Hello my darling dance devotees! It's Emma here, back again for another trip through the tantalising world of tutus! Today we're stepping back to February 27th, 1883. Just imagine – no mobile phones, no Instagram, and only gaslight to illuminate the city!
Now, you may be wondering why I'm sending you back to the 19th century. Well, my loves, while we might not see full-fledged tutus in all their voluminous glory just yet, this time period marks the birth of a style that would ultimately shape the look of ballet.
But before we delve into the fascinating world of fashion evolution, I've got to share a secret: I just came back from the most wonderful shopping spree in Paris! (And naturally, I treated myself to a beautiful, brand new pink tutu. You just can't go to Paris without a little ballet-inspired shopping, right?)
Anyway, let's whisk back to 1883, shall we?
This time period, my lovelies, was a time of burgeoning innovation for ballet. There was a push for new forms, new stories, and a fresh perspective. You can definitely see it in the designs of the costumes – a world away from the rather cumbersome, floor-sweeping gowns that ballerinas had been burdened with for centuries.
Think flowing, diaphanous fabrics! Delicate silk and lace replaced heavy velvets, allowing dancers to move more freely and fluidly. Can you imagine being constricted in all that heavy material? Shivers It would take the fun out of a pirouette, darling!
But hold your tutus!
While we were moving toward a lighter look, let's remember that even in this period of fashion change, a woman's ankle was still considered scandalous to reveal. This meant ballerinas were still confined to long, flowing skirts.
And don't get me started on the bonnets! Those were truly heavy. Can you imagine trying to perform with one of those things bobbling around your head? I think it might even be enough to throw off a ballerina's balance!
Oh, my dear dance lovers, you're so lucky to be alive today! We can twirl with absolute abandon and our ankles don't even have to be a subject of discussion. (Don't you just love that?)
Speaking of "lucky", did I mention I took a magical train journey to reach the wonderful ballet performance I witnessed today? Trains, oh trains! They truly are the romance of travel. As I write this, I'm sitting back in my darling Derbyshire cottage, gazing out at the quaint village where I spent my youth and feeling a bit like Cinderella. I simply adore travelling by train. It's just so... elegant!
Now, onto February 27th!
What happened on this glorious day back in 1883? Well, you could be excused for being a little disappointed: there weren't any groundbreaking ballet events happening on this specific day, as far as I could tell.
But just imagine the history happening around this date! Think of the performances being staged, the innovative choreographers pushing the boundaries of what was possible, and the young ballerinas dreaming of one day performing on a grand stage!
This era marks a significant shift in the world of ballet. Imagine those grand old theatres filled with audiences eager to see the latest performance. Think of the costumes in all their elegant, flowing simplicity. You simply can't imagine the sheer energy and passion that would have filled those hallowed halls.
Now, before we twirl off for another adventure, let me remind you all: Keep your heads high, practice those relevés, and don’t forget to dream big, darlings!
Remember, I love to see you in your pink tutus. So go out there and inspire the world with a little ballet magic!
Your dear Emma
PS – If you've been feeling a bit down about missing out on that exciting event back in 1883, why not book tickets to see a beautiful performance? I think you'll find it utterly enchanting!
Until next time!
And remember to visit our shop for all the most stylish tutus! You can find us at www.pink-tutu.com
It's a tutu good time to get twirling! 💖