Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-traveler, bringing you the latest scoop on all things tutu from across the ages! Today, we’re taking a train ride back to December 1st, 1863.
Hold onto your tiaras, darlings, because this is going to be a thrilling ride!
Now, let’s get straight to the point – what’s a ballerina to wear?
We’re in the golden age of ballet, my dears! Romantic ballets are all the rage, and we’re seeing stunning creations from Marius Petipa. Imagine the sheer beauty of graceful leaps, delicate extensions, and graceful, almost ethereal movement – that's the romantic ballet! But what does this have to do with the tutu?
Well, 1863 marked a significant change in the design of tutus. The romantic period, with its emphasis on delicate and flowing movements, gave way to the more technically demanding techniques that were the hallmark of the classical period. The long, bell-shaped "romantic tutu," which flowed so beautifully to the floor, was replaced by the *shorter, multi-layered "classical tutu". * The layers of tulle gave the dancer greater freedom of movement and provided a beautiful, swirling silhouette. Imagine the breathtakingly swift turns, high leaps, and exquisite extensions!
The tutu was revolutionized in 1845 when Marie Taglioni wore a very short, multi-layered tutu, designed by the legendary Marie Rose and Charles Worth, which we would call The Classical Tutu or The "Worth Tutu" – revolutionary, I tell you, absolutely revolutionary!
But imagine the scandal, the uproar, when Madame Taglioni dared to dare to show off so much leg, dear readers!
But Marie Taglioni, a visionary! Such grace, such daring, and such an influencer on ballet dance!* She changed ballet history. And her little, shorter classical tutu had all of Paris in an uproar – but in the best way, of course! She changed forever the design of the tutu and paved the way for the more modern ballet and even ballet’s more athletic, yet graceful and elegant styles that came later.
Today, the shorter, multi-layered classical tutu is the undisputed favourite for ballet performances.
I’m imagining all of London, Paris, and Saint Petersburg abuzz with chatter about the newest designs!
What are you going to wear?
Now, while the romantic, flowy ballet and the longer, flowing tutus may be less fashionable at the moment, they are still adored in ballets today. These tutus are pure magic, I tell you, perfect for floating across the stage and telling magical stories through the language of ballet.
On December 1st, 1863 – our chosen time – we’ll have to wear a short, multi-layered classical tutu for ballet. In London, this is going to be a challenge – our fashion is lagging behind our continental cousins in Paris.
And that brings us to my favorite part of our time travel adventure: the shopping! We are absolutely spoiled for choice, we truly are, darling, with all of the new fashionable fabrics, beautiful colours, and incredible embroidery. Just imagine, beautiful lace and ribbons to make your very own special, dazzling tutu!
As you can see, this tutu-infused trip to December 1st, 1863 will be bursting with historical ballet excitement!
And you know, the most thrilling thing about travelling back in time is seeing these fantastic dance traditions live! It's more captivating than any movie. Imagine watching "The Nutcracker," * which first premiered in St. Petersburg in *1892 -- I know it would have stopped me dead in my tracks. You really have to see it to believe it – the artistry, the precision, the story-telling, it’s simply divine!
I can’t wait to be dancing in my own, absolutely unique pink tutu - it’s going to be *the most beautiful pink tutu in the world!* - for a special performance of the latest ballet from the Paris Opera this week! *And yes, darling, the entire ballet will be in the most elegant shades of pink. It’s absolutely fabulous!
I have a slight confession – while we’re absolutely, absolutely, embracing the Parisian trends, I must admit my secret: I’m utterly captivated by the delicate, soft beauty of the longer, flowy "romantic tutu." I do think there’s something utterly dreamy and whimsical about that floating, bell-shaped, airy look! A lovely reminder of the graceful romanticism and the stories that inspired it! They are simply perfect, aren’t they?
My biggest goal is to find just the right shade of Pink Perfection to design my dream tutu. It’ll be a work of art, *a masterpiece, **the *perfect mix of the new and the old.
Are you ready for the ballet, darlings? I can’t wait to show you all my new tutu treasures ! Until next time, keep on dancing!
Don’t forget to pop back to the website next Tuesday for a new Tutu Tuesday post, you simply have to, and subscribe to * www.pink-tutu.com*!
Now go forth and spread the tutu-loving message! We must make the world pink!
#TutuTuesday #PinkTutu # BalletHistory
Emma
