Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling fashionista! Today's #TutuTuesday takes us on a thrilling trip back to November 27th, 1866 - the year that everything changed for the ballet world!
Now, before we delve into the depths of the dance, let's chat a bit about how I landed myself in the 19th century. You know me - a girl's gotta dance! So, my latest performance in the heart of Paris garnered a generous reward: enough for a ticket on the most marvellous new contraption – the Orient Express. Naturally, my luggage is bursting with exquisite silk, tulle and enough pink to make the whole carriage blush.
We're on a journey to St Petersburg, where I'll be taking in the sights and, more importantly, seeing what fashion the Imperial Theatres have in store. Did you know they have these amazing 'grands jetés'? And the costumes? Honestly, pure magic.
But back to November 27th, 1866. This day is a milestone! Why, you ask? Well, imagine a ballet filled with women wearing dresses, elegant indeed, but lacking a certain...sparkle. And imagine then, a vision in white – a tutu, shorter than ever before, freeing the ballerina's movements! This groundbreaking garment, known as the 'tutu de panier' (literally 'basket tutu'!), revolutionized ballet.
I'm here to tell you, darling, this wasn't just any ordinary skirt! It was crafted from stiff crinoline, creating the most spectacularly full and bouncy skirt imaginable. Imagine layers and layers of tulle, meticulously shaped to create a whirlwind of colour. A true explosion of beauty and grace. This, my lovelies, is what led to the famous tutus of today!
Now, I know you're dying to see one of these stunning tutus in person, and let me tell you, they're not for the faint of heart. This masterpiece, dear reader, demands an impressive five to seven layers of tulle for that impressive shape. A feat of fashion worthy of a true ballerina!
What made this innovation so special? It wasn't just about the stunning silhouette, oh no. It empowered ballerinas to express themselves fully. With a little less fabric in the way, these beauties could pirouette, leap, and fly across the stage, leaving the audience mesmerized! It's as if the very air itself helped them soar!
Imagine this: You're sitting in the grand theatre, a hush falls over the crowd, and there she is – a ballerina in a glorious tutu. The music rises, and she gracefully pirouettes. Each turn is a symphony of beauty and freedom, and you just know, darling, she's absolutely thrilled to be moving with that airy confidence!
Of course, fashion trends come and go, just like my ever-expanding collection of tutus! While the panier style reigned for a while, later tutus morphed into less voluminous silhouettes, more elegant and even flowing.
This shift allowed ballerinas to achieve incredible jumps, delicate turns, and captivating poses – think ethereal whispers instead of breathtaking bursts of energy! But even today, the panier style still lingers in the back of our minds. It’s a symbol of the evolution of ballet, a testament to how we are constantly finding new ways to express ourselves and defy gravity with grace.
Now, to conclude, I'd like to remind everyone that even though tutus started as a means of expressing beauty and elegance, they're also an invitation to unleash our inner dancer. Don't let the past dictate your future - wear a tutu, let loose, and pirouette your way into the sunshine! Remember, #PinkTutusForever !
Until next time, darlings. I shall leave you with the question: Where will my time travels take me next? A spectacular adventure is guaranteed!
Yours in tulle, Emma
So, what are we celebrating today, November 27th? A trip to the theatre wouldn't be complete without a delicious sweet treat. Today, darling, it's all about celebrating a lovely tarte aux fruits, or fruit tart – a beautiful and fruity confection perfect to enjoy while enjoying your favourite ballet performance!
Remember, you can follow my tutu-filled adventures on my blog www.pink-tutu.com, and on social media #PinkTutusForever. See you next Tuesday, darlings, when we journey back to a different historical dance date!
