Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back for another delightful dose of #TutuTuesday, taking us on a journey through the fascinating world of the tutu's history!
As I mentioned last week, my favourite travel buddy is a time-travelling steam engine, so for this week's adventure, we're taking a hop back to March 17th, 1863! We'll be exploring the world of dance and fashion, just a wee bit before the tutu began to take its true form as we know it. Now, buckle up your bloomers, darlings, and let's get started!
A World of Grace and Flourishes
In 1863, the heart of the ballet world beat strongest in the Parisian theatre. And imagine, just a decade before, ballet skirts were almost ankle length! What a revelation it was when dancers began wearing shorter skirts. Can you imagine trying to perform with layers and layers of fabric? Honestly, it makes me wonder how they managed!
But, in 1863, the evolution was still ongoing. It was a time when ballerinas, adorned in long flowing tutus made of layers of gauze and tulle, began to move with an air of such exquisite elegance! Can you picture it, darlings? Picture swirls of pink and cream, flitting and twirling under the warm glow of the theatre lights! Imagine, for a moment, the exquisite gowns adorned with ruffles, lace, and silk, the grandeur of elaborate hairstyles adorned with flowers and jewels.
A Visit to La Scala
For this trip, my trusty train carriage took me straight to the heart of Italy. Milan, the fashion capital of the day, was practically brimming with artistic creativity. As I ventured into the Teatro alla Scala, one of the grandest opera houses of its time, I felt the buzz of excitement as people made their way into the venue. You can imagine the exquisite scent of perfumed ladies as they sashayed down the plush, velvet-carpeted corridors, their laughter and conversation mingling with the beautiful sound of the opera orchestra warming up.
La Scala, as they call it, is a symphony of artistry, and just like it is today, it’s one of the places where the world’s finest artists, actors, and, of course, ballet dancers converge! This evening, I took in a show that made my heart soar.
It's fascinating to note that, while we may not have the structured tutu form yet, ballet movements during this era, with their exquisite extensions and fluid grace, laid the groundwork for the leaps and bounds that became synonymous with future ballet movements! It's all connected, my lovelies, like the shimmering threads of a gorgeous piece of lace.
The Charm of the "Crinoline" Era
Our lovely trip down memory lane brings us to a time known as the Crinoline era. What a delight it is to picture these massive hoops underneath these frocks, creating the illusion of fullness and grace, adding a delicate feminine charm. This era's fashion, particularly the graceful "Crinolines" in my favourite shade of pink, perfectly echoed the grace and elegance of the dancers onstage. Oh, the magic of how fashion and art influence each other!
I couldn’t leave the La Scala without a visit to the Milanese fashion houses, now known as the Via della Spiga. There, among the exquisitely draped and flowing gowns, a young woman was trying on a crinoline with an enthusiastic little terrier by her side. This was a time when everyone, from little girls in frocks with ribbons to gentlemen with top hats, exuded an undeniable charm. It really was the golden age for the tutu's beginnings! You just had to be there, darlings, to witness it in all its glory.
The Power of Pink
You see, it’s more than just a ballet story, darlings. It's a journey of human artistry, a dance through time, and an ode to all that is beautiful and graceful. The tutu, my dear friends, represents this elegant dance, and in my book, the power of the tutu comes from its beautiful color palette, which in 1863 meant soft whites, creams, and rose hues that whispered the language of ethereal grace. Pink has always held such an air of whimsy and sophistication, don't you think, darlings?
A Reminder
In 1863, women had less opportunities, they couldn’t wear whatever they wanted, but on this day and every day, remember to embrace what makes you feel beautiful. Be it a delicate frock, a playful hat, a pair of graceful ballerina shoes, or, of course, a vibrant pink tutu. Let’s celebrate this period for its artistic expression, its graceful movement, and its enchanting sense of style.
Until next week, darling readers, keep swirling, twirling, and radiating beauty with every step!
And don’t forget, my lovelies, every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday. We'll be revisiting another magical era in our beloved tutu history on the next post on www.pink-tutu.com.
Until then, wear your pink tutu with pride, and embrace the power of graceful fashion!
With Love,
Emma
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