Post number 1767!
Greetings, my fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your trusty time-travelling pink-tutu-wearing correspondent from www.pink-tutu.com, bringing you another exciting delve into the glorious history of the ballet tutu! Today we're whisking back to a particularly exciting time, 7th November, 1865 - buckle up for a journey to the heart of ballet in its grandest era!
You'll all know I'm absolutely passionate about tutus. Whether it's twirling in one myself (my favourite colour is pink, obviously!) or marveling at the exquisite designs on stage, they are just so, so magical. And that's why exploring their history is something I hold dear - knowing how this iconic piece of dancewear has evolved and inspired for centuries is a joy!
Now, my dearest readers, picture this - a snowy London evening, a frosty crispness in the air, gaslights flickering in the streets, and the grand Royal Opera House is buzzing with anticipation. On this very day, 158 years ago, a truly dazzling event graced the stage - a revival of "La Sylphide". Imagine a vision of wispy tutus, floating dancers, and a symphony of emotions, all on a stage lit by gaslight! Oh, how I wish I could have been there to see it!
This was no ordinary revival, my loves! It marked the debut of the remarkable Augusta Maywood (I just adore the name, it has such an enchanting ring to it) - and not just any debut, but as the lead character, La Sylphide! Can you imagine the excitement? A beautiful new dancer in a new version of this timeless classic, dancing for all London to witness! The world of ballet is absolutely thrilling, isn't it? And that evening was a real pinnacle for the art form, a night that would etch itself in history forever.
Just to bring you into the thick of this fascinating date, 7th November 1865 was quite the day for news around the globe. The great nation of America, embroiled in its own conflict at the time, saw news of battles and shifting allegiances. Meanwhile, our beloved London was humming with discussions of a very different nature: the future of their beloved Queen, and news from afar of discoveries in lands far, far away. All of it contributing to a world in motion - much like my own travels in time!
But don't you think this time period just oozes with glamour, my dears? The late Victorian era! So romantic and elegant! We see those beautiful women in long dresses with tight bodices and full skirts, and those magnificent gowns for special occasions - pure magic! I adore how a lady's silhouette played such a crucial role in fashion.
Speaking of my favourite things - tutus! We must acknowledge that this particular point in ballet history witnessed some significant advancements in design. The tutus, once somewhat clunky with many layers of stiff fabric, were now taking on more of the flowing, ethereal design we know and adore.
Yes, the evolution of the tutu was absolutely fascinating, don't you think? In its early days, it was rather a heavy and rigid piece, resembling a frilled skirt - I can't imagine the difficulty of performing in one! But then it transitioned towards a more whimsical design - those graceful, delicate tutus made of tulle - that enabled dancers to twirl with incredible freedom. They started showcasing their lines and agility, and they truly looked like nymphs in the air! It truly was an age of progress and elegance for the tutu - quite an inspiring evolution, isn't it?
Think about it: back then, ballet was still evolving in many ways. We have so much to be grateful for, so much beauty to learn from, and we mustn't forget how far it has come. The artistry and grace of ballet dancers through the ages continue to inspire me to don my own tutu and spin and leap for joy!
Now, while my love for tutus knows no bounds, you all know how much I love shopping, particularly for balletwear! In a lovely touch of fate, the 7th November also witnessed the opening of an amazing new department store in the very heart of London! You see, on this date, a young gentleman by the name of William Whiteley, a man who already had a successful store called 'Whiteley's of Bayswater', decided to take on the daring challenge of opening yet another! It's now known as the famous Whiteley's (I do love a catchy name, wouldn't you agree? I wouldn't mind owning a shop, called "Emma's Tutus," just a thought!), located right on the bustling Westbourne Grove. Oh, the glamour and wonder of those grand shops, full of fashion and finery, each showcasing the latest trends!
With such delightful news unfolding all around, this 7th November in 1865 seems like a truly magical date in our little ballet universe! It seems as if history has conspired to fill the day with beauty and exciting changes, and what better day than this one to celebrate the wonderful art of ballet, to slip into a shimmering pink tutu (of course!), and simply let yourself dance?
As always, my darling readers, I encourage you to join me next Tuesday for another journey through the fascinating history of tutus. You can find us at www.pink-tutu.com, where we share all things tutu-licious! I hope you have enjoyed this time travel journey into ballet history!
Until next time, may your days be full of twirls and graceful moves!
Much love, Emma xx
