Hello my lovely tutu-lovers! Welcome back to another fabulous #TutuTuesday on www.pink-tutu.com! It's me, Emma, your Derbyshire-born ballerina blogger, and today we're taking a whirlwind train journey back in time to explore the wonderful world of ballet tutus in 1879. This is post number 2487 in my Ballet Tutu History blog, and as always, my aim is to inspire you to embrace the tutu, embrace the pink, and embrace the beauty of this timeless dance form!
Now, imagine yourself stepping onto a train, not one of those noisy, modern carriages, but a charming steam train with plush seats and elegant ladies adorned in silk dresses and feathered hats. As the engine chugs along, we're whizzing past bustling towns and rolling green countryside, headed straight to the heart of Parisian ballet!
Today is August 26th, 1879, a date filled with balletic intrigue. On this very day, the glorious Opéra Garnier in Paris, a magnificent building glittering with gold and draped in velvety red, is holding a dazzling performance. We're talking full-length ballets, extravagant sets, and of course, dazzling dancers sporting stunning tutus. Imagine these beauties gracefully soaring across the stage, their tutus fluttering like the wings of a butterfly, catching the flickering gaslights.
But what are these tutus like, you ask?
Well, picture this: delicate layers of soft tulle, painstakingly hand-stitched, cascading down to the knee, and flowing with each twirl and arabesque. We're still in the age of the "Romantic" tutu, my darlings. These are the ethereal, billowing, dreamy creations, the ultimate symbol of graceful flight. Think ethereal fairy-like creatures rather than the sleek athletic tutus we know today. Imagine these lovely layers swishing about and rustling softly like whispers. It's utterly enchanting!
You know, sometimes, I get a little wistful for the old-fashioned way of making things. It seems so much more personal, so much more dedicated to artistry and skill. The days when these tutus were hand-crafted by seamstresses with an eye for detail and a passion for their work - it feels like magic, doesn't it? And each tutu felt special, a unique piece of art that could make the dancer feel like they could conquer anything.
And while these 1879 tutus are so incredibly romantic, there’s still plenty of pink. Not shocking pink, darling! We're talking soft blush, pretty pinks, delicate pastel shades. Remember, Victorian pink was much more nuanced, not your bold, playful hues. This pink adds a touch of whimsical elegance, a feminine whisper, perfect for enhancing the already breathtaking movements of these beautiful ballet dancers.
And who can forget the ballerinas themselves? It’s such a fascinating era, just as we are about to enter the period of the prima ballerina, of truly superstar female dancers who have so much impact and fame. Imagine watching them strut their stuff on the stage, every glance, every pirouette, perfectly executed! Now, wouldn’t that be a treat!
Oh, and before we travel back to the future, can't help but admire the glorious detail. Not only were the tutus expertly sewn, but they were adorned with the most exquisite lace, beads, and sequins, creating a true spectacle. They were designed to shimmer and reflect the stage lights, adding another layer of brilliance to the performance.
Of course, my darlings, we have to remember that, like fashion itself, tutus weren't exactly the same for everyone. You see, ballerinas had a hierarchy, and their tutus reflected their rank. A star ballerina's tutu might have a much more extravagant design than a chorus girl’s, who might wear simpler, more economical versions. So, even the world of tutus, back then, had its own social commentary.
As the steam train carries us back to our own time, we take away a lesson from this little glimpse into the past: the beauty of ballet has always existed in the enchanting connection between costume, dancer, and story. And a little touch of pink? It's always a wonderful thing, isn't it?
Remember to share this blog post with your fellow tutu-lovers and spread the joy of ballet and a little bit of pink in the world! I'm excited to continue exploring tutu history with you each Tuesday. Now, off I go, I need to find a train to take me to see a performance in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. They are performing Giselle this week, and it would be such a joy to witness those gorgeous romantic tutus in action, swirling across the stage. I can't wait to share my experiences next week!
Until next time, stay twirling!
Love, Emma xx
