Oh my dears! What a fabulous day it is to be twirling! This week, we're jetting back in time to a most exciting era, a world filled with the waltzes and the grandeur of Victorian elegance! Yes, dear readers, we're talking June 10th, 1879. Buckle up for a journey that'll take us straight to the heart of the ballet world in its most captivating time!
So, grab your favourite cuppa, pop on your prettiest pink tutu, and let's dance through time, shall we?
A World of Whimsy
Just picture it: gaslight-illuminated streets, carriages dashing by, and ladies adorned in the most exquisite gowns! It's the world of 1879, and the theatre is where the magic truly happens! Ballet is blossoming, and while the tutus we know and love aren't quite ready to take centre stage, there's a beautiful, delicate evolution unfolding.
The ladies of the ballet were often sporting billowing skirts with tiers of tulle. Think billows of airy fabric, reminiscent of a dreamy cloud! They’re not quite the form-fitting tutus we associate with ballet today, but they certainly possess their own brand of ethereal grace.
A Trip to the Opéra
Of course, I can't possibly write about this era without taking a little trip to Paris. I simply had to pop in for a peek at the Palais Garnier, a veritable palace of art and dance! It's absolutely breathtaking. Imagine a vast, opulent theatre bathed in chandeliers that sparkle like a million twinkling stars, each performance a grand spectacle! I do adore a good Parisian ballet. There’s such a passion in their movements!
Today’s performance? Why, it’s the magnificent "La Source" - a truly mesmerizing ballet by Léo Delibes! I do love a story ballet - a visual tale told with grace and artistry.
On the Runway of History
But our time-traveling journey is not just about the dance! Let's step into the world of fashion, darling!
You simply must take a look at the women’s fashions. Think cinched waists, billowing skirts, and exquisite detail. I particularly adore the "Bustle", a structured cage-like structure worn at the back of a gown, a statement piece for sure! Oh, the effort of keeping up appearances - truly a different age. But back to ballet! I believe these busty gowns, combined with their flowy and ethereal nature, gave an extra oomph to a ballet dancer's movements, an ethereal fluttering of beauty.
Pink Power: Always On Point!
Naturally, even back in the late 1800s, I was swooning over all things pink. There's a shade of pink in almost every gown, every fabric I’ve seen - in those beautifully flowered designs and in the silks that danced on stage. It's the colour of romance, the colour of dreams, and yes, the colour of tutus. I predict the love of pink will continue!
*The World of *Crinoline
Of course, let's not forget the crinoline, a huge cage-like frame, a must-have for a well-dressed Victorian lady! Imagine trying to do a grand jeté in one! (ahem... maybe not my strongest movement these days!).
Dancing with the Past
Now, my dear tutu lovers, remember to check our "Pink Tutu" online store! I have just a few beautiful vintage tulle items - delicate and beautiful, each with their own story - perfect for your collection or maybe even a ball gown! If there is enough interest in the pink and white and yellow color schemes of this era, I may just start designing new tutus with these feminine palettes! We’ll be looking at ballet as the true inspiration!
And finally, while my travels in time may take me to extraordinary places, I am always drawn back to the elegance and the romanticism of ballet. Each performance is a unique window into another world - a story told through the art of dance, costumes, music, and history itself!
Until next week my dears - Happy dancing!
- Emma
(aka The Pink Tutu Blogger)
www.pink-tutu.com
Stay Connected!I love hearing from you all! Drop me a comment below about your favorite ballerina, your favourite ballet or even a story about a tutu you love - I do!
*Remember, Tutu Tuesday is every Tuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! *
