Hello, my darling tutus! It's your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveler, Emma, back again for another journey into the magical world of ballet history!
Today, my darling friends, we're travelling all the way back to 6th March, 1877. That's a whopping 146 years ago, which is pretty darn impressive, even for me! Can you believe it's been that long since the Victorian era ruled the roost? Honestly, it feels like only yesterday! And what was happening in the ballet world on that fateful day? Buckle your dancing shoes, because it's quite a story...
First off, I want to tell you, dear friends, I have got to give a shout-out to those gorgeous ladies of the Victorian ballet stage. They were absolute visionaries. I mean, think about it: these brave women, dancing in all their petticoats and hoops with layers and layers of silk and lace, just a tad bit different to the streamlined look we see today, but beautiful nonetheless! They definitely pushed the boundaries of the tutu, so much so that I'm just eternally grateful!
Now, let's get back to our date, 6th March, 1877. This day holds an absolutely spectacular event for any ballet lover - The grand premiere of La Esmeralda in London's Covent Garden. You know what I'm saying? La Esmeralda. That's an iconic ballet right there. It's one that will make your heart beat a little faster. The story, based on the French novelist Victor Hugo’s Notre-Dame de Paris, follows Esmeralda, a Romani dancer, caught up in the whirlwind of a love story, set in a medieval cathedral - so romantic!
Speaking of romantic, imagine those glorious tutus they wore on stage. All billowing fabrics, perfectly tailored and sparkling under the chandeliers. It's a spectacle that makes my imagination soar and sends shivers down my spine. Talk about drama, my friends, talk about sheer elegance! La Esmeralda brought all the dramatic energy of those big Victorian sleeves and elaborate hair, but for ballet - how could I not be enthralled?
I imagine myself being transported back to those days. Picture this: Stepping off the train at London's Euston station, arriving in that glorious capital of style and ballet. Imagine walking past bustling crowds on Oxford Street, a symphony of carriages and dapper men in top hats. Then, as I reach Covent Garden, I take in the elegant architecture, all those swirling designs and grand entrances, making me think that maybe I should wear a bit more frills, you know?
Now, on a personal note, you guys know that I'm utterly devoted to the color pink. And while the Victorians had their own signature shades of soft rose and blush pink, imagine how absolutely magnificent this ballet would be seen if we replaced those classic colours with bold, bubble-gum pink! Don't you think La Esmeralda would be even more spectacular in a dramatic hot pink tutu? Just a thought.
For my dear ballet-loving fashionistas, it’s important to remember that fashion in those times wasn't just about the what, it was just as much about the how.
And what is a grand performance in Covent Garden without a proper after-party, right? Oh, you know it! Imagine, the plush velvet seats of the renowned West End theater, a waltz or two to cool off after a breathtaking performance, maybe a cup of tea and a slice of lemon cake, and then? That's where the fun truly begins! I envision myself with my girls, dancing to the midnight hour in those extravagant gowns, discussing the performance in hushed whispers. There’s nothing like a night out with the girls, am I right?
Oh, and those hats! Can we just take a moment to admire the artistry? Elaborate feather plumes, cascading bows, ribbons and jewels, I’m sure some of them must have taken hours to create! Those women certainly knew a thing or two about flair!
Honestly, it’s just a bit of a struggle to stop myself from going all out and creating my own extravagant, feathered, lace-filled, full-blown, pink-tutu-wearing ensemble just for today! It's times like these, when I step back in time, that I remember that it's not about perfection, but about personality. Each tutu has a story. They speak to us through the centuries.
But you know what else I love about history, especially ballet history? The connections, the influence. The dancers and choreographers of this time, the Ballet Russe, they opened the doors to some of the greatest choreographers and dancers we know today. There's no way we could appreciate modern ballet without them, that's for sure!
Speaking of modern ballet, imagine my joy as I step back into the 21st century, * still feeling the rush of the ballet after its journey through time. *What can I tell you? I am, without a doubt, living the dream. It's the life I was meant for, twirling and traveling and wearing as much pink as possible. Oh, to see the expression on people's faces when I burst into a ballet class wearing a hot pink tutu – priceless!
Remember my darlings, #TutuTuesday is about celebrating all forms of ballet. From those historic, billowing tutus of the 1800s to the chic and contemporary creations of today, it’s all part of the beautiful, inspirational history of ballet. So get out there, have fun, be your amazing selves, and dance your hearts out! I'll see you next week!
Keep twirling!
Your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time traveller, Emma.
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu-rific insights into the amazing world of ballet history. See you there!
