Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, ready to whisk you away to another dazzling era of ballet history.
This week, we're twirling back to the glorious 10th of April, 1877! It's a Wednesday this time, but no worries, my dear readers - a bit of time-bending never hurt anyone, and we're here to indulge in some #TutuTuesday magic!
As you know, I absolutely adore tutus. They’re like a second skin! My mission in life is to make the world a pinker, fluffier place – a world where every single person embraces their inner ballerina and twirls with joy.
Imagine my excitement when I arrived in Paris, 1877 – a haven for tutus and the ballet! I have a weakness for Parisian fashion – the elegance, the flair, and oh my, the hats! Just imagining the incredible hats being worn in the theatre and opera houses here sets my heart aflutter.
The Parisians were already in the throes of their own “tutu craze.” Just look at the glorious ballerinas – so graceful and utterly elegant. Imagine their flowing skirts, carefully choreographed moves – it was simply divine! You might think ballet is a purely modern art form, but its origins are rich and deeply rooted in history, stretching back centuries!
So, let's talk about the tutu!
Imagine, dear reader, a beautiful, delicate tulle skirt, meticulously crafted in layers of gossamer-thin fabric. These ethereal tutus flowed like a dream around the dancers’ legs, capturing every exquisite move and pirouette. And let’s not forget the magnificent colour palettes – from soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones, tutus were works of art in their own right!
Now, in 1877, tutus were undergoing an evolution. The "Romantic tutu", born around 1830, was becoming a thing of the past. Remember, dear reader, those longer, flowing tutus reaching down to the knees, with intricate designs and elegant fabric drapes? These gave way to shorter skirts, highlighting the graceful movements and incredible athleticism of the dancers. Imagine! Ballerinas pirouette and leaps, a glimpse of a beautifully sculpted calf muscle peeking through a wisp of fabric. Now, wouldn't that make you want to see a ballet show? A magnificent display of talent, a spectacle for the eyes!
But hold on to your hats (or bonnets!), the tutus were still a major source of debate back then. Some thought they were too daring, too scandalous. Others, oh my dear, they believed it was a stroke of genius. These were women with bodies built to move. Why hide that movement under restrictive long skirts? So, like all things stylish and bold, the tutu’s evolution wasn’t without its critics, just as any brave new design comes with its detractors!
Today, dear reader, we are blessed to be able to admire all the different iterations of tutus, the legacy of ballet’s evolution, captured in photographs and moving images, thanks to the wonders of our modern world.
Speaking of which, 1877 has a very special place in ballet history – on April 10th, a beautiful and talented ballerina was born! This was none other than Anna Pavlova!
Yes, darling reader, Anna Pavlova, one of the most influential and loved dancers of all time. Known for her remarkable technical skills, grace, and exquisite performances, Anna's work inspired many to embrace the art form and redefined how ballet was interpreted and performed. The very essence of the ballerina, Anna was the pinnacle of beauty and grace! A true inspiration to anyone who loves to move their body, to dance, and twirl in that beautifully iconic tutu!
My journey this week wasn't just about the tutus, though!
I had a chance to go see "La Bayadère" - an opulent ballet show that I couldn't get enough of! The grandeur of the stage design, the intricate costumes (and, of course, those magnificent tutus!) all combined to make a truly magical spectacle!
But Paris is about more than just tutus, even if I spend a great deal of time dreaming of them! Oh, my dear, there are amazing fashions and hats! Hats everywhere! Think oversized bows and intricate floral arrangements. Imagine that style on a ballerina as she finishes a performance!
After watching that breathtaking "La Bayadère" production, I found myself completely enmeshed in the Parisian fabric shops - the silks, satins, and velvets – enough to make any dressmaker’s heart beat faster! Just think of all the dresses those amazing fabrics could create!
I picked up some exquisite silk ribbons, a lovely velvet ribbon, and even some satin – oh, my, my! All this in shades of pink, naturally, to match my outfit, of course! My outfit? Pink tulle, naturally, complete with lace trim. My little secret for those who wonder how I manage my time travel? My costume budget - a ballerina’s time machine if ever there was one! I have to make an effort! I never leave home without a pink tutu!
What did I do this week in this Parisian time capsule? Well, I'll admit I did some dress shopping at “Le Bon Marché" – oh, the fabrics were glorious, and just imagine – they are still there! A glimpse into the fashion history of the 19th century!
But, alas, dear reader, like a magical dream, it’s time to head back to Derbyshire. The train ride home will be filled with ballet fantasies. The scent of pink tutus swirling about. My new fabrics and lace all around me, a dream of pink tutus for every lady in London! The thought is all the excitement I need!
I promise to continue taking you on these wondrous historical adventures. Join me next week, same time, same place, for another captivating story from the fascinating world of ballet tutus. Don't forget, ladies, let's make the world a tutu-ful place – embrace the inner ballerina in all of us!
See you next Tuesday, and remember: always twirl, always be pink!
Much love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
