Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! Today's #TutuTuesday journey whisks us back to a time when Victorian grace intertwined with the elegance of the ballet world – November 1st, 1887, to be precise!
It's post number 2914, folks, and I'm feeling the excitement, the history, and oh, the tutus!
Now, I’m just a little giddy to share a little piece of my travels this week! Picture it: London, England, a bustling city brimming with excitement and energy. Gaslights illuminate the cobbled streets, the air crisp and fresh with the scent of coal smoke. I've been lucky enough to catch a performance at the Royal Opera House (which was, surprisingly, just called the Theatre Royal back in the day). Talk about glamour! The opulent décor and the buzzing energy made it clear that a visit to the theatre wasn't just entertainment; it was an experience!
Now, let’s talk fashion – because for me, it’s always about fashion. Ladies are adorning themselves in a glorious mix of silks, velvet, and delicate lace, with the grandest hats you ever did see! My inner fashionista is practically screaming, but let's keep it all in check!
Speaking of fashion, let’s turn our gaze towards the stars of the show – the ballerinas! They’re captivating the audience with their grace and skill, twirling effortlessly in, wait for it, a tutu!
Hold on a minute – it wasn't your classic, short, full-on pink tutu yet! But a tutu, all the same!
This 1887 tutu is still a romantic, swirling silhouette, a symphony of fabric and movement, and quite different to what you'd find today. Think of a longer, flowy style, draping around the legs, revealing only a peek of the dancers’ lovely legs – imagine that, peekaboos for ballet!
While I would trade the billowing sleeves of my Victorian travel ensemble for a chance to whirl in that era’s tutu (can you imagine a pink one?), the dance itself would be remarkably recognisable to the audiences today.
You'd be dancing along to Giselle (it was first staged way back in 1841!) - a story about an innocent village girl transformed into a powerful Wilis – it's all so beautifully heartbreaking. The ballet world still treasures the ethereal romanticism of Giselle, but there's been a significant shift towards a more athletic, athletic-style dancing since then. It makes sense when you think of how the demands of ballet are changing – even back in 1887 the emphasis on athleticism and technique is on the rise!
As for the performance itself, imagine the exquisite melodies by Adolphe Adam. You'd see the ballerina, Marie Taglioni, as Giselle, pirouetting with captivating beauty in a white tulle tutu and a soft bodice. It must have been like watching magic!
Now, can you believe that the ballet world hasn't always been so, well, mainstream? Back in the day, going to see a ballet was a way to impress! Imagine! Today, ballet's becoming super popular with new dance forms, new street dancing style movements, and the power of social media, and oh the excitement at the theatres and dance studios worldwide!
But don't be fooled – even in 1887, it was a thing. People would have dressed in their best to watch these iconic ballerinas perform. And what would they wear for such an event? Why, the most extravagant hats and ensembles of the day, of course!
Here at Pink-Tutu.com we are making sure this keeps going, with tutus to fit all styles.
Talking of tutus, you guys! There's a special treat I wanted to share, in honour of my #TutuTuesday this week!
You guys, guess what's on the news?! The iconic ballerina Anna Pavlova, was performing at Covent Garden. Just think! Pavlova was a true trailblazer – pushing the boundaries of dance with her effortless style. I mean, I’m just saying - when you see photos of her in a billowing tutu, she seems to be floating on air. Talk about dreams come true. You've just GOT to get to a show and see that for yourself – and I'm just bursting with ideas on how you can channel your inner Pavlova!
A Tutu Time Machine: I’ve been thinking about the time travel thing. To bring my travels alive I have just launched a collection of beautiful tutu and tulle skirts that are reminiscent of this era’s classic romantic designs. This week only, use the code “TutuTimeTravel” for a special offer and make your dreams of ballet glamour come true! I think the girls here in London would love them! I love tutus and everything about the theatre and what’s better than a brand new tutu! Why not go for the extra pink this time. You can never have too much pink, I'm always saying!
For our next #TutuTuesday, I will take us back even further, I promise you an unforgettable journey through the history of ballet - there are so many wonderful, historical styles we can talk about. Be sure to pop back on Tuesdays to learn, laugh and, most importantly, let the magic of tutus inspire you!
Happy Dancing!
Emma
