Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your pink tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed time traveler! It's #TutuTuesday, and today we're venturing back in time to the fabulous 1862, specifically the 5th of August, for a little history lesson with a tutu twist!
Now, you may think of the 1860s as all frills and crinoline, but I'm here to tell you, darling, the world of ballet was experiencing a revolution! A revolutionary change that would forever alter the silhouette of the dancer and, dare I say, pave the way for the modern tutu we all know and adore!
It was on this very date, dear readers, that Marius Petipa, the man behind the most celebrated ballets like "Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake," debuted his new, groundbreaking work "Le Corsaire" at the Imperial Theatres in Saint Petersburg.
Why is this so important for our tutu story? Because "Le Corsaire," a dazzling pirate-themed extravaganza, gave rise to a new type of tutu that was a revelation in its lightness and elegance. You see, the old romantic tutus were often rather weighty, restrictive, and not very practical for jumping and pirouettes, something I'm sure even a less accomplished ballerina than myself can appreciate!
The new tutu, named "Le Corsaire" tutu, was a departure from the past. It was constructed from several layers of lightweight tulle, a fabric that allowed for much greater movement and grace. This innovation was instrumental in shifting the ballet scene from a realm of grand, elaborate gestures towards one of lightness, fluidity, and athleticism! Imagine, the tutus allowed dancers to literally fly across the stage. Oh, how I long to try one on!
Petipa wasn't alone in his artistic mission to re-shape ballet's form. He collaborated with the famous dancer, Jules Perrot, another influential figure who championed the "Le Corsaire" tutu for its elegance and grace. Imagine the dynamic duo! This pair was truly an example of creative collaboration that still inspires choreographers and dancers today.
I know, I know, you must be thinking “what did this look like, darling?” Don’t fret, I'm just as curious! Well, pictures from this period reveal that "Le Corsaire" tutu was quite short, with tiers of tulle gathered in a cluster at the front, leaving much of the legs visible and offering the dancer a fluid range of motion! Much like our tutus today, just with an extra touch of historical romance, darling!
I am, of course, obsessed with tutus. There is nothing in the world that compares with that exquisite feel of tulle, light and flowing around your body as you dance! It’s an experience like no other. So, in honour of "Le Corsaire," and its pivotal moment in tutu history, I'll be gracing my dear London streets today with a touch of the 1860s – a fluffy, pink tutu, naturally!
It wouldn't be a proper #TutuTuesday without a little fashion tip! If you want to bring a touch of “Le Corsaire” to your wardrobe, embrace layered fabrics, especially tulles, and a touch of playful whimsy. Pair a pink tulle skirt with a crisp, white blouse for a touch of historical charm, and of course, don't forget those beautiful ballerina shoes, you lovely things!
Until next week's #TutuTuesday, darlings, stay fabulous! I'll be at the Royal Opera House, taking in a ballet performance, and you can be sure that I’ll be shopping for a new, dreamy pink tutu! Keep that pink-tutu passion burning bright!
P.S. If you are also an ardent ballerina, I recommend "Le Corsaire". You can catch this ballet production at most big-name theatre companies in Europe and America. Don’t be afraid to try something different! As we have seen, innovation is a cornerstone of ballet, and even in 1862, artists were boldly forging new paths. It’s something we can all learn from, and embrace in our everyday lives!
Emma xx
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