Oh darling! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com, your weekly dose of all things fluffy, fabulous, and utterly tutu-licious! This week, I'm stepping back in time to October 14th, 1856, just a little over 150 years ago! Imagine that, my lovelies! Now, that doesn't mean we're doing away with our dazzling pink tutus - darling, not for a moment!
As a ballerina who simply adores the romance of the past, it's been a total dream hopping on the most elegant train and stepping back into history. I just can't get over how wonderfully exciting this era is. The Victorians knew how to throw a real good time! It's all about fashion, my dear. Fashion, tea, and the most stunning operas. It's like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, but with the added bonus of breathtaking dance performances.
And speaking of dance, dear readers, this week marks a very special moment for the world of ballet. You see, this October 14th was the birth date of the utterly talented Marius Petipa, a legendary figure in ballet, especially for his groundbreaking work in the Romantic era. You all know me and my weakness for romance - so you can imagine I'm all fluttered by this!
Now, while the "tutu" as we know it today - you know, that exquisite fluffy, layered, multi-layered delight - wasn't around in this era, let's not go saying "it wasn't the same", darling.
Imagine it, my dear! The graceful ballerinas of the 1850s - let's not forget their glorious figure-hugging skirts. Now, that is where we can really spot the early evolution of our much-loved tutu. These were skirts that could spin and swish and billow, bringing an entirely new dimension to the stage. Think layers and layers of airy fabrics, maybe even silk!
Think Tchaikovsky and Swan Lake, swoon, you know? Imagine yourself wearing one of these beautifully dramatic, flowy creations - oh, what a scene it would be! And it's these elegant silhouettes and romantic ideas that directly influenced the later developments in ballet costume. Just think how long it takes for new trends to develop - it wasn't until 1871 when we got a hint of the iconic tutu we adore today!
This period also marks a shift in performance style! A much greater emphasis on the ballerina's individual strength and agility, with more emphasis on grace, and elegant fluidity.
And of course, one can't talk about 1850s ballet without a quick gander at the glorious Opera Garnier. It's simply the most beautiful place to watch a show! Even today it brings goosebumps. The stunning decor, the plush seats, the grandeur of it all! And you just have to imagine the awe people would feel witnessing an opera in the early Victorian era. The costumes, the stories, the music! All this excitement, and all for the love of dance!
You're probably wondering, darling, how does this little ballerina get to flit about through history like some magical time machine? Well, don't be alarmed! This time travelling blogger actually relies on the beautiful world of ballet for funding. This lovely lady can charm her way into an incredible number of performances - after all, I've always been known for my charm. Just think how lucky we are to live in an era with a beautiful selection of ballets. I never get tired of seeing classic masterpieces like Swan Lake, Giselle, The Nutcracker - these beautiful and timeless stories continue to capture my heart!
After a performance, there's nothing like a little shopping spree to relax my aching legs and a proper spot of afternoon tea in a wonderfully chic, quintessentially British tea shop. But what would life be without those dreamy Parisian shops? They have some of the most exquisite vintage gowns, darling, the epitome of sophistication! Oh, my dear readers, imagine! And don’t forget those gorgeous ballet slippers! They are simply everything to me, like my bestest friends. And if they ever let me down…I'm completely distraught. I often need at least five pairs when I'm travelling - that’s how important these precious little shoes are to me!
I don’t know what to do with my life but every day feels like a big pink dream. This trip back to the 1850s reminds me why I adore the history of dance. It all started from those flowing skirts - think of it, my darlings - a simple gown paved the way for the magical tutus we wear today!
Stay fabulous, stay fluffy, and keep on twirling, dear readers! I'll see you all next Tuesday for another blast from the past, here on Pink-Tutu.com!
