Hello my darling darlings, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for a dose of #TutuTuesday and some exciting ballet history!
Today I'm whisking you away on a fabulous trip in my time-travelling tutu to 1st August 1876, and let me tell you, it was a glorious time to be a ballerina! I absolutely love going back to this era - it was bursting with elegance and romance, just like my beloved tutus!
We’re stepping off the train in London, darling. This bustling city is the epicentre of ballet at the moment. You just cannot escape the allure of the theatre, and it seems everyone is obsessed with dance. It’s a true cultural phenomenon!
Now, I can already see the curious twinkle in your eyes, and you're probably wondering - what did tutus look like back in 1876? Well, darling, the tutu wasn’t yet the iconic, romantic, and twirly design we adore today. They were a bit… well, practical.
Imagine this, a ballerina on stage with her calves and ankles adorned in swathes of tulle, clinging close to her like a second skin. Yes, my dear, this is the tutu of 1876 – much like a dancer’s second skin! It gave those graceful limbs so much freedom of movement. There wasn't much of a pouffy element to them yet, like the romantic ones we see today. Think of a midi skirt length – graceful and functional!
I’ve found a beautiful, traditional Victorian tutu – an absolute dream! The soft, swirling layers of tulle billow out gently. They say that Marie Taglioni’s (you know, that Marie Taglioni!) groundbreaking performances were instrumental in getting this style popular! Just imagine her gliding across the stage, all lightness and grace. Sigh.
Anyway, darling, today we have to head straight to the Royal Opera House, where tonight we are going to watch La Sylphide. The first ever La Sylphide premiered here in 1832, and since then it's a complete staple – it is still performed today! A wonderful example of how beautiful dance has the ability to last forever.
Of course, I had to slip into a fabulous outfit. We’re going au grand bal, darling! Think extravagant, think luxurious, and of course, think PINK! I’ve found a beautifully constructed dress in vibrant pink silk, a perfect colour for a ballet outing! A cascading train and a corset fit like a glove! It is quite something to experience how people have dressed so dramatically. Imagine, ladies going to the theatre with every ounce of femininity they have at hand. It really was a true performance! And yes, my dearest friends, of course I’ve had the time to take photos! I’ll post those online later tonight.
But enough about me, darling. What about YOU? Would you love to dance on stage in this historical tutu? Imagine how captivating and unique it would look! Who says we have to be all poofy when we want to be graceful and express ourselves?! Just let your imagination take flight!
And now, dear friends, my darling tutus, are calling me. I have so much to explore.
Be sure to catch up with me tomorrow on Instagram where I'll be posting behind the scenes pics from my adventure today!
Don't forget to tune in next week for more #TutuTuesday and let’s talk tutus!
See you soon, darlings,
Emma xoxo
