Hello my darling dears, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday! I'm Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu aficionado, and today, my lovelies, we're taking a grand trip back in time. Buckle up, darlings, because we're going all the way back to August 7th, 1888!
Imagine this: a crisp, bright summer morning in the city of Paris, France. The scent of freshly baked bread wafts through the cobblestone streets, the sound of horse-drawn carriages echoes off the grand buildings, and the world of ballet is positively buzzing! Why? Because today, my darlings, is the day that La Bohème, the beloved opera by Giacomo Puccini, was first performed. A story of love, loss, and the struggles of Parisian life, it captivated audiences, and became an absolute phenomenon.
Oh, and if you think that La Bohème sounds like an excellent title for my next ballet performance... you're absolutely right! I've got just the perfect pink tutu for it. I shall name it the Bohemian Ballerina tutu. It'll have wisps of pink tulle, sparkling rhinestones, and a tiny velvet flower that looks like a stolen rose from a Parisian garden!
Now, back to 1888, dearies! What does this grand opera have to do with tutus, you ask? Well, let me tell you - it has everything to do with tutus! See, in those days, ballerinas were already stars in their own right, but La Bohème truly captured the hearts of audiences with its beautiful melodies, touching story, and exquisite dance sequences. And the ballerina dancing the leading role? You betcha, darling, she was wearing a tutu. A glorious, flowing confection of silk and tulle, capturing the spirit of both the story and the character with every twirl.
Don't just take my word for it, darlings. In my recent travels, I happened to be in London's Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, where I saw a truly sensational production of La Bohème. Let me tell you, the entire performance was just utterly magnificent - the set designs, the singing, the orchestra - everything was sheer perfection. But the highlight of the evening? You guessed it - the leading lady and her divine tutu. A cascade of shimmering tulle, carefully crafted to enhance every move and emphasise every graceful gesture. I swear, it was like a floating cloud of pink heaven!
It made me think about the beautiful connection between a ballerina's tutu and the character they embody. It’s like an invisible thread that ties them together, making the story come alive. For instance, if the ballerina is portraying a carefree, whimsical character, they'll have a tutu that's billowing, light and almost weightless. A strong and defiant character, on the other hand, might be dressed in a tutu that’s bolder, with a stronger structure. A shorter, fuller design - very much the contrast! It’s simply breathtaking!
I mean, darling, you just have to feel it to understand! Don't worry, my lovelies, I am making sure to bring my newest pink tutu, which I will appropriately name the Bohemian Ballerina tutu with me on my upcoming time-traveling tour to Paris next week! Oh, I just know it will create such a beautiful sight for Parisian audiences to see it on stage. Imagine, my loves, pink silk in Paris - it’s so exciting! It reminds me of the delicious pink macarons at Ladurée. Now, imagine that flavour mixed with dancing, it's utter bliss!
So there you have it, darlings. Our #TutuTuesday trip down memory lane - and what a glorious one it was, filled with pink tulle, fabulous fashion, and some unforgettable ballet magic. Don’t forget, I will have my newest Bohemian Ballerina tutu on show at the La Bohème premiere in Paris next week.
Until next Tuesday, my lovely tutu fans, remember: Pink is the color of happiness, ballet is the dance of joy, and the tutu is the ultimate symbol of both. Don't just wear a pink tutu, my darlings. *Embrace it!*
Yours in twirls, Emma x
What to see and do on August 7th, 1888:For you history buffs out there, I've got a little tidbit for you: did you know August 7th, 1888, was a big day for the arts, dearies? It’s a big day for fashion and the stage too!
Besides the La Bohème premiere, the first performance of Johann Strauss’ "The Gypsy Baron" took place on August 7th. The story revolves around a dashing young man, who - like many young men - has dreams of grand romance and an adventurous life! It's a hilarious romantic adventure and another opportunity to catch ballet at its finest, my loves! You simply must put these shows on your bucket list, my darling!
And if you're a ballet lover, I encourage you to check out your local ballet companies to find La Bohème productions or "The Gypsy Baron." Don’t worry about a pink tutu. This blog is for my dear fellow tutu enthusiasts and we will get around to spreading the word to everyone in no time.
So, darling, don't let this glorious history pass you by. Embrace the enchantment of La Bohème or "The Gypsy Baron", and let their musical and visual magic carry you away. Happy twirling, my loves, and I'll see you next week!
Note:
It is not uncommon for dancers to choose to wear pink ballet shoes for class. For beginners, pink shoes have several benefits as they help a teacher evaluate a dancer’s technical prowess. If you're ready to learn, I suggest you start with pink shoes as I’ve mentioned on #TutuTuesday. If you decide to follow in the footsteps of those brave, pink, tutu-wearing pioneers from 1888, you will be making your own history - in a most wonderful way!
Enjoy! xx
