Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, back again with another exciting #TutuTuesday for you! Can you believe it's June already? Summer's just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a fluttery, fabulous, pink tutu, of course!
Now, you know I love a good history lesson - especially when it involves tutus! And this week, we're whisking back to a time when the ballet world was bubbling with excitement and creativity. We're stepping into 1874, a year of momentous fashion moments!
Let's Take A Trip On The Rails:
Imagine, my lovelies, a whirlwind trip from my dear Derbyshire home, all aboard a glorious train, on its way to London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane! Isn't that simply divine? I've heard tell of the most extraordinary new ballet premiering tonight - Giselle, a captivating tale of love, loss, and the mystical! I simply can't wait to see those gorgeous, flowing tutus, and feel the passion swirling across the stage.
Now, darling readers, before we discuss the spectacular Giselle, I've been doing a little bit of research, and let me tell you, things are quite different from our modern-day world of tulle and sparkles.
Early Beginnings: When Tutus Were A Thing Of ... Fabric!
Believe it or not, back in 1874, tutus were far less refined and glamorous! Think full skirts, much more akin to those flowing, romantic ball gowns, that would have graced a society soiree. While not strictly "tutus" as we know them today, these long, sweeping skirts were quite practical for dancers needing to glide gracefully across the stage. A symphony of fabric, perhaps a shade of blush or ivory, rustling with every twirl, capturing the spirit of ballet perfectly.
Revolutionising the Silhouette:
It wasn't until the mid-19th century, and a certain Marius Petipa, the genius behind those magnificent ballets, that we really saw the shape of tutus evolve. Imagine - dancers yearning to express movement more freely! Enter - the shortened tutu, revealing legs and creating those iconic arabesques and leaps that we adore today.
Now, back in our London, things are starting to shift, a beautiful metamorphosis from the long, heavy skirts of the past, into these graceful, modern tutus! It's so inspiring, you wouldn't believe it.
Oh My! Those Beautiful Ballets:
The world is captivated by the elegant, emotional dance dramas. There are stories unfolding, exquisite choreography and stunning costuming - all interwoven with captivating scores, making ballet a veritable feast for the senses. It's really a spectacle to behold!
On This Glorious Day in 1874 ... Giselle:
Now, about Giselle. Let me tell you, my dears, this ballet is simply captivating! The story is absolutely breathtaking. It tells the tale of a young, innocent village girl and a mysterious stranger. There is magic, and sorrow, and romance! I absolutely adore how these themes of the heart come to life through breathtaking choreography, which is why we're about to get ourselves down to Drury Lane! I simply can't miss seeing the most exquisite costumes - tutus like delicate, airy clouds, with little bits of gold detailing, adding a hint of fairytale magic!
*And Speaking of Fashion ... *
After our night at the theater, I do love to pop into Madame Rosa's, one of my favourite haberdasheries on Bond Street, and maybe purchase a few ribbons and trims to create my own little masterpiece. There is just something utterly inspiring about those shimmering silks and dazzling sequins, it really ignites my imagination!
A Bit Of Pink In Our World...
Now, you all know my motto: life's far too short to be anything but fabulously, pink and happy! I'm dreaming of the day when we're all sporting pink tutus as our everyday outfit. Imagine the fun, the joy, the twirls in our grocery shops! Maybe one day!
Well, my darling tutubelles, I must away, my train is about to depart, but do remember to check back next week for more enchanting adventures in our quest for the perfect pink tutu! Don't forget to join me at www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday. Until next time, keep twirling and stay sparkly!
