Hello my lovely Tutu-Twirlers!
Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday journey into the world of ballet history. Today, I'm travelling back to March 31st, 1874, a truly magical time for tutus and all things fabulous! Buckle up, darlings, we're going for a whirl!
Now, you all know how much I adore a good train journey, and this one was no exception. I hopped aboard in Derbyshire, the fresh air blowing through my pink tulle as I dreamt of what wonders awaited. As I sat gazing at the countryside whizzing by, I couldn't help but imagine what the world of dance was like all those years ago.
London was bustling with life! And trust me, ladies, they knew how to put on a show! I was instantly drawn to Covent Garden. It was there that I caught a glimpse of the legendary Marie Taglioni, the ultimate tutu icon of her time. Oh, to be a ballerina then!
1874, The Dawn of Romantic Ballet
Let's take a peek into what tutu history looked like back then. The Romantic era was reaching its peak. You've got to understand, the tutu wasn't always the fluffy, layered cloud of tulle it is today. Back in 1874, it was all about lightweight fabrics like silk, muslin and, you guessed it, tulle! The skirts were shorter, giving dancers incredible freedom of movement, perfect for showing off their ethereal leaps and graceful extensions.
And can we talk about those shoes? Oh my, these ballet slippers weren't for the faint of heart. No fancy ribbons or straps here, darling. Just a simple piece of leather with a tiny ribbon that needed meticulous tying to keep the slipper on the foot. Talk about a dance challenge!
But let's not forget the colours! This period was all about pastels and muted tones, giving a dream-like quality to the performances. Imagine, peach, lavender, pale pink and baby blue shimmering under the stage lights, absolutely breathtaking!
The Tutu and its Transformation
Now, even back in 1874, the tutu was constantly evolving! Designers were trying new shapes, fabrics and lengths. But one thing was for sure, the tutu remained the centrepiece of every ballet, highlighting the beauty of the dancers' movement and storytelling through their every graceful step.
As I strolled around London's streets, I realised that the spirit of dance permeated everywhere! It wasn't just on stage. Ballet schools were flourishing, offering aspiring ballerinas a chance to follow their dreams. Imagine the sheer joy of donning a beautifully crafted tutu for your very first ballet lesson, what a moment!
Shopping For Inspiration
Now, as any self-respecting tutu lover knows, a trip into the past must involve a spot of shopping! I've always said, the history of ballet is inextricably linked with the world of fashion, and that's certainly true in 1874! I made my way to Liberty's, the most fabulous department store in London. And trust me, darlings, there was not a shortage of silk and lace in sight, making it an absolute paradise for any ballerina who loved a touch of the luxurious! I even found myself an exquisitely delicate lace scarf, perfectly echoing the elegance of the ballet costumes of that time!
It was on this very day, 31st of March 1874, that the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden debuted their production of "La Esmeralda" - one of my all-time favourites. The music, the costumes, the drama! A feast for the eyes, darling, absolutely exquisite!
More Than Just Dance
But my adventure didn't end there! I discovered that 1874 was a time when ballet was expanding beyond the theatre walls. Street performances were all the rage. Can you imagine seeing graceful ballerinas pirouetting under the London skies? I must have spent hours gazing at the dancers. Tutu-Twirlers, there was definitely something special about witnessing these performances amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life!
The magic of the tutu, you see, wasn't just about the delicate fabric or the graceful movements. It was about the sheer joy of self-expression. From the theatre stage to the cobblestone streets, ballet captivated the world and transported them to realms of pure elegance.
As the sun began its descent and cast long shadows across London, I bid farewell to this incredible chapter in ballet history. It was time to journey back to my own era. As I hopped back aboard the train, my mind buzzed with the day's memories. And just as I had seen ballerinas dancing on cobbled streets, I am reminded to embrace every opportunity to showcase my passion for the tutu and to make ballet accessible for everyone!
Until next #TutuTuesday, darling, keep twirling, keep dancing, keep sparkling!
Your favourite Tutu-Twirling Time Traveler,
Emma xoxo
www.pink-tutu.com
Don't forget to check out my Pinterest board for more beautiful tutus!
