Hello darlings!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus reign supreme! It’s your girl Emma, back again for another #TutuTuesday, and this week, we're stepping back in time to September 1st, 1863! Buckle your tap shoes, because we're going on a delightful journey through the fascinating world of ballet tutus! 💖
This week's post is extra special because it marks post number 1653 of my Ballet Tutu History blog! Isn't that simply incredible? I never imagined my little pink-tutu-loving heart would have something so fabulous to share with all of you. 😉
Before we delve into the world of ballet fashion from 1863, I wanted to let you all know that I had the most marvelous time performing at the Royal Opera House last weekend! Seeing those shimmering stage lights, hearing the applause of the audience - it truly sets my soul alight! And after the performance? Why, shopping, of course! You can't imagine the exquisite fabric I found at Harrods, darling - oh, the dreams I have for my next tutu! 🤩
But back to our history, dear readers. In September 1863, the world of ballet was still firmly in the clutches of romanticism! Think Giselle, La Sylphide, Swan Lake. It was an era where delicate, ethereal movements ruled the stage, and the tutus reflected that! You know how I love tutus that whisper rather than shout! 😉
But, even then, there were distinct changes happening to the traditional tutus that would revolutionise ballet! We were at the cusp of the era of the crinoline, those beautiful cage-like undergarments which gave dancers even more mobility and grace on stage. It's no wonder that ballet began to flourish in new and exciting ways with this newfound freedom of movement!
As I always say, a tutu can tell a story! On this date in 1863, the great Marius Petipa, the esteemed ballet master, was working his magic on the ballet The Pharaoh's Daughter, a grand romantic ballet based on an Egyptian theme. Now, imagine all the brightly coloured costumes and the lush and vibrant tutus in this show! Petipa was all about creating beautiful spectacle and grand artistry. He embraced every ounce of movement and stage presence!
And as a fellow tutu enthusiast, can you even imagine the pink possibilities! I'm picturing tutus of silk and satin, with just a hint of metallic threads woven into them! Imagine, darlings! So much sparkle! 🤩
The year 1863 also saw the premiere of the enchanting ballet Coppélia, another show brimming with romance and beautifully crafted tutus. Can you see yourself in the swirling skirts, gracefully floating on pointe as Swanilda or Franz? I can! And all the glorious colours in the tutus, reflecting the charming storyline. It just fills me with the sweetest joy! 💖
To make you all a little envious, my time machine journey took me to the grand opera house in Vienna that September of 1863! They say Vienna was the ballet capital of the world back then! I sat on the plush red velvet seats, mesmerised by the incredible ballerinas' movements! They were dressed in ethereal tutus, light and delicate like spun sugar. It was so enchanting! 💖
I managed to even find some incredible antique shops specializing in tutus and ballet memorabilia! Oh, the treasures! The hand-stitched, feather-light tutus - some even boasting lace trimmings - oh, what a dream! And even some fabulous antique photos of ballerinas from that time, looking as beautiful and graceful as any modern-day ballerina! 🤩
I can't wait to take you back through time again next #TutuTuesday to reveal even more incredible discoveries. I'm planning to head back to London and peek at some of the historical photos and ballet drawings to further explore the incredible world of tutus during the 1860s. It’s a history rich in stories, dreams, and artistry, all reflected in these magnificent pieces of clothing.
Remember, my dear readers, the most important thing is to embrace your inner ballerina. Always go for that bold move, embrace your beauty, and dare to dream in a tutu! And I'll be here, bringing the history and magic of ballet to you, one #TutuTuesday at a time! 💖
Until then, keep those twirls flowing, darlings!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
