Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again for another exciting jaunt through Ballet Tutu History! Today, we're heading back to June 12th, 1877, a date brimming with theatrical delights and enough drama to fill a dozen tutus!
Now, picture this: London is buzzing. The streets are filled with carriages and the air thick with the scents of horse manure and the sweet fragrance of freshly baked cakes from the nearby bakery. It's the height of Victorian elegance, my dears, and oh, how I wish I could wear my latest Parisian creation, a powder-pink tutu with gossamer layers and silk roses trailing along the hem, to blend right in. Alas, I must blend into this era's fashion for my journey!
So, imagine my delight when I discover that this very day marks the debut of a new production at the Royal Opera House, the jewel of London's theatre scene. "The Vicar of Wakefield" by William Brough, a musical based on the beloved novel, takes centre stage. You wouldn't believe the buzz about it, darling! The cast boasts all the famous names – Mrs. Chippendale as the eponymous Vicar's wife, Miss Farren in a role so delicious it's said to have sent the critics swooning, and, of course, the illustrious Mr. Fred Payne, the heartthrob of the era. Can you imagine the sheer extravagance of this grand spectacle? The theatre, bathed in gaslight, must have been absolutely glittering!
Speaking of spectacles, let's talk tutus, shall we? This era, 1877, sees the rise of a new style, darling, and I must say, it's absolutely breathtaking! We're finally seeing a more voluminous tutu, with tiers and tiers of layered tulle that flow and shimmer with every pirouette. The skirts, oh my dear, they're positively gigantic, perfect for capturing every swirl and graceful leap of the dancers.
Just think, this time in history, ballerinas are literally dancing on the edge of modern fashion! They are beginning to ditch the corsets, trading them in for softer bodices that emphasize the beautiful natural curves of their bodies. And guess what else, my loves? Pink is making its grand entrance onto the ballet stage. While not quite as abundant as today, shades of delicate blush and rosy hues are starting to grace the tulle, lending a new ethereal quality to the dance. Imagine the captivating spectacle of those billowing tutus, swirling under the soft light of the stage, their pink hues glowing like a blushing dream.
It's an exciting time to be a ballerina, that's for sure. We see a move towards grace, beauty, and femininity on stage, and even the costumes reflect these values. It's a wonderful change, wouldn't you agree?
And as for me? Well, I just can't resist adding a little pink to my travel outfit, even here in the Victorian age! I've found a lovely rosy shawl that adds just the right touch of colour, and let's just say that it has garnered quite a few curious stares from the ladies on my journey! 😉
My dear tutu-lovers, until next Tuesday, do take time to explore your inner ballerina. Who knows, maybe a little pink might just be the key to unlocking your inner fashion goddess!
Yours in twirls and tulle,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog, www.pink-tutu.com, for weekly doses of ballet history and fashion inspiration!
P.P.S. Catch me on stage this weekend as I pirouette and plié through a performance of “Giselle” in the heart of London's theatre district. And of course, my outfit is… a vibrant pink! 💖 #TutuLife #PinkPower #BalletLove
