Hello darlings! Welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things tutu, ballet, and fabulous! I’m your ever-so-pink blogger, Emma, and today we're delving into the captivating history of the tutu, on our weekly #TutuTuesday journey!
(This is blog post number 2154!)
A Whirlwind Trip Through Time
I’ve just returned from a glorious trip back to 1873. My latest ballet performance (which, if you hadn't heard, was a roaring success! Oh, you simply must see it!) earned me enough to take a thrilling leap back to the Victorian era. I've always had a fondness for the intricate lace and grandeur of that period, so hopping through time to London during the 1870s was truly a dream come true!
A Fashionable Fancy
Oh my, wouldn't you just love the style? It's so perfectly dramatic. Those gorgeous full skirts, the cascading frills, the exquisite hats... All this wonderful femininity set the perfect backdrop for a ballet. In this era, tutus had already gone from those romantic, flowing skirts we've seen in past centuries to those structured beauties you can still admire at the Royal Ballet today. Talk about a fascinating transformation, isn't it?
(But of course, if you want to know my absolute favorite part about Victorian fashion? Well, the sheer delight of corsets, my dears. *I confess, I *slightly wish they were still a must-have part of our wardrobe. Sigh.)
April 8th: History on a Grand Scale
Now, today's historical note: on this day in 1873, the famous ballet La Esmeralda debuted. Can you imagine? And speaking of grand premieres, we need to discuss one of the most influential choreographers ever – Marius Petipa! This ingenious fellow's work still impacts ballet choreography even today. This masterfully put together ballet (created with the assistance of Ludwig Minkus) brought both intricate dances and romantic drama to life.
My Parisian Whirl
Now, wouldn’t you love a trip to Paris this time of year? Imagine stepping out into that lovely French air! We could stop at L’Opera Garnier, oh, quelle spectacle! Just as in the era I traveled to, ballet is truly a delight there. In fact, I was rather excited to learn the French capital is often called “the cradle of the ballet world!” Just imagine all the elegant, charming steps being taken every single day.
A Tutu of One's Own
What a charming sight those little dancers were with their delightful pink tutus. They were so full and voluminous - not even close to those shorter versions that are popular in modern ballet! Oh, but a shorter tutu? It's rather nice on occasion. Especially, for more agile dances that allow a ballerina to truly show off some fancy footwork!
Dance on, Darlings!
I’m so delighted to take you on this whimsical voyage through time every week. Don’t forget to check back each Tuesday for more exciting updates. Be sure to also post your photos on our website with the hashtag #TutuTuesday. It would just delight me to see what gorgeous tutus you have been sporting. You all, oh my dears, truly look magnificent!
And finally, do remember to keep spreading the pink tutu love! I can't wait to hear what you love the most about tutus! *Until next time! *
*Love, *
*Emma *
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter for all the latest updates on my time travels and exciting performances!
