October 22nd, 1878: A Time When Tutus Took Centre Stage
Hello, darlings! It’s Emma, your time-travelling pink tutu enthusiast, ready to take you on another journey through the enchanting world of ballet history! Today’s stop? 1878, the year the tutu truly blossomed, in all its beautiful, swirling glory.
Fashionable Friends: A Blast from the Past!
Oh, my dears, the world in 1878! Such beautiful, elaborate costumes and flowing silhouettes. Now, you may think “tutu” is a rather modern term, but back then, ballerinas were already flaunting their tutus (although they might have called them "skirts" or "bouffants" then).
Think layers and layers of tulle! They're what give a tutu that magical, airy feeling - like a puff of tulle heaven. And don’t even get me started on the glorious colours! Silvery shades of blush, pearly white, the gentlest hues of pink...
As I arrived in a train carriage from Derby to London this morning (fancying a new bodice from the milliner at Peter Jones!) it struck me. What makes ballet so mesmerizing? Is it the precision? The passion? The strength?
For me, it's all of those things, yes, but above all, it's the artistry, the ability to tell a story through every twirl and leap! I think it’s something magical, something that connects us all, from the highest box seats in the theatre to the littlest feet learning to pirouette in a ballet class.
London's Theatres: Where Tutus Took the Stage
I've found that a tutu is much more than just an outfit. It’s a symbol of grace, a promise of magic. It represents the possibilities of movement, the strength and agility it takes to dance.
Just a week ago, I was lucky enough to catch the grand première of the Royal Ballet's performance at the Royal Opera House! Oh, the gloriousness! You could feel the electricity in the air, the excitement of the audience as the first ballerina in her exquisite, ethereal tutu took centre stage.
The tutus they wore in those days were still quite long, almost reaching the ground, but there was such beauty in the movement - every fluttering, swirling layer, adding to the graceful story of the performance.
A Vision of Pink Perfection
Speaking of stories, did I tell you I just discovered a beautiful little milliner shop on the Strand, specializing in the most delicate, feminine tutus you’ve ever seen? It’s a bit of a secret gem, I promise to reveal its secrets in next week’s #TutuTuesday. It's so perfect I even purchased a lovely new shade of pink, a touch more fuchsia and less blush...Oh darling, it's a delight!
Now, you may wonder why I’m obsessed with tutus, why I feel so compelled to wear one every Tuesday. To be honest, it started in Derbyshire when I was a young lass, with my head filled with dreams of dancing.
Seeing my elder sister practice her ballet in the drawing room, that little bit of magic in her flowing skirts made me want to fly, to express myself in the same way! And then the day she let me try on one of her own old tutus...That’s how I knew: it’s more than a dress, it's a promise to twirl and embrace life’s beautiful moments.
This Week's Must-Have:
Oh, but we’re running out of time for today’s post! Speaking of a must-have, you absolutely need to check out the ballet shoes! A dainty, lace-up, and a pair of soft, flexible leather pointe shoes… the epitome of elegant functionality. I find these shops are quite hard to find but always worth the hunt… And if you happen to find one near you, dear reader, please do tell me! I am always on the lookout for hidden treasures.
Remember, it’s #TutuTuesday and we're all a little bit more magical in pink. Now, who’s up for a whirl around the dance floor?! I’ll be waiting next week with another inspiring post.
Until then, keep it sparkly!
Emma xx
