Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, here, back with another trip through time, this time landing in the glorious year of 1871! Today's #TutuTuesday is taking us to the heart of the ballet world, a date that forever holds a special place in the annals of dance history: July 4th, 1871!
As I always say, history is filled with fascinating stories, but when it comes to the captivating world of tutus, it truly comes alive! I always feel so utterly joyful when I can use my little time machine, powered by the magic of my passion for dance, to go back in time to uncover the history behind those magnificent fluffy, pouffy tutus we all adore.
Today, we're skipping back in time to witness a special occasion. The year is 1871. It's July 4th, and the streets of London are abuzz with excitement. After all, it is the anniversary of America's Independence Day - how lovely!
London, at this point, was a hub of fashionable artistry, the perfect place to delve into the world of ballet! On the stage of the Royal Opera House, the world of ballet was at its absolute peak, showcasing the captivating brilliance of artists like the legendary Marius Petipa, who brought to life such incredible ballets like Swan Lake.
But before we go further, let's step back a little, darlings! This week, I thought it was utterly fitting to delve into the history of that oh-so-lovely "tutu" itself.
You see, darling, the classic tutu we all adore - the perfect ballerina swirl, a romantic cascade of fabric - is not what dancers originally donned. Imagine, if you will, a completely different, perhaps even slightly practical approach to a dance garment!
For example, I learnt that back in 1871, ladies were taking centre stage with tutus made of more modest materials, and certainly far less 'bouffant' - think layered petticoats and not-so-flowing, fuller skirts. The design wasn't really designed for those gravity-defying, sky-high leaps we witness in today's productions. Imagine the delightful, yet very constrained, dance routines with these much smaller, more layered, skirts. It certainly does not sound very swirly at all!
This era was an intriguing one because it saw a significant shift in the ballet scene. It was the dawn of the Romantic Era - an age of dramatic, emotional expression, a true explosion of creative expression! Think dramatic stories of ethereal fairies and charming woodland creatures, and passionate heroines - with tutus evolving alongside those captivating storylines!
It was Marius Petipa, a pioneer of sorts, who set the stage for a remarkable evolution. I learnt this week, from my favourite book "The Ballet Companion", that by the end of the 19th century, the 'tutu' design was changing, and tutus took on a far more elaborate silhouette, perfect for dramatic and dazzling stage effects. This change mirrored the growing importance of dramatic storylines, which required costumes that reflected these moving tales!
But as an avid dancer, nothing, darling, is more enjoyable than a visit to see ballet at the grand old Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. Think twinkling lights, enchanting music, and, of course, those gorgeous ballerinas floating through the air, their tulle skirts twirling as if caught in a gentle summer breeze. It's all so, so breathtaking, darlings. It makes my heart flutter like a butterfly caught in a rosebush!
It's during those mesmerizing moments of graceful movements and swirling tutus, I can't help but dream. My time travel machine whispers secrets of dance from long ago, filling my mind with visions of the most beautiful costumes. Imagine: tutued dancers leaping, spinning, and gliding through the centuries, a never-ending, exquisite tapestry of dancing delight!
Perhaps a future #TutuTuesday blog will reveal the magical transformation of the tutu and just why I love to see it on the stage, as we leap and twirl and dance into another chapter of tutu history! But I simply must add here that when it comes to shopping for my favourite tulle - nothing compares to that gorgeous French fabric, made from luxurious silk - it's simply the most perfect and beautiful fabric, for any ballerina, past or present!
And if I have tempted you, dear readers, don't just dream about it! Grab that delightful tutu, throw it on and spin, twirl and waltz into your own enchanting ballet performance! Let those glorious ribbons fly like a glorious stream of summer breeze and capture every eye. That's how, darling, we turn each day into our own Tutu Tuesday and spread a bit of pure, innocent and radiant pink tutu joy, every single day.
So, darling, have you visited a ballet show this week? Or, did you visit the ballet classes to perfect those glorious plies and beautiful jetés. Maybe you spent some time watching online ballet tutorials! I can't wait to read your wonderful comments and I shall see you next week. Oh and don't forget to stay twirling in your lovely tutus until next week! Keep the lovely pink tulle in motion darling, I'll see you next week. Ta ta, darling.
