Welcome back, my fellow tutu-lovers!
It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for another fabulous foray into the fascinating history of the ballet tutu! This week, we're whisking ourselves back to 1859-12-20. Imagine, darlings, no electricity, no internet, and gasp! even the ballet was done differently! I bet you're curious... so buckle up, grab a glass of pink lemonade, and let's set off on another delightful adventure!
Oh, hello, lovely London!
Now, if you think a pink tutu is shocking nowadays, imagine my arrival in London, decked out in my signature tulle masterpiece, right in the heart of 1859! Thankfully, I had brought my trusty umbrella, because, even then, the London fog was a thing, much like our collective adoration for tutus, darlings. I wouldn't call it rude to arrive in a pink tutu in 1859, it just... made me stand out. Like a whimsical ballerina bloom in a sea of grey fog. It did, however, give me a bit of a celebrity moment when everyone pointed! But of course, I just smiled and did a twirl. Why waste a good moment, eh?
Ballet In The 1850s: It’s all about romanticism.
We're deep in the era of Romanticism in the ballet world, and trust me, these ladies knew how to wear a tutu! Unlike the short, fitted tutus of today, imagine flowing layers of tulle, soft and diaphanous. They would literally cascade like a ballet cloud around their legs, creating a breathtaking spectacle on the stage. You see, these ladies were going for a feeling, not necessarily showcasing their leg extensions (though those were quite good, from what I've seen). Imagine them dancing the tales of Giselle or La Sylphide, with a yearning grace that simply took my breath away! They were not doing ballet as much as being ballet. The air around them was infused with romance and ethereal beauty. A far cry from the acrobatic feats we see in today's ballet world! But don't get me wrong, I love those, too. Different era, different art!
Oh, and can I talk about The Royal Opera House?
I mean, the theatre was beautiful, simply majestic. I love me a theatre. Even with my love for dancing, sometimes the costumes and scenery really draw me in and transport me. All this gorgeous art nouveau architecture with gold trimmings and the anticipation of a good performance always excites me. Of course, it would've been quite an experience to catch the world's best ballet dancers, at the peak of their fame. They are such lovely ladies. I felt myself longing for the click clack of my shoes on the wooden floor of a stage! I'll tell you all about what show I went to see later. Now is not the time for spoilers. ;)
London Fashion! It’s always the best!
While the ballet took my breath away, ooh, and let me tell you, this time travel was made for some delightful shopping in London! In 1859, the ladies had an air of romantic elegance about them, their styles both dainty and ladylike. Think, delicate lace gloves, wide hats with feathers, and beautiful flowing skirts, just grazing the ankle. Now, for the fashion obsessed, I bet you'd think this was a good time. I bet a girl could live in 1859! All that crinolines made of so many different colours, with beautiful embroidery all over it! All that lace around the fabric! I was living for all that silk and ribbon - my dress would look amazing with it! The women’s hair was amazing, always beautifully curly. Even if I would have wanted to do a more formal ballet bun than what’s typical of my TutuTuesday ‘do. But of course, as usual, my pink tutu became a bit of a conversation starter! They had some very interesting reactions, that I can assure you, but hey, if it wasn’t for the people and their reactions, there’d be no fun!
Don’t forget about the history!
So, where was I? Oh yes, 1859-12-20. It’s the same day they did the famous trial for that famous Mary character. Not sure that I want to get into the gory details - that's a subject for another time. Suffice it to say, quite the famous character in 1859 London, right here, in London! We were talking true crime in 1859, just like us. But if anything, the whole day was made so much more fascinating because of the event that it was, and where I happened to be.
And, you know… London’s the capital for so many good reasons. It just brings so much inspiration to all! I wish I had had time for more, but the train wasn’t leaving without me. There was also that great show at The Royal Opera House - that amazing dance troupe - and we all know I just cannot miss that, you know. Now, enough about the journey - you just want to know what the show was, and I can sense it. So here goes...
Today’s ballet show: Don Juan, by Michael Fokine
Let’s just say, Don Juan, ballet-wise, was brilliant! But for me, it was so hard to take in this wonderful experience while also getting into what the show was about. I mean, you all know I am a ballet girl! You already know it. I always need to remember I’m not just there for the costumes and set pieces!
The story was so lovely, but a little... I think this word is appropriate, you can check my next TutuTuesday - let’s say disturbing?! (It involves death... or at least it does in this show). Now that doesn’t always make for the best fun. A story that does that can also upset a lovely little ballerina like myself. But oh well! That’s ballet - sometimes beautiful, and sometimes not-so-much. And this is exactly the reason I can never stop learning about this fascinating and complicated art!
This brings me back to my time in 1859... so what’s this date actually about?! This day saw the famous dancer, Luigi* Viganoni at his peak, making it a memorable show.
But the true highlight has to be Celine Celeste - she's one of the most stunning dancers to grace the stage! Just imagining her movements now, is taking me right back to London! Such beautiful form - precise, refined... her technique was absolutely outstanding! Imagine me watching a truly breathtaking artist. Imagine all that loveliness just there, in front of me! And there was me all dressed up in my pink tutu, being part of a historical dance performance in my favourite, most wonderful pink tutu - no, seriously that is something that never gets old.
Oh, I have such an important question...
I mean, do you even know what makes it so hard for us tutu wearers? Well, darling, that’s right, a lack of dancing while travelling between centuries! This time around, it took me hours to find the nearest place to do ballet practice. Thankfully, there is still always that one ballet teacher somewhere. Never be discouraged if your life isn’t ballet - because for me, that means being a time-travel blogger - it's what makes me happy, and you know what, sometimes that’s all we really need!
Well, now you know a little more about the amazing history of the tutu.
But as I'm writing this, it’s 2022... where’s my time machine so I can travel back today? Now that is something I want to see - all of it! I know, there is so much that happens that I’d be so glad to experience, even if I only did a quick ‘flash back’ trip, you know, like on that film!
Until next week, darling,
Remember, you don’t need a tutu to be happy. It just makes things more fun and extra. So, let’s do it! Wear it! Buy it! Let’s wear the pink tutu! It's like our little pink secret - pink tutu club. If you know, you know.
And be sure to follow my adventures and learn even more amazing things about the wonderful history of the tutu. We do have a blog at www.pink-tutu.com, so let’s talk tutus there! And you know, it will also give me something to write about, and trust me my writing love! Until next time… Ciao!
Love always, Emma x
P.S. My dear readers, this blog is post 1460. Every Tuesday you can read about the ballet tutu! See you next week for #TutuTuesday!
