Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving time traveler, and today we're going on a trip back to the glorious year 1873! Buckle up your pink shoes and hold on tight – we're going on a ballet adventure!
This week's #TutuTuesday is all about a momentous occasion for dance history! On the 20th of May, 1873, The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow was bustling with excitement. This isn't just any theatre, mind you! It's where some of the most dazzling ballet productions are born, and they were about to witness something quite extraordinary!
Imagine this, my dears: the air abuzz with anticipation, the grand velvet curtains parted, and then – the first-ever performance of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake! The audience must have been mesmerised by the tragic love story of Odette, the princess transformed into a swan, and Prince Siegfried, her valiant hero. And let's not forget the choreography, all that beautiful fluidity and the graceful leaps and twirls – pure ballet magic!
Now, this may not have been the very first tutu in history, but for sure, it would have been one to remember! In the Victorian era, the tutus we know and love – the ones that go poof! – were starting to become fashionable, although the early designs were often still quite heavy and long. But the essence of the tutu, the symbol of ethereal elegance and grace, was beginning to truly flourish.
What could have been a better occasion for a magnificent, billowing tutu to make its grand debut than the very first performance of Swan Lake? Imagine the ballerina's ethereal, otherworldly beauty, dancing with effortless lightness against the backdrop of that romantic tale. Don't you think, my dears, that makes it one of the most enchanting scenes in all of ballet?
Let's take a peek at the 1870s:
Fashion in the 1870s was all about lavish detail and extravagance. The silhouettes were hourglass-shaped, with big, billowing skirts and lots of trim. Think ruffles, lace, and a flurry of feminine details!
I adore how the elegant ladies of the day carried themselves, full of grace and poise. I just imagine a graceful ballerina emerging from the theatre after the performance, her voluminous skirt trailing behind her like a delicate cloud, as she steps into a sleek, horse-drawn carriage, ready for a stylish evening. Perhaps a dinner party, with elaborate table settings, glistening chandeliers, and the whispered murmur of high society.
Oh my, the drama!
But enough of fashion history for now – back to the most beautiful part, the dance itself. In 1873, the Bolshoi was at the centre of the ballet world, a place of pure inspiration for those who loved to twirl. It's always been one of my favourite places for time travel visits!
Remember my darlings, every trip back in time is an adventure. You never know what fashion or ballet masterpieces you'll uncover!
I'm always off to discover more of the fabulous history of tutus. I'll be sharing those stories on www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday – don't miss my next #TutuTuesday blog post!
Until next time, twirl on!
Your eternally pink, Emma.
P.S. Have you been to the Bolshoi Theatre, my darlings? Do share your ballet stories!
P.P.S Fancy joining me for a tea party? I've found some lovely new pink teacups in a little shop in Notting Hill. Let's gather around, share some secrets, and sip our tea!
