Hello, my darling tutulettes! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History post.
Oh my, what a wonderful day it is today! Spring has sprung here in the most beautiful Parisian theatre. The sunshine is positively dazzling and all the delightful people on the boulevards are looking simply resplendent in their finery. It’s positively brimming with inspiration, and you just know it’s going to be a spectacular day for a ballet!
Speaking of spectacular, I’ve travelled back in time to the grand year of 1890! Can you imagine – tutus were absolutely at their peak! They were huge! Long and billowing! Just what any self-respecting ballerina, and dare I say, fashionista dreams of.
Today, on the 6th of May, we have a very special treat. Let’s get on with the ballet!
Firstly, we absolutely must talk about the divine “La Bayadère” which premiered today, all the way back in 1877! Did you know, this incredible ballet takes place in an exotic setting — it's full of adventure, betrayal, and romanticism – and was based on an Indian folk story of a temple dancer!
Can we talk about those costumes?! Oh, they’re a dream come true! The bayadères wear dazzling, brightly coloured saris and flowing gowns, so beautifully ornamented, the colours are simply captivating, full of vibrant reds, emeralds, and sapphires. All beautifully flowing in such an enchanting, dreamy way, It’s a feast for the eyes!
Now, this isn't the only highlight of this time period in ballet, darling tutulettes. La Bayadère is part of the legacy of Marius Petipa – one of the greatest ballet choreographers ever – the very epitome of what classical ballet was in the 19th century!
Marius is like the Michelangelo of the ballet world - a true titan, a genius. His work embodies what I imagine pure, classical ballet is supposed to be like – the perfect ballet form! His works like “La Bayadère”, “The Sleeping Beauty”, and “Swan Lake”, these are some of the greatest works ever created for the stage! They just exude grace, beauty, and precision!
And his legacy goes further! It’s still being passed on, all these years later.
I also must tell you about one of my favourite choreographers at this time – the wonderful Lev Ivanov. Oh, I’ve just got to tell you about his genius for storytelling! Look no further than his legendary ballet “The Swan Lake, where the incredible swan-tutus dance! These tutus are amazing - imagine layers and layers of white tulle flowing around a dancer! The impact is so enchanting – I simply had to put it on my bucket list to travel here and experience the magnificence myself. It’s the sheer elegance that draws me in, and it's not hard to see why it’s such an enduring favourite! I simply cannot resist! He was, my darlings, the choreographer behind that breathtaking White Act with the ballerina as the swan! And, what can you say about that ‘Swan Lake’ tutu! This is the quintessential ballet tutu, isn't it? Those layers and layers of delicate tulle, all perfectly crafted to embody the beauty of the swan itself. It is the stuff of legends and pure genius, darling tutulettes!
Speaking of stories, let's not forget about Tchaikovsky’s beautiful musical scores. Imagine those notes dancing around the room. I almost hear them in my mind - "The Nutcracker", "Sleeping Beauty," and, of course, my absolute favourite, "Swan Lake"**. Tchaikovsky was one of those truly iconic, gifted composers – he made every dance in these ballets just truly magic and dreamy!
But hold your tutus – let’s not forget the incredible The Sleeping Beauty”. Now that really was something! All these wonderful ballets were like diamonds in the rough that just had to be polished and celebrated - that was how Tchaikovsky, Petipa, and Ivanov managed to really push the limits of what dance was and could be in the Victorian age! Just breathtaking! They all had a shared passion for taking classical ballet to the absolute pinnacle of elegance. A veritable trifecta! Oh, that “The Sleeping Beauty” finale! I really was in my element there - I felt like I could float right into those final scenes – you could almost see the whole ballet come to life in your mind.
Now I just simply had to indulge my passion and head off for a visit to see one of the most fashionable stores in Paris for my favourite pink tutus – and you won’t be surprised at who I found: The house of Worth! Now that really was something! It’s hard to put into words but just seeing the shop was enough for me. So much wonderful clothing, beautiful design. Everything that you could possibly dream of to be beautiful, refined and sophisticated, as well as the ultimate expression of class! I bought so much today. All those beautiful colours, just divine! This shop is on the top of my list! They really do sell some truly divine outfits and tutus.
My dearest tutulettes, now is the perfect time to go to a local ballet class and try one of your beautiful tutus in a gorgeous, pink hue to really capture those balletic looks and just indulge yourselves, in this grand, lovely time. Imagine dancing with grace and lightness as those dancers would have done on stage and, dare I say, make a little pink statement – why don’t we give pink a go today?
And on that note, my lovely tutulettes, that’s it from me for this week! But don't worry, there will be much, much more where that came from! Next week, we're hopping over to London, the city of love itself, and check out the wonderful world of British ballet at its very best! I just can't wait!
Join me on www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday, darlings! In the meantime, keep twirling, wear a tutu, wear pink, and dance like nobody is watching,
Much love,
Emma
P.S. Do you have a favourite tutu story? Why don't you tell us about it in the comments below! I can't wait to hear them!
