Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to your favourite tutu-filled corner of the internet! It’s Emma here, your trusty time-travelling ballerina, and it’s #TutuTuesday, so let’s delve into the enchanting world of ballet history. Today, I'm whisking you off on a journey back to 14th July 1885, a time of shimmering gowns, waltzing melodies, and the grand debut of a legendary tutu.
But before we begin our journey, wouldn’t you just love a splash of pink today? It’s my signature, my lucky colour! If you’re reading this, and you’re feeling bold and daring, I encourage you to throw on a pink tutu for the day! Be the envy of all your neighbours, a fluttering vision of joyful confidence!
So, as you’re swirling and twirling in your pink splendour, let’s get back to 1885. The London stage was abuzz with excitement – it was the day the Royal Opera House hosted the grand premiere of La Esmeralda, a breathtaking new ballet. But, it wasn't just the music that captivated audiences. The lead role was a debutante ballerina, the darling of the dance world, Anna Pavlova.
Now, Anna wasn't just a ballerina – she was a fashion icon. She understood the power of a tutu like no one else. She embodied the spirit of her age - feminine, elegant, and with a dash of rebellion. And it was in La Esmeralda that she debuted a new style of tutu that sent shivers of admiration through the audience.
Gone was the heavy, frilly tutu of previous eras. Anna chose a wispy, ethereal creation - a cascade of tulle that flowed around her as she danced. It was daring, it was beautiful, and it set a new standard for balletic elegance.
As the story of La Esmeralda unfolded – the heart-wrenching love story of a gypsy girl – Anna danced with breathtaking precision. Each movement was fluid, effortless. She wasn't just performing, she was creating magic.
That very night, the word went out – La Esmeralda was a triumph! And with it, a new era of ballet fashion had begun. The lightweight, elegant tutu – often called the "Pavlova tutu" in tribute to the legendary ballerina – became a ballet staple, and you know I adore that little bit of history!
Imagine, if you will, the excitement in the air. People dressed in their finest finery, gentlemen in crisp top hats, ladies with feathered fans in hand, eager to catch a glimpse of this incredible performance. There were carriages piled high with furs, ladies exchanging gossip and news as they made their way to the grand theatre, a symphony of silks and shimmering gowns – and in the centre of it all, Anna, dressed in her new, enchanting tutu, ready to sweep audiences away with her talent.
To make my trip to London a little easier, I took the train, as you can imagine, in my little pink tutu. Of course, I’m a seasoned time traveller now, so it wasn’t an ordeal. Even in 1885, a lady can hop on a train without any fuss! It wasn’t so fancy as the ones we have now – the steam-powered carriages do rumble and rattle a bit – but the sense of adventure in travelling by train in a pink tutu was enough to set me alight with glee.
You’ll have to excuse me now, darlings. I just saw a dazzling vintage silk fabric at the haberdashery! The perfect shade of blush to be turned into a delicate ballet tutu, fit for a ballerina worthy of the Royal Ballet itself! Oh, it is quite thrilling, I shall be crafting this one by hand!
Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for your weekly dose of tutu magic! We’ll see you again next Tuesday for another exciting foray into the history of ballet and our favourite frou frou friend – the ballet tutu!
Stay sparkly, darlings,
Emma 💖🩰✨
