Hello lovelies! Emma here, back again with another dive into the magnificent history of the tutu, the only garment worthy of spinning, leaping, and generally being fabulous in! This week, we're stepping back in time to August 20th, 1878, right smack-dab in the heart of the Romantic Era of ballet. Now, hold onto your tiaras, darlings, because this is a time when the tutu was just starting to really shine! ✨
You see, dear readers, the Romantic era was all about swirling emotions and dreamy storylines. Imagine a beautiful princess locked in a tower, pining for her love. So romantic, right? Well, the tutu perfectly captured this sense of lightness and ethereal grace. Before the 1870s, ballet costumes were pretty darn practical. They were all about ease of movement, so imagine more flowing skirts and long, diaphanous fabrics. Not exactly the stuff of a grand jeté, are we?
But then, bam! Enter the short, billowing, tulle tutu as we know and love it! It allowed for much more freedom of movement, showing off the dancer's lines and leaps like never before. Imagine that gorgeous explosion of tulle as a dancer executes a perfect arabesque, swirling like a delicate, perfectly-pink flower in the breeze. I simply swoon! 😍
And on August 20th, 1878, there was a simply delightful ballet performance to be found! This Tuesday was, coincidentally, the very same date in 1878 that Marie Taglioni's famous La Sylphide made its debut in St. Petersburg. Can you imagine being present for that? The elegance, the lightness, the graceful movement of the dancers in their breathtaking tulle creations... pure ballet magic!
But the Romantic era wasn't just about delicate movement and dreamy tales. It was also a time when dancers started using pointe shoes. Yep, you heard me right! This was the time when those delicate pink wonders, allowing dancers to stand on their tippy-toes with a magical grace, truly began to be seen! What an incredible innovation, transforming ballet with each elegant pointé! 🩰
Speaking of innovative transformations, I have to mention my outfit! Yes, darling, this Tuesday, I've decked myself out in the most fabulous pink tutu, adorned with delicate, hand-stitched ribbons. A subtle nod to the Romantic era's ethereal style, don't you think? ✨ It perfectly compliments my antique pearl necklace and elegant velvet bodice.
I can almost feel the swirling energy of that time, can't you? I picture myself gliding across a stage, surrounded by shimmering tulle and dazzling footwork. Maybe with a touch of pixie dust, too! ✨ I wouldn't mind transporting myself back to that period, to soak in the pure joy and wonder of a ballet performance back then! Imagine witnessing La Sylphide and its stunning choreography firsthand... a dream come true!
Now, I can't end this blog without mentioning something very important! As a passionate advocate for tutus, my mission in life, you know, besides collecting antique ballet posters and meticulously curating my fabulous tutu collection, is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu! Just imagine the world overflowing with the fluffy, feminine goodness of a tutu! Imagine everyone walking down the street, dancing with joy and swirling tulle... What a beautiful world that would be! 💖
I truly believe in the power of a tutu to bring out our inner dancer and add a touch of joy to life! And just like my tutu obsession knows no boundaries, I know the magical influence of this delightful garment will one day encompass the whole world! 🌎💖
Stay fabulous, my dear lovelies, and remember to embrace your inner ballerina. And don't forget, wear a tutu! 🩰
Yours in twirls and tulle, Emma 💖
From Derbyshire to Paris: My Time Travel Adventures! 🚆🇫🇷Did I tell you about my recent trip to Paris? Oh darling, it was a dream! I found a beautiful old Parisian bookstore tucked away in a cobblestone street and discovered the most delightful collection of antique ballet librettos! Some dating back to the Romantic era, too!
I managed to snag a first edition of "La Sylphide," beautifully bound with a hand-painted cover, showcasing a ballerina in a tulle tutu so full of graceful curves. Now, my lovelies, that's a conversation starter, if you ever heard one! 😍 I immediately ordered myself a gorgeous velvet dress with layers of silk for my ballet-themed Parisian outing. It even included a small train! You simply can't wear an outfit like that and not walk like royalty. 👑
Of course, the journey itself was part of the adventure. It wouldn't be a proper trip back in time without a thrilling journey in a first-class compartment of a grand train. You know, those glorious steam engines with their polished wood interiors and plush velvet seating? The rhythmic clattering of the train wheels and the sheer excitement of discovering something new, both with a classic sense of style? Just utterly divine. 💖
Now, let's be clear, my lovelies, financing these travels isn't as simple as waving a magic wand (though I do occasionally dream about it)! Luckily, being a talented ballerina, I've been fortunate to earn my travel fund through stunning ballet performances. Just imagine: myself, gliding through elegant movements, pirouetteing my heart out to a mesmerising musical score, my gorgeous pink tutu floating gracefully around me as I deliver an absolutely breathtaking rendition! 🩰 It's a delightful way to see the world, one performance at a time!
Speaking of which, I'll leave you with a hint: my next ballet-related travel destination will take me closer to the birth of ballet! I just know it'll be bursting with fabulousness! 💖
But before you dash off to see your favourite ballet performance, remember to wear a tutu and remember, #TutuTuesday will be back next week, with a new installment in my beloved blog! Until then, stay fabulous and twirl with abandon, darling! 😘
P.S. You know you want a pink tutu! Go forth and buy one! 💖
