Greetings, darling tutu lovers! Welcome back to my weekly #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! It’s me, Emma, your very own time-travelling pink tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you off on another exciting journey through the enchanting world of dance and fashion.
This week we're jetting back to 26th April 1859 – what a delightful date to be visiting, don't you think? Oh my, the excitement! This is such an important year for the evolution of our beloved tutu – can you believe it’s the very same year that Marius Petipa (who, you know, is pretty much a ballet superstar!) started choreographing the famous La Bayadère? Imagine! That gorgeous costume, all shimmering with white tulle! Oh là là, just thinking about it is enough to set my imagination alight.
And you know what else is going on today in the world? That divine little thing Marie Taglioni, she's giving a stunning performance at the Grand Theatre in Moscow! Just imagine her in her flowing tulle, effortlessly gliding across the stage – it must be pure magic!
Speaking of Moscow, that city is just brimming with sartorial delight at this time! I bet I could find the most amazing fashion stores brimming with gorgeous silks and velvets - perfect for embellishing our tutu designs. Honestly, darling, there’s something utterly enchanting about 19th-century Russian style, and I simply have to imagine the fabulous shops bursting with beautiful tulle, laces, ribbons and trimmings, just calling out for my imagination to run wild. I can see myself getting swept away by it all - what a joy!
You know, my little darlings, the most interesting thing about the tutus of this era is their connection to the *romantic era in ballet. We're talking ethereal grace, delicate movements, and an emphasis on beauty. I'm talking *floating, swirling, and exquisite tulle that seems to practically melt around the dancers' bodies - a perfect reflection of their lightness and elegance. The romantic ballet tutus weren’t so short, though - the design was to flow, reaching down to the calves, adding that element of swirling magic. And you know what? I just adore that romantic silhouette! Isn't it just dreamy?
And for me? I'm absolutely in love with the way tulle captures the light - its shimmering softness truly illuminates every move and creates such a whimsical beauty. And that exquisite colour! Don't even get me started! Just think, this is a time of exquisite pastels – I imagine pale pinks, the softest lilac shades, perhaps a whisper of celadon green – oh, it's truly enchanting! I just know I'd look utterly delightful twirling around in one of those! Imagine! A soft, delicate blush with a few embellishments around the waist. Ah, pure fashion heaven! And to add a touch of dramatic je ne sais quoi? Let's add a bejewelled bodice, perhaps an intricately beaded design, to really turn up the oomph factor.
Oh, and can we talk about the magic of train travel? To travel around at this time and discover new ballets and styles and fashion is simply divine! You know, there's just something special about watching the landscape sweep by, and feeling that sense of freedom, and dreaming about where your tutu will take you next.
Speaking of the future, my darlings, I’m absolutely thrilled to be heading to the stunning ballet performance tonight at the Royal Opera House! I've heard that the costume designs are positively divine. Oh, I’ve got my most spectacular pink tutu at the ready for this magical evening!
I simply must share the magic of this amazing period with you all! So next week, let’s venture even further into 1859 to discover what more delights are hidden within this magnificent decade.
Do let me know your thoughts on the ballet tutus of 1859. Do you love romantic ballet? *And if you are so inclined, *don't be shy about sharing photos of your favourite tutus or even better - your most glamorous pink tutu! ** It’s a time for all things pink, pretty and twirly!
Don’t forget, you can join my little community over on my www.pink-tutu.com website for regular posts from my adventures in the world of ballet! And don’t forget, my darlings, #TutuTuesday awaits!
Love,
Emma
P.S A huge, warm thank you to the wonderful Royal Opera House, who kindly sponsored my travels today! The generous support they have given me, a time-traveling ballerina, makes it all the more possible for me to bring these stories and this magnificent history to you all! It means the absolute world! 💖
