Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad time-traveller Emma, and welcome to another #TutuTuesday adventure! Today we're whisking ourselves back to the 17th February 1863, and oh, my dears, the world of ballet is just bubbling over with excitement!
Imagine, if you will, a chilly February day in Paris. The cobblestones are glistening with frost, and the scent of freshly baked croissants hangs in the air. You're heading to the Grand Opera House – the very pinnacle of Parisian glamour! – to witness the glittering world of ballet unfold before your eyes. The air crackles with anticipation as you join the throngs of ladies in their extravagant gowns and gentlemen in their dapper suits, all ready to be captivated by the artistry and grace of the ballet.
This very date, dear readers, marked the opening night of “Giselle”, one of the most iconic ballets in history! A romantic masterpiece about a young peasant girl who falls for a handsome nobleman – only to discover a tragic twist that we shall not spoil here! You can imagine, darling, how thrilled I was to attend such a landmark event in the history of ballet!
Now, you're probably wondering: what was the tutus like back in 1863? Well, they weren't quite the magnificent confection we know and love today! These earlier tutus were much simpler affairs, usually fashioned from a single layer of soft fabric. The tutu de panier, meaning "cage tutu," was popular, constructed from hoops to create that billowing, romantic shape, but still not as fluffy as what you would see at a Royal Ballet performance in the future!
But don't be mistaken, my darlings, this lack of extravagance didn't diminish the power of the tutu. Imagine the thrill of those first tutus, swaying gently under the warm lights, a beautiful testament to the dancer's agility and grace, even if it wasn't as dramatic. These were the pioneering tutus, the ones that set the stage for the majestic designs to come!
Now, what better way to celebrate a day like this than to indulge in a touch of ballet-inspired shopping? I just found the most charming silk ribbon in the most delectable shade of rose pink, just the thing to adorn your very own little ballet project – or perhaps a very special birthday present for a lucky someone! I adore finding beautiful things – a real Parisian experience, I can tell you!
You might ask how I can travel to such bygone eras? Well, you see, dear friends, it all comes down to the magical world of ballet. I'm a professional dancer, you see, and my talent brings in enough to finance my adventures through time!
What better way to experience history than to perform for others and then visit the very eras and see for yourself? It's the most magical way to see how tutus and dance have evolved through the ages!
Now, I must confess, dear readers, that I find these early tutus to be rather déjà vu. Isn't that just the best thing to happen to ballet since, well, the creation of the tutu itself? You can still see similar designs, a nod to the origins, in ballet performances all over the world, though now in gloriously embellished, and fluffy forms!
Just like today, the ballet world of 1863 was alive with excitement and intrigue. This little glimpse into the past has inspired me to get out my pink sewing needle and really indulge my passion for tutus! Oh, I do adore the softness, the delicate flutter of the fabric, the sheer romance! And when the spotlight shines on those whirling tutus, well – a shiver of pure magic takes over!
Now, you can always check out www.pink-tutu.com for the most fashionable tutus from any era, but there’s nothing quite like seeing the real thing, especially on such a special anniversary. Oh, it was wonderful to dance under those Paris skies with the spirit of Giselle! You can always look back into the past, darlings, it can inspire and, sometimes, just makes the present look oh so very exciting!
But alas, dear readers, the time machine beckons, calling me to another grand ballet adventure! Stay tuned, my sweet dears, as #TutuTuesday is here to make the history of ballet fun, beautiful and truly divine ! Don't forget to check back next week for another journey into the fascinating world of the ballet!
Yours ever,
Emma
x
P.S. Do you think ballet would be any good if everyone was wearing a tutu? Just saying... maybe we need more pink in the world... 💕💖
