#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #VictorianTutus #PinkIsTheBest
Oh, my darling readers! Fancy a little time travel with me this #TutuTuesday? Grab your pinkest tutu, your most sparkly tiara, and let's journey back to the Victorian era! I've just returned from a trip to Paris, my favourite city for tutus (well, apart from London, of course!), and I'm absolutely overflowing with delightful fashion tidbits and dance discoveries.
As you know, my love for all things tutu is insatiable! But it wasn't always about billowing layers of tulle. You see, darling, before the fluffy masterpieces we adore today, ballet costumes were a bit...well, uninspiring. I mean, think long, tight-fitting dresses with very little twirl potential! (A big no-no in my book!)
But something magical happened on the 3rd of December, 1872. The lovely Marie Taglioni, a celebrated ballerina known for her ethereal beauty and delicate steps, revolutionised ballet. Imagine her, soaring through the air in a shimmering white tutu - that's what inspired the grand transformation! No more restricting dresses! Now, ballerinas could really fly!
Now, darling, I know you might think this looks awfully familiar, but trust me, it was revolutionary. The skirt, you see, was attached to the waist and flared out gracefully - a true embodiment of airy elegance! And that, my loves, is what birthed the modern-day tutu - and set the stage for all those stunning tulle creations you see today!
In the Victorian era, tutus became increasingly popular for performances at the Ballet Impérial and the Ballet of the Paris Opéra, and they soon spread like wildfire across the dance world. Even Queen Victoria herself, a great patron of the arts, became enchanted by this new, whimsical dancewear. Imagine that, darling - royalty rocking out in tulle!
Now, here's something exciting about December 3rd, 1872. Not only was this the date Marie Taglioni brought the tutu to life, but this very same date was the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. What a wonderful day for art and entertainment! I bet it was a glorious affair, full of grand performances and a buzz of anticipation for what this new era of ballet would bring.
But I must say, while I'm absolutely smitten with the iconic Victorian tutus with their beautiful, cascading ruffles and layers of tulle, the modern-day tutu truly steals the show! I just love the sheer drama and volume they bring to every dance, and those ethereal colours… Just wait until you see my collection - it's a symphony of pink, lavender, and the most glorious shades of lilac!
And don't even get me started on the amazing craftsmanship! I've just discovered the most fantastic seamstress in Paris - her creations are simply divine! We'll have to take a trip to the City of Lights to discover these fashion gems for ourselves. Don't worry, darlings, we'll have a lovely carriage ready!
Speaking of travelling… The train journey back to London was so dreamy. You just can't beat the romance of chugging across the English countryside in a comfortable carriage. A perfect moment to enjoy a delicious scone and a cup of tea while daydreaming about all the tutus I'll create and the upcoming performances.
Remember, darling readers, my aim is to get everyone twirling in pink! If you've been wondering whether to step into a tutu, I urge you to take the leap! Let your inner ballerina soar!
Until next week, darlings, when I'll be taking you on another fascinating dance through ballet history. Keep twirling!
Emma Pink Tutu Diaries www.pink-tutu.com
