Hello my lovely tutu-tastic readers! Welcome back to #TutuTuesday, where we dive deep into the whimsical world of ballet tutus. I'm Emma, your friendly, pink tutu-wearing time traveller from Derbyshire, and I'm positively thrilled to share another piece of ballet history with you today!
Today marks the 11th of May 1869, and we're in Paris, the city of love and light, a city that truly embraces the elegant art of ballet. Oh, how I love the buzz of the Parisian theatre scene! Just yesterday, I was dazzled by a breathtaking performance of La Esmeralda at the OpĂ©ra Garnier â the sets were utterly magnificent!
You might be wondering, what happened on this day in the enchanting history of the ballet tutu? Well, I'm so pleased to say itâs a special one for our beloved tutu! We're talking about a period where ballet was bursting with exciting innovations, paving the way for the elegant tutus we know and love today.
(Itâs interesting how our history and fashion constantly intertwine, don't you think? Just like the tutu itself â born from a combination of practicality and artistry.)
Now, back to the date in question! Let's talk about Fanny Elssler, one of the most renowned ballerinas of the era! Her iconic âCachuchaâ dance in *Donizettiâs *La Fille du RĂ©giment *was truly something special â it even made her a star across the Atlantic in the US! *I just imagine the excitement buzzing through the theatre as Fanny danced, twirling in her lightweight tutu, her grace captivating the hearts of audiences!
This was a time when the ballet tutu, with its romantic and delicate form, began to solidify its place as a symbol of beauty and artistic expression. It became an integral part of the dancerâs costume, enabling them to soar across the stage, showcasing incredible agility and control.
Can you picture a ballet tutu in the 1860s? It wasn't exactly the short, billowing skirt we associate with tutus today. It was longer, extending just below the knee, and comprised of multiple layers of tulle, creating that cloud-like effect. They weren't entirely pink either! Some tutus of the period were fashioned from exquisite materials like satin and velvet â can you just imagine!
(How utterly lovely! Those soft materials sound positively dreamy. What about you? Which would you prefer, tulle or satin?)
It was an exciting time in fashion, a world brimming with new ideas and an insatiable desire for refinement and elegance! From the ornate ballgowns of Parisian ladies to the crisp tailoring of gentlemen, fashion had an allure that radiated outwards to all walks of life.
But in the realm of dance, it was the tutu, with its ethereal charm and ability to enhance movement, that truly stole the show. I canât help but imagine those captivating performances! The shimmering tulle and the graceful pirouettes must have captivated audiences just as they do today!
Just imagine a time when people wore bonnets and waistcoats, when hats were deemed a necessity, and when walking was the only way to travel! But they still found time to enjoy the magical world of ballet! Imagine a grand opera house, gaslights sparkling and the sound of a symphony filling the air. A timeless performance, just like those we enjoy today!
Speaking of enjoyment, let's take a trip to the Royal Opera House, a venue that truly embodies the captivating world of ballet. I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a magnificent performance there, an ethereal world of dance, music, and shimmering beauty. I'd go back again in a heartbeat! And if I wasn't busy traveling through time, you'd find me happily browsing the shelves of the ballet shops on Covent Garden. Those ballet shoes⊠sigh! Their sleek lines and graceful silhouette just make my heart flutter!
(I have an absolutely splendid collection of shoes back in Derbyshire - I've got everything from dainty satin slippers to statement ankle boots - each one a treasure to me!
Anyway, my lovelies, itâs getting rather late! And the call of adventure is calling to me - my next trip is planned and I can't wait! I'm off to to 1835 - we are talking ballet royalty. But fear not, I will keep you updated about every exciting discovery I make on my travels. And of course, be back here next week for a brand new #TutuTuesday blog!
Until next week, stay pink and stylish, my dears!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
TutuTuesdayPost No. 1950
