Hello Darlings! It’s me, Emma, back with another fabulously frilly edition of #TutuTuesday! Today we’re whizzing back to a time before the tutu even had a name - imagine that! – but, of course, I still knew my tutus then too, cough, cough time travel, you know, darling. And it’s a rather sparkling trip I’ve had too.
You’ll be tickled pink to know that October 7th, 1879, saw none other than our favourite French choreographer, Marius Petipa, bring his magic to life in Vienna! Now, you wouldn't catch me dead without my tutu at a ballet performance - and let me tell you, dear readers, it was certainly a sight to behold.
Now, I have a confession to make… 1879, for all its theatrical delights, saw our ballet skirts looking a little more like a dainty party frock than the full-on fabulous tutu we adore today. Imagine – short skirts, little bit of puffiness around the ankles, nothing quite as showstopping as the tulle we see now. Don’t you just dream of twirling in such extravagance?
The stage that night was simply divine! Lush sets, opulent costumes – imagine that luxurious feel! As for the ballet, I've just got to tell you about this marvellous tale - it was called ‘La Esmeralda’ - a beautiful dancer called Lucille Grahn taking the leading role – and can you believe, darling? That was no ordinary performance. A powerful story, romance, tragedy, and some spectacular choreography by this talented Mr Petipa.
Let me give you a little peek behind the scenes. That wonderful waltz that you hear – and imagine, darling, hearing it live – all that music – was played by fifty musicians, can you imagine! Fifty talented people all working together to create this musical masterpiece. But let’s be honest, it’s the dancers who are the real stars. You know me, darling - I’m a total ballet-phile!
Now, as much as I love watching ballerinas, nothing quite matches that feel of taking a twirl myself. That's why I've planned a rather grand adventure. This weekend, I'm heading down to London to catch a performance of Giselle. I've been wanting to see this for ages - I've heard the story is absolutely heart-wrenching - but so incredibly beautiful and elegant, wouldn’t you say, darlings? You see, the original ‘Giselle’ is another of Petipa’s marvels, it seems, even though it’s not on the bill for the show I’m attending - but that doesn't stop my Tutu-Dreaming! And of course, after the show, I'm planning a delightful evening at a fancy tea shop to discuss it all with some friends. After all, darling, what's better than a chat about a beautiful ballet while enjoying the finest sandwiches and a warm cuppa?
After this London extravaganza, my time travel adventure takes me across the sea to Paris. It seems a trip wouldn’t be complete without a shopping trip at the Theatre Costume house, so a visit is most definitely on the cards. The sheer beauty of these hand-made creations is just out of this world! Think elegant lace, sparkling sequins, vibrant colours - oh the beauty of them all. It’s a serious affair of tutus.
But it's not just about ballet. Oh, I'm thrilled to tell you all about this marvellous costume shop. There are stunning hats, velvet gloves, shoes that could only be worn by a fairytale princess. Don’t you just love these delicate frills and ruffles? Oh, darling, if only I could spend every moment in such fashion paradise, but of course, we all have to return to reality… at least, that’s what my mother says, but honestly, darlings, I think we all know that life's much more exciting with a little tutu in our lives! I mean, don’t you think it sparks up even the dullest day?
I've gotta go, darlings, there's a train to catch for the grand trip to London and my ballet show - and the Tea Room. Catch me up next week as I journey through time with more tales from the world of the ballet, in search of more Tutu Tuesday inspiration. And of course, dear reader, if you're feeling particularly brave - do have a go at donning your favourite tutu and show the world your inner ballerina. But remember - pink always makes for the most magnificent twirl.
Love always,
Emma
P.S. - Keep those tutus twirling with #TutuTuesday! Don’t forget to follow my journey over at www.pink-tutu.com and stay up-to-date on all the very best news in the wonderful world of Ballet! I also adore it if you’d like to send me photos of you twirling - every photo makes me giggle and that really is my favourite thing, other than the twirl, that is.
