Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another exciting #TutuTuesday!
Today, we're stepping back in time to a date that might surprise you, April 28th, 1874. Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, how could tutus be relevant in that era? It was the Victorian Era!" And to that, I say, "Ah, my dear, you'd be surprised!"
As a seasoned time traveler with a penchant for pink tutus and a passion for all things ballet, I've been venturing into the past and uncovering fascinating tales about the evolution of this magical garment. And let me tell you, 1874 was a time of great change in the world of dance, especially in Paris - the global centre of ballet.
Now, if you imagine tutus in that era, chances are you’re thinking of the long, voluminous romantic tutu - the one with multiple layers of tulle flowing around the dancer's legs. Well, dear reader, hold onto your dancing shoes because you’re not quite right! While those grand romantic tutus would have been making their first appearance on the grand opera houses stages, the "classic" tutu as we know it was just beginning to emerge!
On this particular April day in 1874, a renowned dancer by the name of Marie Taglioni - an absolute star in the world of ballet - was performing the legendary "La Sylphide" at the Paris Opera. Marie was absolutely famous for her graceful lightness and was renowned for bringing the iconic "Romantic" ballet to life with her amazing performances.
And, you guessed it, she wore a tutu. But not the full romantic tutu like we might envision today. It was a slightly shorter, streamlined version of the romantic tutu – a little more revealing but still wonderfully flowing! Just imagine: this iconic dancer, floating across the stage, swirling in layers of tulle, captivating audiences with her artistry. Doesn't it make you want to step back in time and see her performance yourself?
Tutus, Travel & a Touch of Fashion:Speaking of time travel, you all know how much I adore hopping aboard the railway and travelling to new destinations. And just like any fashionable traveller, I'm always on the lookout for exquisite ballet shows. Last weekend, I found myself on the bustling platform at St. Pancras station, my pink tutu swishing with every movement. I was bound for a wonderful evening at the Royal Opera House in London - imagine, an amazing night of classical ballet with the greatest ballerinas in the world! I’ll let you know all about it in next week’s blog, promise!
It’s not only shows and performance I adore, but fashion shopping is also a vital part of my life. As you know, finding the perfect tutu is an adventure, my dear friends, and you can never have too many tutus! Last month, I had the most fabulous trip to a new store on Regent Street that had all the most amazing colours and styles – you should have seen me trying them on! Honestly, it was like trying on dreams. The lady in the store was saying that there are just so many tutus at the moment because "La Sylphide" is incredibly popular and dancers just can't get enough.
That's why, you see, I’m going to Paris myself very soon - I have a couple of show tickets lined up! The only thing left to do is decide which tutu to wear...Decisions, decisions!
Speaking of tutus, imagine, 1874, a world where tutus are still in their infancy. A world of elegant dancers, beautiful dresses, and even more elaborate dances. What would the tutu of the future look like? I can only dream...
Now, dear readers, I want to hear from you! Have you ever attended a ballet performance? What is your favourite type of tutu? Tell me all about your own Tutu Tuesday experiences in the comments below!
Until next week, keep those tutus twirling!
Your ever-so-stylish ballerina,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
