Hiya lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another blast from the past on #TutuTuesday!
This week, we're taking a trip back to 1867, July 2nd. Now, this date is particularly interesting because it's smack dab in the middle of a really pivotal year in ballet history. Oh, it's not just any ordinary history either, this is about tutudom itself!
My goodness, imagine my delight! In the middle of the Victorian era, there were not only theatres bursting with elaborate performances, but this was also the year when, get this, the first full-length ballet was created and premiered in London! Yep, this incredible piece was La Esmeralda, with a plot line ripped straight out of Victor Hugo's masterpiece. I just adore the romance and the dramatic plot twists in that one.
But back to tutus! Remember that before 1867, the stage costume was the rather simple and long, flowing white romantic ballet dress that all the ladies of the era adorably wore. Imagine that – all those swirling white dresses and a stage covered in pale colours? Imagine how dreamy it must have been!
Now, the story goes that it was Marius Petipa, a man who, according to my time travel research, is practically a ballet legend! He transformed the way dancers performed by introducing these completely new designs of tutus! And I tell you what, once those short tutus were on, the stage took on a totally different life!
Think about it - all that movement unleashed by having more space, more fluidity to show those lovely dance steps! The change is pretty much revolutionary, wouldn't you agree?
Now, here's a juicy little detail for you. While it wasn't yet in pink (sorry, loves!), the tutu design itself started out as a multi-layered design, perfect for showing off all the airy leaps and graceful spins that the truly incredible ballerinas of the day exceeded in. Can you imagine being so gifted? I swear, watching them dance makes me want to try my hand at some ballet moves - maybe later!
Anyway, as you can imagine, these short tutus were a real hit with the audiences, they completely loved seeing how much more dramatic and powerful it was. Oh, how lucky they were to be there for those premieres - I can only imagine the excitement! And it was all thanks to the introduction of this amazing new design for the stage costume, the real star of the show!
And guess what, loves? I can't talk about ballet history without including an absurdly stylish outfit, can I? Today's totally amazing creation is a delightfully fluffy white tutu in layers, perfect for that dramatic flair! Oh, and how about an amazing bright red waistcoat and a velvet bow at the back to top it all off! You can't go wrong with that look!
Just like those stunning Victorian ladies and gents in their fancy frocks, it's all about showing off a super chic outfit while enjoying the best shows and music that you can find!* So let's get out there and rock those tutus, darling! Don't forget to hop over to www.pink-tutu.com and join me for more fun time travelling every #TutuTuesday!
Until next time, my loves,
Emma 💋
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