Hello darlings! Emma here, back from another adventure through time for your weekly dose of #TutuTuesday, and today, we're travelling to a very important date in the history of the ballet world! Get ready to twirl, because we're going to 10th November, 1863 - a date that marks a spectacular moment in our favourite pastime.
Where did we travel to? This week, I hopped onto a grand railway carriage and found myself whisked away to Vienna, Austria, the heart of the ballet world at this time. And what a vibrant and bustling city it was!
What's on Today? It's the day of the much-anticipated premiere of a new ballet, "Die Puppenfee" (The Doll Fairy) by the wonderful Joseph Bayer. Now, "Die Puppenfee" wasn't just any ballet. This was the first time we saw something revolutionary – something called the "tutu." Imagine a full-length skirt of billowing white, catching the light like snowflakes dancing in the air. Isn’t that absolutely divine?
But you know, tutus have always held a special place in my heart.
A Little Bit About Tutued History So let's chat about our tutu darlings - where they came from, their rise to fame, and what makes them so special! Back in the 18th century, ballet dancers sported more modest, very long, flowing dresses. Can you imagine dancing in those? Talk about a trip hazard! Shudders. Thankfully, around the 1830s, a more practical outfit emerged: the Romantic tutu. This was slightly shorter - imagine a demi circle reaching to just below the knee - and often accompanied by flowing, billowing layers. The silhouette is definitely softer, representing a sense of freedom and airy grace - absolutely divine, my dears.
Now, as you might guess, my favourite tutu of them all is the "Classical Tutu" - those super short, bouncy skirts made with layers and layers of tulle that we adore seeing on stage. And who do we thank for this? That's where the real fun begins!
*Who Do We Thank for the "Classical" Tutu? * Here's the thing: this "Classical Tutu" that makes my heart flutter came about a bit later - drumroll please around the late 19th century, a decade after "Die Puppenfee"! A new wave of ballet style embraced movement and athleticism, and a little more skin showing meant so much more freedom on stage! You see, these shorter tutus enabled the dancers to execute more stunning leaps, twirls and movements - the choreography just came alive with such freedom! It just showcases the beauty of the human body in movement!
Why We Should Wear Them Everyday So, darlings, do you think our journey today has made you fall in love with the tutu a little bit more? Because here’s what I love the most about it: the tutu stands for more than just a fashionable statement - it stands for liberation! A free-spirited flow that encourages expression, elegance, and an absolute sense of joyous movement! Now, isn't that something we could all embrace?
I love my everyday pink tutus, of course - naturally - and the feeling they give me. I even go for everyday tutus that sparkle! (Why not add a touch of magic to every step you take?)
More Tutu Tuesday Fun?
That's all for today, my darlings! But I can't let you go without sharing a little something special: this weekend, you know what to do!
If you're feeling bold (and why not be?) grab your pinkest tulle skirt, spin and embrace that playful freedom. I'm going to experiment and design a "Die Puppenfee" inspired pink tutu this week and see what I can create!
Until next Tuesday! Remember, it's never too late to #EmbraceYourInnerBallerina, even in Derbyshire. And don't forget: pink tutus always win!
Emma, 💖💖💖 www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Let's talk fashion: I just love how this era saw such vibrant colours in clothing, with rich fabrics, satins, and even silk for everyday wear. A true contrast to the often gloomy Victorian fashions of my own time. * I’ve just ordered an outfit for next week, a long pink silk gown with a pink velvet sash. What do you think, dear readers? Is a little bit of Victorian mixed with a touch of ballet fashion my thing? I must say I feel quite *elegant in this new look and can’t wait for the train journey!
P.P.S I’ve got tickets to a ballet in Covent Garden next weekend – a lovely Victorian era ballet with lovely white satin skirts. Can’t wait to twirl to some grand waltzes! Do come along and leave your fashion musings here below - we’ll all enjoy hearing what’s fashionable and what sparkles your creative souls, my darlings!
