Welcome back, lovelies, to another edition of your favourite #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog post, here on pink-tutu.com! This is Emma, your time-traveling tutu enthusiast, coming to you live, or should I say, time-traveling live from… wait for it… Paris, darling! Oh, how I adore this city!
Today we're going back in time, to 6th September, 1859, to delve into the glorious, swirling world of ballet, and the tutus that adorned its stars. We're talking Victorian era chic, folks! And I tell you, these ballerinas sure knew how to rock a tulle!
So, imagine if you will, dear readers: cobblestone streets, the scent of freshly baked croissants, the echoing of carriage wheels on the boulevards, and inside, the Grand Opera House - a dazzling temple dedicated to the artistry of dance.
But before we step into the gilded auditorium, let's talk fashion! Now, remember, this is 1859, the era of crinolines, bustles, and oh so much lace! For our ladies of the stage, tutus were more than just clothing; they were an extension of their graceful movements, a swirling explosion of femininity and artistry. The key was to be whimsical and flowing, a gentle cascade of tulle that captured the essence of dance.
You might be wondering what kind of tutus were favoured then? Well, the Romantic period was in full swing. Long tutus with layers upon layers of tulle and tulle-and-silk combinations were the name of the game! They could sometimes go right down to their toes, creating a captivating visual, almost like a fairytale! Just think of those graceful pirouettes, swirling skirts catching the stage lights like shimmering moonlight. Pure enchantment, isn't it?
And now, my lovelies, let’s make our grand entrance to the Grand Opera House! Today, on September 6th, 1859, the very famous La Sylphide ballet is being performed, a romantic masterpiece by the renowned composer and choreographer, Jean-Coralli! I've seen it several times, and the tutus are just stunning! Imagine soft pastel hues, delicate lace trimmings, and that breathtaking ethereal feeling... It’s almost as if the ballerinas are being swept off their feet by the very wind of fate.
As we delve further into this time period, it's fascinating to think how these very designs paved the way for the tutus we know and love today. While our tutus are now much shorter and tighter for those breathtaking high kicks and dynamic leaps, we can see that beautiful legacy - that emphasis on swirling femininity, a visual delight. And that is what makes #TutuTuesday so magical: each week we trace the fascinating evolution of this dancewear, a piece of fabric that carries so much history, so much artistic expression, so much sparkle.
But don't just read about it, my dear readers! Go out and experience it for yourselves. Visit a ballet performance, join a ballet class, or even try a ballet-themed movie. Remember, dear readers, ballet is for everyone, of all shapes, sizes and styles.
Of course, none of this amazing travel and adventure would be possible without my amazing dancing career. Last night, I dazzled the audience at the beautiful Sadler's Wells Theatre in London with a beautiful performance of Giselle. They even threw a little money for me as a donation at the end! And today I'm off to a ballet competition in France, so I better pack my biggest, pinkest, twirliest tutu for the occasion!
Now, tell me, darlings, what's YOUR favourite ballet? What's the most beautiful tutu YOU've ever seen? Do you have a pink tutu waiting in your closet, just begging for a dance? Let's keep the tutu conversation going!
Stay stylish and keep on twirling,
Emma
#TutuTuesday #BalletTutuHistory #1445 #PinkTutu #Travel #Fashion #Paris
P.S.: Don't forget to visit pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for another dose of #TutuTuesday! I promise to keep those tutus swirling and those imaginations flowing.
*P.P.S.: My little *pink birdie told me there's a new ballet studio opening up in London, just a hop and a skip from Buckingham Palace! Could it be true? Stay tuned for my upcoming blog posts for a spoiler alert! 😉 **
