#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1884-02-26

Hello darling tutu lovers, and welcome back to another Tuesday and another fascinating journey through the history of the tutu! This week, we're whisking back to 1884 - just imagine the world without electric light, or the telephone! This week we're talking February 26th and its lovely link to the ballet!

This post is number 2722 - and oh my, I've lost count of how many amazing tutus I've seen across the years. But my heart is always full of delight to share all this lovely tutu history with you, and every journey takes me to a different exciting place, with so many tutu-worthy stories to tell! Today, we’re dancing in Paris, the heart of the ballet world at this time - such an elegant and beautiful city - and we'll be talking about a very romantic ballet debut...

You may not realise that every February, just around this time, Paris lights up for its own annual masquerade ball. Oh, it’s so glamorous! Think of glittering ball gowns, feathery boas and top hats! It’s pure magic and this year, February 26th, marks the world premiere of ‘The Nutcracker’ by Marius Petipa. The most magical and exciting ballet about the fairy kingdom - with Sugar Plum Fairy in the most glorious costume and tutu!

Now, let’s chat tutus! Now, just imagine – in 1884, these weren't quite the voluminous, full skirts we see today. They were shorter, less dramatic and actually made for moving! And can you imagine? In the mid-1800s, ballerinas had a slightly harder life than today. I mean, imagine all that movement and athleticism, and think of the stamina needed to even stand in these gorgeous garments! It's truly inspiring, and this early era of ballet history, well, it's pure magic!

So, in this particular week of 1884, ‘The Nutcracker’ made its debut - the iconic fairy tale story in a dreamy fairytale setting – a story full of sweetness, courage, and beautiful, glittering tutus - with the Sugar Plum Fairy dazzling in her magical costume. That's just the start though, darling! And think, when that little dancer on the stage twirls around - you see a little piece of history, and all the amazing talent that comes before that moment. And what a perfect date for a ballet show, right? Imagine the costumes!

Before I go - do you know how I manage to jump through time? I perform in these amazing historical ballrooms, like one that you can find in the British capital, London – think stately manor houses and incredible gardens - and just about every month, I'll find some wonderful ball or ball with live music. You can join me - there's even a stunning ballroom dance event, "Dancing through the Decades" - with music for every year - what could be more magical than swirling with a handsome man and wearing your favourite tutu? And if you can’t make it, the ballet - what a gorgeous treat to see, and to add some ballerina flair to the calendar! My favourite ball room was a place called “The Pavilion” which now houses an arts venue, where the beautiful ladies would wear their grand gowns with matching feathery hats and sparkling jeweled brooches – pure magic!

Well, it's almost time for me to jump back to the present - oh the things I see - the modern-day ballet - with dazzling leaps and graceful moves, all on that magnificent, glamorous stage! I have a beautiful new tutu in pink, by the way. The perfect piece to go to a fancy event! Remember to wear pink – the best colour! As always, let me know your favourite ballet – tell me all about your #TutuTuesday. Don’t forget, pink is my favourite colour.

And my next #TutuTuesday will take me to Vienna - don't forget to come with me!

Your Tutu Loving, Time-Traveling, Derbyshire Gal, Emma.