Hello my lovelies! It’s Emma here, back from another time-travelling adventure and ready to share the fascinating history of our beloved tutus. This week, we’re taking a trip back to the enchanting year of 1873 – just think, that’s almost 150 years ago! – and exploring how ballet fashion was evolving, just as we are today.
Now, I always find that the best way to start a journey is to put on a stunning tutu and let it take me wherever the wind of history blows. And, oh boy, let me tell you, 1873 was a year of thrilling new developments in the world of ballet!
As I disembarked the train – an extraordinary journey, the carriages so elegant and plush - at the Gare de l'Est in Paris, the heart of dance, I couldn't help but feel that there was something in the air, a new energy in the world of ballet. And that energy, my dear readers, was the unmistakable influence of tutus, and, oh, what a beautiful influence it was!
Walking into the Opéra Garnier, I was swept away by the vibrant buzz and excitement. The air hummed with the melodic sounds of the orchestra and the rhythmic clatter of dancers' feet on the wooden floor. And you know what? I discovered the most marvellous things: the evolution of the tutu!
Imagine, if you will, a world where ballerinas twirled in yards of heavy silk, restricting their movements, hiding their graceful forms. Thankfully, 1873 was the year that saw a magnificent shift! Lighter, more streamlined fabrics like tulle were being introduced, and as I watched the ballerinas move, I was captivated by their breathtaking elegance, the tutus simply flying around them, as ethereal as a delicate feather in the wind.
The tutus were starting to evolve towards the more classical style we know and love, though they still had some work to go! You wouldn't see the super-short, flared out skirts of later eras yet.
The designs were still quite full and voluminous, evoking a sense of magical enchantment and romanticism. I could practically hear the gasps and applause of the audience. I truly believe there was an electrifying atmosphere in the Opéra Garnier that night. It was as if the very soul of dance was awakening to the enchanting power of the tutu.
Imagine my delight, as a true tutu aficionado, to witness this momentous shift in style. This period saw ballet, once shrouded in heavy fabrics and ornate designs, take flight, literally! The introduction of the shorter tutus allowed the ballerinas to perform leaps and twirls with astonishing ease, like graceful, airborne creatures.
Imagine it, my dear readers, a graceful figure taking to the stage in a cloud of airy, floating tulle, the colour of the sky itself. It was pure, beautiful ballet poetry! The tutus weren’t just a fashion statement, they were part of a new way of telling a story. They became a symbol of liberation and grace, captivating the imagination and leaving an enduring impression on the art of ballet.
Now, after soaking up all the inspiring elegance of the Parisian ballet scene, I took my shopping adventures to a whole new level! There was such an exciting buzz in the shops for exquisite fabrics - you just can't help yourself in Paris. I’m sure all my fellow tutu enthusiasts will agree with me – every now and then we simply need to find the perfect piece of tulle! Just imagine, what I would give to find a hidden treasure of hand-stitched lace from a bygone era… Now that would truly be an exquisite souvenir!
But the joy didn't stop there! 1873 was a very exciting year in ballet - it was the year the renowned Russian Ballet toured Europe! Now, if you were to travel by train to Vienna and head to the Vienna State Opera House you might see something incredible: a Russian ballerinas’ beautiful costume designs - oh, how I loved those dazzling costumes with intricate beading and shimmering fabrics! And you just know, those magnificent ballerinas wore tutus, and not just any tutu! The Russians always knew how to add their unique flair!
While in Vienna I discovered some extraordinary cafes – cafes you might find tucked away in quaint, little, hidden alleys. Now those cafes are a true must see for all lovers of decadence, elegance and all things wonderful, my dear reader. In such a stunning atmosphere it’s just about impossible to avoid finding a piece of Viennese inspiration for your next ballet show. I always find that a little touch of Victorian flair with some elegant lace embellishment really finishes off a truly divine ballet tutu design.
But you know what? You can't forget the theatre performances of 1873. Oh, there are stories that could make every ballet aficionado gasp! On April 15th, which happens to be this very Tuesday, the Royal Italian Opera House was holding the very first production of a dazzling new opera by Verdi himself, a truly magical, romantic musical story! That was, of course, no mere ballet but a brilliant combination of opera, musical composition and acting – something, I confess, is sorely missed today! The audience would have been dressed to the nines, so it was clearly a big affair! The ladies with their fine dresses, hats, and lovely gloves would have created quite a spectacle!
And while you may think that this has little to do with the tutu, I’d be hard pressed to disagree - I feel that everything connected with the ballet has a place in my heart and so, therefore, deserves a mention here!
Oh my dear readers, do go back in time with me this Tuesday. Embrace the glorious evolution of ballet and, perhaps, consider donning your finest tutu – pink is always the best for #TutuTuesday! – for your own personal time-travelling, ballet celebration. I assure you, it will bring a touch of magic to any ordinary Tuesday, even one as far back as 1873.
Remember, lovelies, we always remember to embrace the power of the tutu and use it as a vessel of joy, imagination, and artistry. Let the spirit of the tutu flow through your life and fill it with grace! Because who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a hidden fashionista or ballerinas in you! Don't forget to come back every Tuesday to the www.pink-tutu.com website for more inspiring stories! Until then, keep your skirts twirling!
With a great deal of love and dancing heart,
Emma xx.
