Hiya darlings! Itās Emma here from www.pink-tutu.com and Iām so excited to be taking you on another whirlwind journey through time! Today, Iām feeling particularly rosy (and no, itās not just from my delightful pink tutu) as we're whisked away to August 15th, 1865, a truly pivotal year for the ballet world!
Before I even mention what was happening in the grand world of ballet on this day, let's take a moment to appreciate how stunning a train journey is. Seriously, there is just something about a whistle, the clickety-clack, the billowing steam - I feel like I could go anywhere in a heartbeat! My little pink suitcase (naturally, it matches my tutu, it would be outrageous to even contemplate mismatched pink!) sits snugly on the luggage rack and the world seems full of possibilities. The best part of my job, I tell you.
Of course, after a little stop for a scrumptious afternoon tea, Iāve got my ticket, my fluffy, perfect tutu ready to twirl, and my mind focused on all the exciting happenings of 1865 in ballet! Letās go!
August 15th, 1865: A Date That Will Go Down in Tutu History
Firstly, letās go straight to Paris! Paris is my absolute favourite for a good ol'fashioned tutu show, especially in 1865 when things are still evolving in such a fascinating way. Iām heading to the Opera Garnier, which at this point is just getting its start as a place to truly see spectacular shows!
At this very time, I wouldāve been seeing the great ballerinas of the day, showcasing their talent. In fact, we are only four short years away from the Paris Operaās groundbreaking production of āCoppĆ©liaā which is still adored to this day.
My darlings, let me tell you about a truly exceptional ballerina, known as Fanny Elssler, whose breathtaking dancing was considered revolutionary at the time! Think a mixture of precision, dramatic energy, and just the tiniest dash of fiery rebellious spirit! Imagine all that swirling pink, if you will! (My absolute favourite, let's be honest.)
Speaking of spirits, I just love the 19th century. It seems like the whole world is a dance, from the salons to the theatre stages. Itās a time of huge romantic ideals, of a delicate world full of beautiful things, of women just bursting to express themselves - the perfect period for ballet and its delightful tutus!
Oh, The Shopping
Parisian boutiques back in 1865 were heaven for someone like me. Theyāre buzzing with life, the fabrics are glorious! A good silk and a dash of satin (donāt get me started on ribbons ā the more the merrier!) are a must in my wardrobe. And you wouldnāt believe the lovely headbands and combs! Everything is a whirlwind of delicate beauty. It's enough to inspire any dancer!
The Tutu as a Reflection of its Time
Now letās talk about tutus, of course, because, darling, you can never talk too much about tutus! 1865 was an era when the tutu was still undergoing a dramatic metamorphosis, much like myself every time I take a new time travel trip! The iconic Romantic era tutus - long, with billowing tiers of silk and gauze - are still reigning, but the shape is already subtly changing!
Imagine all that fabric! Thereās such grace and beauty in the way it swishes as the dancers move! In fact, as I go about exploring the boutiques, I see this beautiful fabric on dresses everywhere. The tutus back then had a way of echoing the styles and shapes of the clothes of the period - it was just a lovely reflection of the era.
I must also tell you about my trip to Milan earlier this year. This beautiful city is an inspiration for dancers and dressmakers alike! There I had a delicious encounter with The La Scala, a theatre built at the end of the 17th century, with such intricate architectural detail that it just makes the heart of a dance enthusiast sing. This time period saw incredible attention to detail - and Iām definitely adding Milan to my āTutus through the Agesā travel itinerary. The way tutus echoed the extravagance of these magnificent theatres just thrills me!
Fashion, Passion, and Always in Pink
Do you know what the biggest change to fashion was in this time period, my darling? They began to use corset stays made from lightweight metal! So much easier to move with (thank heavens, as my back can tell you!), it allowed the dances to be even more breathtakingly bold and powerful! Isnāt it amazing what a small difference in clothing technology can do to inspire creative freedom and new levels of artistic expression in ballet? Just imagine!
I think what really sets my heart a-flutter in this era is the way the feminine was embraced. Ballet was a woman's art, and that femininity - elegance, strength, and of course the oh-so-lovely grace - was on full display in the dances and on the stage. And the way they wore it, you just canāt beat it. I am forever in love with the beautiful ballet tutus, and that delightful blush pink, that really embodies this period.
The Tutu Travels
My darlings, it is always such a thrill for me to experience how ballet continues to thrive and grow in this world we all share! Itās really all about passion, about spreading the love of dancing and how the tutu can be a symbol of strength and creativity for every woman.
Every Tuesday, Iāll be here to chat about these amazing ballerinas and all the beautiful changes in the evolution of tutus through history, so be sure to keep coming back! Until next time, donāt be afraid to embrace the pink and to embrace your own inner tutu! Iāll be sending you the warmest tutu wishes from a fellow lover of all things dance.
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #1865 #PinkTutu #Fashion #Travel
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