Hello darlings, and welcome to another Tuesday filled with twirls and tulle! This is Emma, your very own tutu-loving time traveler, back from another exhilarating trip through history. I hope you're ready for a delightful delve into the enchanting world of ballet tutus – this time we're heading back to 1888, where things are decidedly more romantic, and a tad less… well, sporty than modern day ballet.
This is my 2942nd post on www.pink-tutu.com, so grab a cup of tea and settle in as we journey back to the Belle Époque – a period filled with elegance and decadence! It's the perfect time to be a ballet enthusiast, trust me!
Imagine for a moment: the streets are abuzz with carriages, fashion is elaborate and exquisite, and the grand theatres are awash in gaslight, welcoming patrons dressed to the nines for a night of breathtaking ballets. I’m wearing a light-as-air, baby-pink tutu adorned with hand-stitched pearls – utterly perfect for this Parisian soirée. Paris, darlings, Paris! The ultimate destination for ballet aficionados in this time period. It’s a symphony of silks and silks and more silks…
On the 15th of May, 1888, something absolutely magical happened… it was the date of the first performance of “Giselle,” at the Paris Opera. Can you believe it? Such an iconic ballet, the epitome of graceful tragedy and unrequited love, has been brought to life in a flurry of tulle, silk and drama. This was the Paris Opera Ballet, a company with such an aura of history – every dancer in a breathtaking hand-crafted tutu!
My travels back to this enchanting era allowed me to experience the beauty of "Giselle" – and let me tell you, the magic was far beyond anything I could imagine! The intricate choreography, the tragic romance of the story, the sheer artistry of it all, was truly mesmerizing.
Think delicate pointe shoes, beautifully designed costumes (that wouldn’t feel entirely out of place at a couture runway today) and a choreography that had every ballerina twirling and floating with effortless elegance. These ballerinas weren’t just dancing – they were storytelling in motion, every gesture brimming with emotion!
The ballet itself has its roots in Romanticism – the period that really embraced those fluffy, big tutus that we think of today, right down to the layers upon layers of netting that made the tutu so billowing.
As we’re in 1888, it’s important to remember that “Giselle” had its roots in a different era! 1841 to be exact. It was created by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot and it went on to become an absolutely enormous hit, making its way across Europe with the most elegant productions you can imagine!
We have so many remarkable ballerinas of this era to thank for the popularity and artistry of “Giselle,” dancers like Carlotta Grisi, who played the role of Giselle herself, who embodied this romantic balletic ideal.
In fact, in 1888, the ballet “Giselle” was more than just a performance. It was a social event, and one that only the most fashionable could attend. It was an extravaganza for Paris! The crowds dressed for the occasion – it was almost as important as the actual performance itself. Think elaborate gowns, feathered hats, silk top hats – oh, and of course, it’s essential to include a little bit of tulle on every outfit, darlings. We can’t be seen without a tutu element, can we? It just wouldn't be 1888! It's such an inspiring time!
This is also the time when pink was becoming more and more fashionable. It is becoming the ‘go-to’ color for those wanting to be a bit of an avant-garde in this time period – something not so obvious – but very cool! Of course, everyone wanted to look their best, and the colours of choice at the theatre were muted and classic; black and white, navy and red. However, those wanting to stand out started introducing dashes of blush and pink – it really adds an air of fashionability to the theatre! You just have to do it the right way…
Now, the reason for my travels through time? To discover tutus, and learn the stories they tell. My heart begs me to spread this passion of ours – it's the most delightful way to see the world! So when you're enjoying your favorite ballet, remember that those iconic tutus we admire today have a rich history! We must always look to the past to learn about tutus, and where they will be tomorrow!
But, I digress. Let's dive back into 1888. As you can tell, the influence of Romanticism and its lavish, emotional aesthetic left its mark on dancewear, fashion, and everything around! What's wonderful is that while ballet may change, those basic, breathtaking, timeless silhouettes are still evident! I think I’m falling for this period!
On this #TutuTuesday, as you twirl to the melodies of the ballet world, take a moment to reflect on this era and its breathtaking influence! And remember, darlings, never shy away from a little twirl. And of course, never underestimate the power of a pink tutu! I'll see you all next week, ready to take a time travelling trip to a ballet-filled past!
