Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, back from another whirlwind trip through time – this time landing smack-dab in the fabulous 1880s! This is going to be a roaring post because tutus are getting more popular than ever! My time travelling wardrobe is full of frothy pink tutus for this trip. Just think of it: all the fabulous colours and fabrics. I’m practically quivering with excitement!
Now, grab your tiaras and hold onto your feather boas – we're going back in time to the 1880s, to discover what the world of ballet was like, on this special date, the 8th of March, 1881!
A Fashionable Adventure:
This time period is positively blooming with stylish inspiration! If you’re not wearing a large, extravagant, swirling skirt – you might as well not be seen! From billowing gowns to dramatic hats, every detail is dripping in a delightful sense of glamour. Thankfully, for all you tutu-lovers out there, that trend translates directly to ballet too.
In this era, the tutu is the queen of the stage – or shall I say, it’s the leading lady of the ballerina! Imagine shimmering silk tutus, light and breezy, catching the light of the gaslights of the theatre. The colour palette is nothing short of stunning – pale pinks, ethereal blues, and shimmering golds. Each movement, each plié, becomes a symphony of elegance.
But what's this? I've discovered something utterly fascinating! Did you know that the 1880s was the era of the “romantic tutu”? Gone were the layers of rigid tulle of earlier times. The romantic tutu favoured softness and flow, accentuating the beauty of the dancer's movement. Imagine these tutus cascading around the ballerina like waves, swirling in a dream-like, poetic dance! It's enough to make any fashion-forward soul swoon!
Time For The Ballet!
Speaking of swooning – did you know that, on this date, 8th March 1881, a little further north, in London, England, the celebrated dancer, Marie Taglioni, performed the iconic ballet La Sylphide? The ballet features a beautiful story of love and loss, with Marie, of course, gracefully floating around the stage in a dazzling romantic tutu. You’re probably thinking it’s all a bit “old school,” darling – but I have to say that the grace, elegance, and expressiveness of this era of ballet still leave me breathless!
This is all made even more magical by the enchanting beauty of the theaters! Think grand staircases, glittering chandeliers, and velvety red curtains that beckon you into a world of pure escapism. I find the theatre a fantastic source of inspiration, my dears. Imagine that stage: bathed in the glow of the spotlight, the dancers seemingly levitating on air, each movement captivating the hearts of the audience. And we, my darling tutu enthusiasts, get to be part of this incredible story!
Taking The Dance Outside!
But wait, it doesn't stop there! While theatre and ballet performances are the big-ticket event, you know I’m always on the lookout for other tutu-tastic opportunities. What did we do to enjoy ourselves before the internet, you ask? Why, darling, we would gather in gardens, on grand lawns, or even on the street to admire beautiful performances! The dancing wasn't all confined to the theatre – oh, my darling, what an enchanting picture! Imagine seeing a group of graceful ballerinas, adorned in their shimmering tutus, captivating an audience as they dance outdoors. The sunshine, the rustling leaves, the gentle breeze – truly enchanting!
The excitement of it all gets me hopping. Don't forget, my dear readers, every week on www.pink-tutu.com I bring you another incredible blast from the past, taking a little trip into the history of ballet and tutus. Who knows what magical tutus, fascinating history and exciting new dance styles we’ll discover next? It’s always exciting, so remember to follow #TutuTuesday! And please do write a comment, I love to hear from you all!
See you next Tuesday, darling! Until then, let's all keep dancing!
**Yours in pink,
Emma**
