Hello, my lovely Tutu Tribe! Welcome back to another exciting journey through time, right here on pink-tutu.com! This week we're taking a trip back to February 27th, 1877, a time when ballet was just starting to bloom, just like a beautiful flower, all delicate and dainty!
I absolutely love my #TutuTuesday adventures, because not only do I get to twirl around in fabulous tutus of all eras, but I also get to experience what ballet was like, even before the pointe shoe made its grand appearance! Can you imagine? Dancing on your toes without that wonderful, supportive pointe shoe? I wouldn't be able to last five minutes!
Oh, but you know me! I'm always full of surprises. So, where in the world are we this week? Well, we've travelled across the English Channel to Paris, the city of lights and the home of some truly breathtaking ballet! Think romantic music, swirling skirts, and dramatic poses – all very charming, very French!
Now, back in 1877, ballet was mostly about stories, and they were often quite dramatic! Think Greek mythology and all those lovely princesses! We’re not quite at the age of abstract ballet, not yet.
To tell you the truth, in 1877 tutus were quite different from our modern, twirly beauties. They weren't the wispy, airy things we see today. Back then, they were all about that classic ballet look, more like a beautiful full skirt than a fluffy tutu, and they were usually made of a heavier fabric, which required a certain amount of strength and agility to dance in, all those frills and ruffles!
And the colours? Imagine lots of pastel shades, flowing with delicate ribbons and embroidery – truly stunning! In my mind’s eye, I see shimmering pink silk, billowing layers of white tulle, with hints of lavender and seafoam green. Very romantic!
There’s also a wonderful, whimsical ballet called "La Source", a fairytale-like performance that was first danced in 1866, in Paris, which is quite special considering this is where we are today.
Now, let's talk about the fashion, because that is the most delightful part! Back then, the fashionable ladies, all with their intricate, tightly-laced corsets and dramatic hats, had a more structured look than we do today.
Let me tell you, corsets were NOT my favourite! I don’t know how they could move in them, but these ladies were real troopers! Think lace, bonnets, lots of embroidery, and long gloves with dainty parasols. And the men! Tall and handsome, wearing frock coats and striped trousers, truly stylish! And when I travelled through the streets on my way to the theatre, I was quite taken by the carriages, which, of course, are quite the glamorous transport of the period, a luxurious ride indeed.
Of course, you've got to experience the grand theatres – such elegant places, with velvet-covered seats, chandeliers twinkling above, and those majestic curtain calls, just the perfect spot to spot all the beautiful hats, I tell you!
While I have been time traveling, I have seen quite a bit, from Victorian England to the sparkling lights of Paris and the buzzing markets of Italy. And there is something truly unique about each period!
Well, there you have it, my Tutu Tribe! A peek into the world of ballet in February 1877! I'm so thrilled to share this journey with you!
Until next week, don't forget to spread the pink tutu love!
Emma, from Pink Tutu, signing off!
