tutu was at the heart of its dazzling appeal. A captivating combination of delicate movement and captivating visuals - absolutely a must-see in my opinion!
Of course, a visit to the Paris Opera, a jewel of the city, would have been a must. Now, imagine entering the opulent Opera Garnier, the most breathtaking, grand building and its majestic *'The Grand Opera Ballet', (currently Ballet de l’Opéra National de Paris ) *! The spectacle is something that can only be described as ‘otherworldly’ and to see the iconic *swan-like tutus and graceful postures of these brilliant dancers, well it would take my breath away! *
For me, ballet is all about the excitement of the spectacle, but 1855 took it to a whole new level. Think extravagant stage sets, colourful costumes, and yes, you guessed it - dazzling, flowing tutus. A feast for the eyes! It's truly wonderful to imagine the sheer joy and enchantment the dancers and audiences experienced back then.
Where does that pink tutu come in you might be asking?!
While the world of ballet in the 1850s didn't exactly see pink tutus yet (think ivory and white) those were still those wonderfully elegant and romantic tutus. And believe me, we're about to see an explosion of the vibrant, beautiful pink! It's truly a wonderful evolution in ballet. But it doesn't diminish the importance of what's come before!
Just like with any period in fashion, looking back at the past allows us to learn so much and inspires me with my new collection of tutus! It's so inspiring to see how the tutu has evolved throughout time. It truly is the pinnacle of dance fashion and every era has had its own unique interpretations - which brings me to my favourite part.
Just a little something I learnt about a famous tutu…
You might think a ballerina’s tutu is just a garment of fluff and frills, but a tutu actually holds a rich history and its construction can make or break a performance! Back in 1855, it's worth remembering that those stunning tutus weren't as light and airy as some people might imagine. They were actually rather heavy! I've tried one! It can feel quite demanding when dancing, but so beautifully romantic, a visual reminder of the skill and strength required by these talented performers.
Now, here’s a fascinating fact I discovered during my travels in time - remember those stunning ballerina costumes worn in The Sleeping Beauty (originally, The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood), which was composed in 1889?!
Those famous costumes - the designs were created by the talented Russian stage designer, Nikolai Petrovich Karlov. And wouldn't you know, it featured a little pink tutu and he chose pink for Princess Aurora, because of its association with beauty and grace and a sense of otherworldly quality. And you know what - it fits her beautifully.
I’m already on my way to my next trip back in time, just imagine the secrets I'm about to discover. As always, keep an eye on this space, because it's bound to be a #TutuTuesday to remember!
Remember, wear pink tutus with pride, darlings, and until next time!
*Love and twirls, *
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
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