Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad time traveller, ready to take you on a whirlwind tour of ballet history.
As always, it's #TutuTuesday! So let's whisk ourselves back in time to January 22nd, 1878, a glorious day in the heart of the Parisian theatre world.
You see, this Tuesday, just like every Tuesday, the scent of boulevard cafes mingles with the delicate fragrance of powdered wigs. The Opera Garnier is bursting with excitement, because tonight is the night of The Sleeping Beauty, and every fashionable lady in Paris will be in attendance.
Fancying a quick fashion flash? Today's haute couture is all about swirling gowns of the most sumptuous silks and satins, perfectly cinched at the waist, a true embodiment of grace and sophistication. You might spot the "Robe à la Polonaise" a flattering dress with a shorter skirt in the back, highlighting a lady's graceful curves. It's quite the sight!
As I said, we're in Paris! A haven of elegance and opulence. And you'll find this captivating city brimming with ballet buzz. This era, in 1878, was the golden age of ballet. Just the mention of the Paris Opera Ballet brings a thrill, and rightly so! The Ballets Russes is starting to make waves too! We might just have caught the performance of the divine Anna Pavlova in a future ballet. She would later achieve global fame, but this beautiful, fiercely passionate dancer is currently honing her talents and dancing up a storm on Parisian stages!
Now, you might wonder what the connection is between this glamorous world and the simple tutu, a little fluffy delight. The tutu, as we know it today, was actually just starting to gain traction around this time, the 1870s. This is also a key moment in the history of ballet and we are smack in the middle of it! Before then, ballerinas used to wear long, cumbersome skirts, more suited for ballrooms than for showcasing athleticism and grace.
Imagine the beautiful ballerinas dancing gracefully across the stage. But the tutu's transformation? Oh my darling, this is an exciting time for it. Imagine the swirling movement, the elegance of these tutus now evolving to embrace the demands of pointework.
The Tutu had started a transformation - moving away from romantic and long. The "tutu-roman", a longer tutu for dramatic performances, is taking shape. But we can’t forget about the other exciting development: the tutu-pantalon, short, lightweight and playful! Perfect for fast paced routines, offering a glimpse of those lovely legs and graceful kicks.
We could talk for hours, my lovelies, but for now, let's turn back our hourglass and let our imaginations dance. Don't forget to subscribe and keep your eyes peeled for next week's #TutuTuesday.
Until then, keep dancing and dream of tutus!
Love,
Emma, Your Time Travelling Pink Tutu Blogger
P.S. While in Paris, be sure to indulge in the enchanting beauty of the city! It's worth savouring every moment and maybe trying some delicious Parisian pastry while admiring the Eiffel Tower (which isn't finished yet - just a cheeky spoiler alert!). The shops are full of fabulous clothes and, darling, let's not forget the boutiques for ballet wear. Just try to resist those enchanting ribbons! You may even spot a ballerina walking in the street... A truly magical time, don't you think?
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