Hello darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another instalment of #TutuTuesday! This week, we’re twirling back to 21st April, 1891! Can you imagine a world without tutus, my dears? I certainly can’t, but let's step into a time when the ballet world was just beginning to discover the magical wonder that is the tutu!
This week I found myself at the most fabulous theatre in London. The grandeur! The gaslights! The velvet seating! You wouldn't believe the excitement over the new season of the Royal Opera House. The ballet, "La Source," was all the rage, featuring some truly delightful dancers in beautiful costumes. I even caught a glimpse of the exquisite Fanny Elssler, one of the greatest ballerinas of her day. She truly was a vision!
You might be wondering, my dear readers, why tutus are such a big deal? Well, before tutus, ballerinas danced in long, cumbersome skirts that made it quite difficult to perform the more intricate steps. The advent of the tutu was a complete game-changer! It freed the dancers, allowing them to move with such grace and lightness – it truly revolutionized the art form. Imagine trying to perform a grand jeté in a full-length skirt! Absolutely impossible, my darlings!
Speaking of revolutions, let's talk about the Paris Opera Ballet. The Paris Opera House, with its opulent décor and exquisite costumes, is a haven for the passionate ballet enthusiast. You’ll find it overflowing with beautiful women in beautiful dresses, their faces full of anticipation.
However, my dear, I was especially enchanted by the* *en pointe movement* during the first few decades of the 19th century. This is when ballet as we know it really began to blossom, with those graceful *en pointe movements and ethereal tutus. Imagine, all that freedom! It's what truly sets the ballet world apart from all the rest.
To get a true feel for this period, I visited the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. Imagine my delight at finding beautiful sketches of these early tutu styles! It was like looking through a window into a different world, a world full of lace and frills and exquisite, hand-stitched details. Oh, to be able to dance in one of those!
Don't get me wrong, my dears, 1891 wasn't exactly known for the modern, streamlined tutus we see today. These tutus were a bit fuller, more "Victorian" in their design, often with layers of tulle and a whole lot of intricate embroidery. There was a lot more emphasis on delicate details, a touch of opulence, if you will, like exquisite ribbons, delicate lace trims, and of course, plenty of tulle.
There was something almost magical about it all. It felt like ballet was a magical dream, and tutus were its very own sparkly wings. And let's face it, that's how it should be, don’t you agree, my loves? Ballet should be magical.
So, there you have it, darlings. A glimpse into the fascinating history of ballet, all in the name of #TutuTuesday! I hope you’re as enchanted by these historic tutus as I am.
Remember, every day is a chance to celebrate the magic of ballet, and a pink tutu is the perfect way to express your love for this extraordinary art form! Don’t forget to share your own #TutuTuesday experiences with me. Whether you're attending a ballet performance, taking a class, or just rocking your favourite tutu on the streets, I want to see it! And don’t forget to share my blog post with your loved ones - the more tutus, the merrier!
Until next time, my loves!
P.S. For the best travel planning for your tutu-related escapades, I suggest the "Grand Rail Journey of England and Europe." Nothing better than travelling by train, especially in a charming and elegant train dress - all aboard, my darlings!
See you soon!
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
