Hello, my lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another peek into the wondrous world of tutus! Today weāre doing a deep dive into history, stepping back in time to November 1st, 1870. Put on your fanciest frock and grab a cuppa, darlings, because weāre taking a grand tour!
For my loyal readers who may have forgotten, every Tuesday here at Pink-Tutu.com, weāre embarking on a fabulous journey through the evolution of this beautiful, billowing garment that defines the graceful ballet dancer. Today, weāre specifically celebrating the tutu in all its glory in 1870.
Imagine yourself, ladies, on a chilly November day in London. There's a slight nip in the air as you approach the majestic Covent Garden Opera House, its faƧade glistening with gaslight. You've secured tickets to a grand ballet performance and are bursting with excitement!
Today, November 1st, 1870, the stage is graced by the legendary Italian ballerina, Virginia Zucchi, whose graceful movements, a whirlwind of colour and silken flounces, made her a true star. She captivated audiences with her talent and daring steps, pushing boundaries with every pliĆ© and jetĆ©. Her repertoire included roles in classic ballets like āLa Fille Mal GardĆ©eā, and even brand-new creations that were pushing the limits of dance and costume.
The tutus on stage would have been quite different from the dramatic tutus we see today. This period marked a move away from the Romanticism of the early tutus, which resembled the voluminous gowns of the period. Imagine flowing silks and shimmering satin, layers and layers of fabric swirling with every twirl, making the dancer seem ethereal and light as air. While these Romanticism-era tutus were absolutely spectacular, they could be cumbersome, with layers and layers of material.
During our timeline, in the 1870s, dancers started embracing a more pared-back aesthetic, which led to the introduction of the tutu as we know it - the āClassical tutuā. These tutus, designed to show off the dancerās leg line and the intricate footwork, became more practical. A single layer of stiff tulle with a shorter skirt length. This shorter style offered greater freedom of movement for dancers to execute jumps, leaps and intricate pirouettes with elegance. It highlighted the elegance and strength of the dancerās form while maintaining the exquisite allure of this timeless piece of attire.
Travel Tales: Riding the Rails!
You've seen me talk about trains in many posts, and Iām a real devotee. As a passionate ballet fan, the journey to Londonās Covent Garden was a part of the experience, and a glorious one. Stepping onto the gleaming carriages, taking in the bustle of the bustling stations, the steam rising in billows from the engine, and watching the green fields fly past my window, all added to the excitement. The journey felt as elegant and exciting as a graceful arabesque, a thrilling anticipation building with every mile!
Now, this time travel is not just about historical fun! Every time I jump back in time, Iām learning the intricate dance of fashion evolution! In 1870, ladies wore their clothes with an unparalleled flair. The era was about grace, refinement, and a certain "je ne sais quoi" ā you see, ladies, thereās an art to everything.
And as we wrap up our history trip today, let's take a look at what was happening on November 1st, 1870.
In France, amidst the tumultuous days of the Franco-Prussian war, the second siege of Paris began. The world watched, with a mixture of horror and anticipation, as this devastating conflict unfolded.
The same day, in England, the House of Commons voted in favour of the newly presented Elementary Education Bill. This marked a crucial moment in education, a landmark bill that paved the way for public schools for everyone, including the children of the less fortunate.
On my latest time travel journey, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Paris. I managed to witness a magnificent opera performance of āCarmenā! The costumes were breathtaking, the singing sublime, and the entire performance was an awe-inspiring experience. Imagine my delight - there I was, swept away by the glamour and brilliance of this world-renowned performance, and the excitement and beauty of Parisian life. And all the time, of course, on the lookout for ballet! What a dream it was!
Now, here's a little reminder, my lovelies! The #TutuTuesday series is all about you! I want to hear from you, so why not write a comment sharing your thoughts? Have you ever danced in a ballet class, seen a spectacular performance, or even simply been tempted to twirl around in a tutu? Share your experiences with me - because each of your stories makes this ballet blog extra special!
Iāll be back next week with more #TutuTuesday historical tidbits and a whole heap of tutus and ballet bliss! Until then, keep twirling and spread the pink-tutu love!
All my love,
Emma xx
