Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu enthusiast, back for another Tuesday adventure through ballet history. Buckle up your pointe shoes, because this week we're hopping on the train to… 1860! Can you believe it? We’re going waaaay back, my lovelies, to a time when tutus were still finding their feet (pun intended, of course!).
Before we start, just a little update. It’s been an absolute whirlwind, my dears! Last week I performed in the most delightful production of "Swan Lake" in Vienna, and I managed to squeeze in some truly spectacular shopping afterwards, acquiring some divine vintage jewellery and a few gorgeous gowns – the colour palette was positively intoxicating. Speaking of colour, I was just thinking how much I love the way that pink complements my tutu!
Anyway, back to our historical escapade. 1860. Think elaborate ball gowns, high-society soirées, and… well, tutus are just starting to gain their iconic status in the ballet world. Can you imagine a world without a twirlable tulle delight? The horror!
Today, I'm visiting Paris, the hub of all things elegant, where ballet reigns supreme. But as I wander the bustling streets, I’m amazed by how different the tutus are! They’re much more grounded, you see, a world away from the graceful poufs and flowing lines of modern tutus. We’re talking romantic, full skirts, lots of ruffles, and lots of layers – imagine a beautiful cloud of fabric! They might be longer, they might not be as bouncy, but these tutus have a kind of classic, timeless elegance that makes them endlessly fascinating. They’re all about graceful lines, rather than soaring heights.
Just picture it: the ladies are wearing crinoline (yes, you heard that right – it's the grand, all-encompassing skirt!), and their tutus just whisper and rustle around their ankles, lending a touch of ethereal grace. Now imagine them swirling across the stage! It’s all very "Sleeping Beauty" and châteaue romance, isn’t it?
Speaking of Sleeping Beauty, this is where our little foray into the ballet archives gets extra exciting! This very date in history, the 17th of April, 1860, marks the world premiere of Tchaikovsky's 'Sleeping Beauty'! Yes, you heard correctly, the ballet we know and love, that's a constant source of beautiful tutus and fantastic dance sequences – the one we'll still be twirling to for years to come! I mean, just try not to twirl while hearing Tchaikovsky's music, it's virtually impossible!
You can just imagine, all of the Parisien dancers in those fabulous, long tutus taking their first bows, all excited, filled with such enthusiasm. How I long to travel back in time, take a seat in the audience and witness that special night!
Of course, those days saw some strictly enforced traditions, where even the shape of the tutu, with all of those layers, played an important part. Think: rigid, restrictive fabrics that didn't exactly inspire a dance leap! We're talking quite a contrast from today, when you can leap high into the air without fear of getting caught on a pile of tulle!
And oh, darling! Those dancers were some real professionals back in the day! Their physical training would be… let's say intense. Can you imagine rehearsing all those lifts and turns? With the long, heavier skirts and lack of that airy "bouncy" effect… wow, talk about a dedicated art form!
You know what else I find incredibly fascinating about this era? It's the fact that dance wasn't always considered "a serious art" for ladies! In the Victorian age, the perfect woman had to be modest, quiet, and refined, which wasn't exactly conducive to performing on stage. Imagine having to choose between ballet and becoming a "proper" lady! But those dancers persevered! They found a way to express their passions, break those old-fashioned notions and share their beauty with the world!
And look, my darlings, they not only achieved this, but they paved the way for all of us to enjoy ballet's magical world, its dazzling outfits, and captivating performances, and for us all to dream in pink, especially those fabulous tulle concoctions! You just know those dancers influenced every ballerina since, right?
In the future, when we move on to the evolution of the tutu in the late 19th and 20th centuries, we’re going to dive into more revolutionary* fashion moments like those fabulous tutus with *layers of netting (oh how we'll go into raptures!), as well as the arrival of *longer * tutus, and even those wonderful *Romantic *skirts that just *swirl*! (Just thinking about those twirls is making me blush).
Well, that's it for this week, my darlings! It's time for me to return to the present and prepare for my next exciting adventure! Remember to visit our shop and check out our lovely range of tutus in every shade of pink imaginable - there is something for everyone.
Now, why don't you all try slipping on a fabulous tutu today? Maybe a pink one, to really show off that extra oomph, if you're feeling especially sassy, darling. And remember, I want to see all your #TutuTuesday pictures!
Keep your eyes peeled, because next week we'll be waltzing into an entirely new era of tutu fashion and dancing! See you then!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma
(Wearing my divine pink tutu)
www.pink-tutu.com
*(This week's outfit inspiration: An elegant pink, full-skirted tutu, with ruffles galore. And to keep things a little vintage, why not wear a pair of Victorian-inspired lace gloves and an opulent brooch?) *
