Hello darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, bringing you another Tuesday delve into the delightful history of tutus!
It’s a crisp October morning in 1871, and I've just stepped off the train at Paddington Station in London. The air is thick with the scent of coal smoke and chimney soot, but my spirits are high, as they always are when I'm surrounded by the sights and sounds of this fascinating era! Today we're going to be taking a peek into the world of ballet during a time of significant change. You see, tutus were about to become even more, shall we say, "extraordinary" (I just love that word, don't you?) than ever before!
I've already made my way to the heart of fashionable London - Oxford Street - and I'm in a whirlwind of lace and frills, just like the new style of tutu that's sweeping the stage! These weren't your everyday, practical tutus, you see. We're talking tiers upon tiers of delicate tulle, each layer fluttering with an enchanting airiness that had everyone – from royalty to the humblest of Londoners - in a state of awe!
What caused this explosion of ethereal tulle, you ask? Well, a bit of a revolution happened on this very day in 1871 – a performance of "La Source," a ballet in which the lead ballerina was decked out in a truly magnificent tutu, adorned with ribbons and layers of tulle so voluminous they could rival a fluffy cloud! Can you imagine? Absolutely stunning!
This was a turning point. This "extraordinary" (yes, there's that word again!), breathtaking design captured the attention of the world and the tutu we know and love - the Romantic era tutu - was officially born. It was so captivating, it led to even more dramatic tutus appearing in performances, making each ballerina look like a dream come true as they pirouetted across the stage.
It was this newfound artistry in design, along with a new emphasis on female movement and expression that sparked the Romantic Era in ballet. Suddenly, ballets became all about a delicate, expressive style of dance, one where graceful fluidity and breathtaking elegance were celebrated.
Today, I've taken myself off to Covent Garden - oh, I simply love a day at the theatre, wouldn't you? It's a kaleidoscope of activity and elegance! Here in the capital of ballet, I can practically feel the tutus practically tingling with anticipation of the era they were about to enter. There are dancers on stage and in rehearsal, all clad in the finest tutus. This is the birth of a magical era.
The tutus themselves aren't the only ones undergoing a transformation; ballet costumes are starting to adopt the opulent style that captures this newfound Romantic sensibility. Satin bodices shimmer and glitter, the finest silks and satins are carefully chosen to reflect the artistry of the dancing.
Of course, being a true devotee to all things tutu, I just have to make the most of my time here, right? I’m off to have a look around the shops along Bond Street! It's like stepping back into time – I am positively drowning in yards of tulle! There's such a delightful mix of delicate pastels and crisp, bold colours, it's enough to make you dizzy. You can almost feel the passion for fashion just humming in the air. It's simply too tempting!
Let's face it, any true fashionista worth her salt just has to embrace the fabulous and I've got just the perfect plan: I’m picking up enough fabric for a truly stunning pink tutu – the only colour fit for a ballerina who's travelling through time! Just wait until I reveal it next Tuesday!
Don't forget, darlings! For more tututastic tales and enchanting fashion tips, head on over to www.pink-tutu.com. You'll find my posts on Tuesday with new fashion tips, fun facts, and beautiful imagery all around the world!
Remember to check back next week when we’ll be delving into the world of the "extraordinary" (you're going to love it) and see what other beautiful developments have taken place in the ballet world. Oh, and don't forget, it's always Tutu Tuesday here at www.pink-tutu.com. So spread the pink, keep your eyes peeled, and stay tuned for more fashionable time-travelling adventures.
Until then, dance your way to happiness!
Yours in pink tulle,
Emma
