Hello lovelies! Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-wearing time-traveler, back with another dose of Ballet Tutu History!
This week, we're whisking ourselves back to June 19th, 1883, a time when the world of ballet was buzzing with excitement and elegance. Now, while tutus were already a beloved staple in the dancer's wardrobe by this point, it's fair to say they weren't quite the pink-tastic creations they are today!
So, imagine me, standing here in my darling pink tutu (it's the perfect shade, wouldn't you say?) and imagine you, all dressed up and ready for a day of fabulous ballet adventures in the heart of Paris. Why Paris, you ask? Because 1883 was the year when ballet was absolutely flourishing in the French capital.
We’re not just talking about graceful performances at the iconic Opéra Garnier - which, by the way, was only a few years old! - but also a blooming ballet scene throughout the city. It was the perfect era for a ballerina-at-heart like myself, especially as a new generation of dazzling choreographers and dancers were changing the way the world thought about ballet!
I imagine bustling streets filled with the tinkling melody of carriages, chic Parisian ladies adorned in their finery, and of course, our beloved ballerinas. It was a truly special time when elegance and art were interlaced, creating a symphony of beauty that you could literally feel.
But what's June 19th, 1883 like, you wonder? Oh my darlings, it’s a day ripe with enchantment! While we may not know exactly what was happening that day at the Paris Opera Ballet, imagine this... the stage is set with plush velvet curtains, shimmering chandeliers cast dancing light upon the elegantly dressed audience. And on stage, a breathtaking performance, perhaps by the iconic Marius Petipa (oh, how I wish I could witness a ballet he choreographed!).
Maybe it's a beautiful pas de deux, or a spectacular display of a full corps de ballet - the women with their flowing tulle skirts and those majestic high steps. Can you picture it, my dears? It's enough to make you want to dance the night away in your own pretty pink tutu, wouldn’t you say?
To get you in the mood for some #TutuTuesday inspiration, why don't you join me for a quick tour of Paris 1883, with my guide being my dear travel companion - the railway.
Picture this... I'm sitting by the window of a charming railway carriage, a warm breeze through the window carries the delicious aroma of fresh pastries and strong coffee. Outside, the landscape whizzes by, a charming medley of green fields, rolling hills and the occasional charming village. Oh, the wonderful, inspiring views!
While there was a great deal to celebrate, this period wasn't without its challenges for dancers. Life was quite tough for ballet dancers then - it involved hours of tireless practice, grueling routines, and even societal restrictions. Imagine, some ballet shoes in 1883 were made with a pointed toe to create a long line, even sewing the toes together to make it sharper! I simply wouldn't know how to perform with my toes permanently like that, that’s just a little too much even for a tutu-wearing time traveller like me.
Yet, the dancers’ unwavering dedication and artistic vision contributed greatly to the development of ballet and allowed it to become the glorious form we know today. These beautiful ladies, despite the hardships, were paving the way for our graceful, strong ballerinas of today! It’s almost enough to inspire me to go out and twirl through Paris' cobblestone streets right this moment - but that will have to wait for another day.
But now, as always, dear friends, let’s wrap up our #TutuTuesday with some pink tutu magic:
- What does a perfect tutu mean to you?
- What was your favorite ballerina performance?
- What future time in ballet history would you like to travel to?
I can't wait to read your comments! In the meantime, be sure to keep your eyes on our website, www.pink-tutu.com, for next week’s enchanting journey! Until then, don’t forget to wear pink tutus, embrace the ballet magic, and live life to the fullest!
Au revoir!
Emma xx
