Greetings, dear fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's your favourite Derbyshire lass, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday post, bursting with a vibrant dose of ballet history.
This week, we're twirling our way back to 17th December, 1861, a time when the tutu was becoming ever more popular, adorning the slender limbs of ballerinas as they leapt across the stages of grand opera houses and Parisian salons.
Today, my darling pink tutu is particularly excited to be stepping into a time where ballet wasn't just a performance - it was an exciting, almost magical event that stirred the heart of society. My pink tutu feels utterly at home in this time of romanticism and beauty!
Before I transport you all back to this grand historical setting, let me confess - I found a way to make a little extra money to fund my time travels! You might know my passion for theatre is as fierce as my love for pink. Well, this week, I was lucky enough to perform in a little ballet at the grandest opera house in Vienna.
It was thrilling, dear friends! The lights, the music, the sense of awe in the audience – a complete fairytale come to life. And let me tell you, they cheered for my pirouettes! I wore a tutu with layers and layers of soft tulle – it made me feel like I was dancing on air! I could barely contain my glee.
Now, let’s dive back to 1861… I can already see a beautiful ballet being performed in an opulent theatre! The women in the audience are adorned with fine gowns, their necks decked with elaborate necklaces, while their dainty parasols flutter as they arrive at the grand theatre.
Speaking of grand theatres, we need to talk about the biggest stars of this era: The ballerinas themselves! Remember those graceful, long lines of classic ballet? You have to thank Marie Taglioni for them! This phenomenal woman - a real icon of the dance world - practically redefined ballet in the 1830s with her pioneering use of pointe shoes.
It's funny to think how these tiny, perfectly pointed shoes were the revolutionary game-changer of the time. It was through her work, with her incredible elegance, poise, and lightness, that the romantic tutu became popular. We can’t forget Marie's contribution to this glorious style – she practically invented it!
But back to December 17th, 1861. The big news that day was, drumroll, please… The Queen of Italy, The Queen of Portugal, and The Empress of France all had their birthday this day. Talk about star power!
You see, even royalty loved ballet. How chic were these women for loving a pastime that promoted beauty, poise, grace, and artistry? What a perfect example to set for the world!
While I am enjoying my time-travelling adventures, the biggest joy for me comes from the excitement of bringing all things pink tutu to life for you, my lovely readers! Whether it's reminiscing over historical tutu moments, creating a new ballet fashion trend, or just sharing the excitement of the wonderful world of ballet, remember that the essence of a pink tutu lies in the confidence and joy it brings. And so, I urge you: wear your tutus with pride, whether it’s a delicate confection of tulle or a more modern twist, because you deserve to be as radiant and joyous as the ballerinas on the grandest stages.
Until next Tuesday, dear readers, may your week be as bright and charming as a new pink tutu.
Yours always in dance,
Emma
P.S. I found a most charming hat shop in Paris, dear readers, selling hats trimmed with the finest tulle. It’s practically begging to be featured on a ballerina, don’t you think? I’m sure the Parisian dancers would have loved them. Maybe I’ll try and bring one home as a treat for a future #TutuTuesday… Keep your eyes peeled!
