Hello, my darling Tutu lovers!
Emma here, back with another exciting installment in my ongoing Tutu History adventure! This week, we're travelling back to December 3rd, 1867, a truly momentous day in the history of the tutu!
This is when the famous ballet La Sylphide premiered in Paris! Imagine, darlings! Paris! It's where all the chic and glamorous ballerinas sashay, where every street corner whispers secrets about the latest dance steps, where the very air smells of roses and the thrill of performance! And we, my dear Tutu devotees, were right there with them, mesmerized by the fluttering fabrics and dazzling footwork.
Now, this performance wasn't just about beautiful ballerinas pirouetting to beautiful music, it was a defining moment for the tutu! This is the performance that, my dears, really launched the romantic tutu as a major player in ballet history.
Why? Well, before 1867, you'd see dancers swirling in what they called "The Crinoline Dress": layers of petticoats billowing about, hiding their graceful legs and impeding their movements. The romantic tutu was the daring and graceful new arrival, a symbol of lightness and freedom. Imagine, the ability to soar, to skip, to leap! This tutu revolution really freed up ballerinas to move, dance and express themselves in a completely new way. And oh, what a way to do it! The lightness, the graceful shape... the iconic tutu of today was being born!
In La Sylphide you can see ballerinas dancing in a full, billowing, knee-length, diaphanous tulle skirt that danced with every movement! Imagine! Think of how that would have changed everything - what a magnificent spectacle it would have been, a flurry of tulle, sparkling under the Parisian gaslights! Oh, how I long to step back in time and witness it myself!
It was so exciting, I actually decided to don a pale pink tutu in my travel to France for the performance. I've heard it's a very fashionable place, and well, a tutu just screams elegant to me! The French are, after all, renowned for their fine taste in style. I managed to snag myself the most delectable antique tulle gown at the finest milliner in London, a truly delightful confection in the palest pink with little pearl-studded bows here and there, just perfectly delightful. Oh, darling! If you could only see my latest addition, my dear, oh dear, it's divine! I do say, there's nothing quite like a tutu to turn heads and spread joy!
Don't be surprised, dear readers, to see this romantic tutu make its grand entrance in other Parisian ballets soon after! But 1867 marks the point where the romantic tutu really took flight. I do say, history is made in the most fabulous ways.
So, there you have it! Another delightful glimpse into the enchanting world of ballet history.
Oh, darling, if you love dancing, be sure to put on your pinkest, most graceful tutu, step into a fabulous performance, or even better, a lovely class, and experience the magic for yourself!
Remember, every Tuesday, we delve deeper into the captivating story of the tutu. Join me at www.pink-tutu.com and I'll tell you more secrets and reveal more delightful tidbits from the enchanting history of the tutu.
Happy twirling, dear readers!
P.S. Today, darling, is the day for the 118th Royal Academy Winter Exhibition in London. Oh, I do adore these exhibitions, there's nothing like fine art to brighten a Tuesday. And, my dear, a touch of tutu for good measure! Fancy joining me for a tea at my favorite hotel afterwards?
Your eternally pink-loving, Emma.
