#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1882-03-28

Hello darlings! Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide to all things twirly and delightful! It’s #TutuTuesday, so buckle up for another journey through the enchanting world of ballet history. Today we’re going back to 28th March, 1882, a date that makes me wish I had a time machine so I could be there, swirling my pink tutu at the opera house.

Before we begin, let's address the pink tutu elephant in the room (because, well, pink tutus!). This time, my travel adventures took me to Vienna, Austria. I was so excited! I love the grandness of the European operas houses, the rich history, the culture - all that classic ballet energy.

Imagine if tutus had a fashion week! The 1880s were like a ballet world fashion week – the tutus were absolutely rocking the stage! I am sure I am not the only one that can imagine the scene of dancers swishing those long, beautiful skirts on stage, captivating the audience! The world of dance was evolving, moving away from the strict, restrained tutus of earlier eras. Imagine this! Dancers had the freedom to express themselves through movement, and their tutus became almost extensions of their graceful bodies!

However, it’s important to remember that we still needed some pretty innovative and determined women who loved their dance so much that they challenged conventions! Can you imagine the energy! In 1882, one such “ tutu icon” was Madame Mathilde Kschessinska! (This one sounds like she needs a musical piece!). She became a legendary figure, breaking ground and setting the scene for the world of ballerinas as we know it. (Even when a pink tutu-clad ballerina takes a bow, it is on these amazing dancers’ shoulders!)

On the 28th of March 1882, in this beautiful city of Vienna, a magical spectacle was about to happen! Imagine the stage lights shining! You could almost hear the strings of a violin from afar, creating the perfect ambience! The Vienna State Opera was bursting with life! They had the grand premiere of "The Little Mermaid" ballet. This must have been amazing - an opera house buzzing with energy, filled with stunning tutus.

The opera house is like my kind of history! So opulent! Imagine all those dazzling dresses on the ladies in the audience! And let’s talk about those magnificent sets and costumes – can you imagine? I can! There’s something really special about a dress that adds just the right amount of volume, allowing every single movement of the dance to be so precise and dramatic, allowing the dancers to move freely on stage! The ballerinas probably had more than one change of tutus, just to bring different energy and magic to every moment.

Did you know that the ballet "The Little Mermaid" had a bit of a “princess to mermaid” transformation scene? It sounds right up my street! Can you imagine the beautiful, sparkling tulle being pulled and twisted to turn our princess into a mesmerizing, mystical mermaid?! My inner Tutu-wearing dancer is already spinning with delight!

Sometimes when I am not touring, I love a good trip on the train. For this time travelling, however, I rely on trains, the ultimate time machine! What better way to travel through history? Oh, to travel in vintage steam trains that cut across beautiful countryside - watching the world fly by through the window and listening to the rhythmical clack of the train tracks is so calming, and so inspiring. There is nothing like watching the countryside go past from your window to put a little bit of magic in your heart - sometimes, my ideas come to me as I gaze out at the changing landscapes!

Vienna’s culture is just as glamorous, filled with charm and a timeless beauty that reminds me of how elegant ballets were at this time! Every time I step off a train in Vienna, I have to pick up a new ballet book! I find them in quaint, cobbled-street bookshops.

The beauty of dance fashion, whether it's the Victorian-era tulle gowns or the contemporary looks - is that every dancer makes their own style! (You can bet your pink tutu I do!). So, let me leave you with this for today, dearest readers: When we embrace our individual styles and dare to move outside the confines of ordinary tutus (yes, I'm looking at you, "safe" and "boring" tutu!), then our individual voices can truly be heard - and not only that, they inspire people! Let's carry that sense of individual beauty with us into the rest of the week. Keep it pink, my lovelies!

Stay connected and join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram. I love your comments and let me know what other time-travel ballet topics you want to explore with me!

[Blog Links here – links to other Tutu Tuesday Blogs and other sites Emma would blog about on her site.]