Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, Emma, back again with another #TutuTuesday blast from the past!
This week, we're whisking ourselves back to the glittering year of 1877! Ooh, just picture it: grand balls with waltzing couples, delicate lace fans fluttering, and gentlemen in their finest suits, their eyes twinkling with admiration. And, of course, tutus, gracing the stage in the grandest theatres of the era.
Let me tell you, 1877 was a year for a tutu enthusiast like myself! A true whirlwind of ballet innovations was sweeping the world. This was a time when Russian ballet, with its breathtaking athleticism and technical brilliance, was starting to truly capture the imaginations of audiences everywhere.
Now, when I say "capture the imaginations," I really mean it. It was like watching a flock of graceful swans in flight – breathtaking and utterly mesmerising! Imagine, darlings, Marie Taglioni (a legend in her own right, trust me!), the queen of the Romantic ballet, was just about to hang up her pointe shoes and leave the stage.
Yes, 1877 marked the end of an era, with the 'golden age' of romantic ballet starting to gracefully glide into a new era of technical mastery, led by the Russian ballerinas with their awe-inspiring leaps and impeccable technique.
On this very date, July 24th, 1877, something quite exciting happened in the world of ballet – the esteemed ballerina, Fanny Elssler, the very one who inspired Giselle, the queen of the "la Sylphide," returned to the Parisian stage in her signature tutu for one last hurrah! This is an absolute must-see for any true ballerina aficionado!
So, picture the scene: a shimmering stage bathed in the golden glow of gaslight, a hush falls over the crowd as the elegant Fanny Elssler takes centre stage. She pirouettes effortlessly, her tutu, a confection of tulle and ribbons, seeming to float above the stage, catching the light as she glides, turns, and leaps. What a spectacle! Just imagining it makes my heart skip a beat!
Now, of course, you all know about the iconic tutu (how could you not!), and 1877 is a key year in its history! Think The Sleeping Beauty, the story of an enchanted princess! I'm sure it has been on all your minds as it is for me. Such grand, extravagant costumes! The romantic tutu at its absolute best!
Think of the romantic drama, the passion, and the incredible costumes of Swan Lake, and the ethereal tutus, both white and black, as graceful and delicate as the birds they depict. These were just two of the spectacular ballet performances which captivated the audiences in 1877, showing off the beautiful tutu in all its glory!
While these tutues had been captivating audiences in grand theatres for some time, 1877 saw some pretty revolutionary designs. They became lighter and less structured, almost floating with their sheer volume. They really reflected the transition from the romantic era to the technical brilliance of the Russian ballet era.
To really understand what I'm talking about, you have to imagine the tutus from that time: They weren’t quite as stiff as those of the romantic ballet; they flowed with movement, like soft clouds drifting on a summer breeze! I swear, even the flowers at the back of the theatre would be entranced, nodding their petals in appreciation.
Let's not forget, darlings, the ballet stage wasn’t the only place tutus were shining! Tutu mania was spreading beyond the theatre, and tutu-inspired outfits were appearing in fashion circles with all sorts of embellishments! They might not have been on pointe, but you could definitely catch a glimpse of tutu-inspired styles adorning the stylish ladies of the era, a clear indication that tutu magic had woven its way into everyday life.
Even now, just imagine the delight as your beloved Victorian lady donned a tutu inspired dress for an afternoon tea party! I can imagine those delicate lace trims, the romantic puffed sleeves, and the frilly layers of tutu inspired skirts – so exquisite! It really brought a little bit of the ballet magic into daily life!
So, 1877, was a year full of tutu magic, where grand performances mesmerised audiences and even inspired fashion! I must admit, sometimes, as I'm zipping through time in my magical, pink tutu, I yearn to be there myself. I’d just love to experience that world, to see those breathtaking performances and soak in the glorious atmosphere of those grand theatres! I wouldn’t miss those beautiful ballrooms and all the glamorous evening dresses for anything!
What an amazing period! I do hope that we're lucky enough to have some future tutu adventures in that amazing era again, I've got a few specific performance dates I have my eyes on! Maybe you'll come with me! Do make sure you look up Fanny Elssler, she is one of my very favourite ballerinas, such grace! Just wait until I tell you about her legendary tutu, she had such amazing flair!
As ever, darlings, remember, always embrace the joy of dance, and never shy away from adding a dash of tutu magic to your life. See you all next Tuesday for another fabulous dose of tutu history.
Until then, keep twirling, Emma x
TutuTuesday #PinkTutu #BalletHistory #Fashion #History #TimeTravel #1877 #EmmaOnTheGo #BalletLife #LoveBallet #TutusOfHistory #VictorianFashion