Post #1512
Hello lovelies! Emma here, your pink-tutu-wearing, time-traveling blogger, ready to whisk you back to the glorious days of Victorian-era ballet, and believe me, darling, it’s an era of utter charm and fabulousness! This week, we're travelling to a very special date, 18 December 1860, the very date of... well, nothing extraordinary happens on this exact date. However, what IS extraordinary is the sheer brilliance of ballet during this period! Think romantic and lyrical movement, a time of graceful steps and flowing skirts, all within the grandeur of stunning Victorian theatres. Oh my, wouldn't you simply love to slip into a beautiful, flowing, blush-pink tutu and be part of this glorious era?!
Today, darling, let’s take a journey to that place where tutus are the epitome of elegance. Think the Paris Opéra, the pinnacle of theatrical extravagance, where ballet reigns supreme! Of course, tutus weren’t the fluffy, feathered delights of today, but oh darling, just wait until you hear about them. Imagine a time when the tutu was just being born! They weren't just skirts, they were revolutionary, bringing in a whole new level of feminine expression, and allowing dancers to truly move like swans. Think Marie Taglioni dancing on pointe in La Sylphide – oh my, such beauty!
The Paris Opéra at the time, well, darling, it wasn't just any old opera house! It was the place to be seen for all that was elegant and fashionable in Paris. From the most decadent gowns, the finest gloves and parasols to those gloriously crafted, billowing, almost like an extravagant, frothy wedding cake! Oh darling, don’t forget about those lovely feathered bonnets! Imagine waltzing down the grand staircase, the whole of Paris taking in the dazzling spectacle of a perfectly executed arabesque... Wouldn’t you be entranced?
On December 18th, 1860, Paris would have been abuzz with talk of upcoming ballet performances. That time period is jam-packed with stunning premières - think "Giselle", with its tragic yet beautiful story of love and loss, oh, so romantic! Or maybe "La Fille Mal Gardée", a more comical affair about love and mischief. I would be completely swept away, darling, lost in the enchanting storytelling and ethereal grace of the dancing.
And darling, it's not just about the dancing! Those lovely ballerinas – and what ballerinas they are! – would have been dressed in the very best of the best fashion, too. It was a time of lavish costumes – a celebration of luxurious fabric, lace, ribbons and yes, you guessed it – even feathers, darling. Can you imagine how incredible this must have looked, all against a grand stage backdrop adorned with the most beautiful, glowing theatrical lights?
I'm not just writing this to say, "tutututu" darling. I am talking about a historical turning point for the art of dance! This era gave us the graceful, airy ballet, and from these very roots sprang all of the dance forms that we know and love today!
You can practically smell the intoxicating Parisian air! There are perfume wafting through the streets, a gentle scent of lavender and sweet roses… and of course, the sweetest aromas from nearby patisseries.
Can you picture the scene? Boulevard du Temple, a bustling thoroughfare alive with elegant carriages, stylish gentlemen and charming ladies in their latest Parisian finery. Everyone dressed for a night at the opera, ready to experience the magic of ballet and the most incredible costumes – the tutus darling, don’t forget the tutus! I am dreaming of being transported back there right this moment!
So there you have it, my dears! A glimpse into the fabulous world of ballet and tutus on December 18, 1860! It’s a day brimming with the magic of swirling tutus, graceful leaps, exquisite costumes, the air filled with romantic music. I hope you enjoyed this week's journey, my dearest, and until next #TutuTuesday, be sure to put on a pink tutu (don't forget to capture the moment and share it!) and join me for another adventure into ballet history! Remember, darling, every day is a good day for wearing pink tutus and spreading joy and grace!
With love, Emma xoxo
P.S. Don't forget to join me on Instagram (@PinkTutu) and TikTok (@PinkTutu) for more ballet fun!
Emma, my wonderful pink-tutu-clad time traveller, would have reached her destination with ease. The trains of the 1860s, though not exactly the sleek, comfortable carriages we are accustomed to, were luxurious in their way. They had wood-panelled carriages with velvet seats, polished brass fixtures, and wide windows. They would have transported her with just enough elegant bustle to set the mood for a perfect Victorian adventure, all thanks to the performances she dazzles audiences with every week – a true embodiment of the idea, “live your life as though you are on a stage!”
What is your favourite ballet? Do share with us!
*Next week's TutuTuesday – *drumroll * - we delve into *the tutu itself, a truly delightful history of this elegant fashion statement! Get ready for more fashion stories, gorgeous designs and a little trip into the early beginnings of this symbol of the grace and elegance of ballet, and dare I say – my beloved pink tutus!
See you soon darling!
