Hello my dearest tutu-loving darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-clad ballerina blogger, ready to take you on another dazzling journey through the history of the ballet tutu!
This week, we're travelling back in time to 14th May 1861, a date brimming with fascinating fashion and exciting events, a time when ballet was truly flourishing!
Now, before we delve into the past, let's chat about my latest ballet adventures! Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of attending a performance of Giselle at the Paris Opera House. The costumes were exquisite - especially Giselle's ethereal white tutu. Such graceful, airy elegance! It really set the mood for the whole performance.
Afterwards, I popped into a darling little boutique in the Marais district, and snagged the most charming pink lace shawl! It’s perfect for a touch of romantic whimsy paired with a twirly tutu.
But enough about my adventures – it’s time to travel back in time, darlings!
14th May 1861 finds us right in the heart of the Victorian era, a period when dance was experiencing a delightful renaissance. Ballet was no longer confined to courtly balls; it was blossoming in theatres and captivating audiences all across Europe.
Let's peek at the fashion scene:
Remember those romantic, voluminous skirts? Those became the inspiration for early tutus. Imagine layers of silk and tulle billowing outwards, creating a cloud of movement for the dancers. Think ballerina's tutus but shorter, almost reaching the knees, like a billowing cloud of femininity!
For men, the "tight" – a pair of skin-tight leggings – became popular, allowing for even more agile leaps and turns.
But here’s a fascinating detail: in the 1860s, skirts became a little shorter - this was revolutionary in this era! Think of how liberated the dancers felt as they were finally free to show off their incredible movements. This little fashion shift made ballet a truly visual delight.
Imagine for a moment:
- Lush velvet curtains framing the stage, lit by flickering gaslight.
- The orchestra playing a lilting waltz, filling the theatre with enchanting melodies.
- Ballerinas gliding across the stage in their frothy tutus, their every movement a breathtaking symphony of grace and skill.
Speaking of ballet's beauty:
- On this day in history (14th May 1861) a captivating performance of "The Sylphide" by August Bournonville graced the Royal Danish Ballet stage in Copenhagen. It’s a piece where a romantic spirit - The Sylphide - helps a young man to escape the clutches of an evil sorceress.
This was a ballet renowned for its poetic choreography, so beautiful, ethereal and graceful. What better time to have visited, then this very day in 1861!
Now, if you think all of this seems far away, a historical fantasy you wish you could be a part of - I’m here to tell you - that dream can come true! My lovely, pink tutus are my passport through time! By performing graceful waltzes in the streets of my local Derbyshire town, I’m able to earn the pennies to fuel my adventures in time! (Although sometimes I confess, my passion for ballet performances, shopping for the latest vintage dresses, and delightful lunches in charming cafes does eat away at my travel fund! 😉 )
My darling readers, my travels remind me that there is magic and wonder to be found in every corner of history. Every time period holds stories waiting to be told - stories of innovation, passion, creativity, and a touch of magic, just like those dazzling tutus that bring the stage to life!
Until next Tuesday, remember to twirl with confidence and embrace your inner ballerina. And don’t forget, the world needs more pink!
Love,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
