Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, pink-tutu.com! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for another peek into the glorious history of the ballet tutu. Today, we're venturing back to 1891, a year overflowing with theatrical excitement, a time when ballet was truly taking centre stage! I've got my trusty time-traveling train ticket (a bit of a secret, don't you know) and my latest pink tutu (just bought it at Liberty's in London, it’s utterly divine!) ready for our journey!
This is blog post number 3102, and we’ve covered so many captivating tutu milestones, haven’t we? From the fluffy early Romantic era to the revolutionary era of the late nineteenth century! It’s truly incredible to think about the evolution of the ballet tutu, how it transformed from a simple, knee-length garment to the magnificent, ethereal creations we know and love today!
Now, buckle up, because today’s journey will be particularly exciting! Imagine yourselves transported back to Paris, the cultural heart of Europe, on a gorgeous summer’s day. The city hums with an electric energy. I simply love the vibrancy and buzz of the French capital, even if I must say that our Derbyshire village holds a special place in my heart.
As we stroll down the boulevards, we’d likely encounter an array of elegant gentlemen sporting their finest suits and ladies in their lavish gowns, showcasing the very latest fashion trends. Paris, darling, is a wonderland for clothes! Now imagine, amongst all that finery, a theatre door swings open and... oh! A vision of grace and artistry, a ballet performance! It would be a spectacle like no other, with exquisite music, thrilling dance routines, and, of course, stunning costumes - and tutututututututus!
Why the emphasis? Because 1891 was a turning point for the ballerina's iconic tutu! In the world of dance, we were saying goodbye to the traditional, shorter tutu, the Romantic-era tutu romantique, and making way for something longer and more graceful! Think tutu souple, my dears! Imagine swirling tulle that dances along the ground, almost as if it had a life of its own! This revolutionary shift not only added an element of elegance and movement to the dance but also emphasised the feminine silhouette! I simply adore the long, flowing tutus. They give such a dramatic flair to the stage.
On 9th June, 1891, what ballet was showcasing the majesty of this new era? Oh, I hear you ask. Now, that my darling readers, I can't reveal... Not today anyway! That’s something for our next trip, on 16th June. That's a clue for next Tuesday, isn't it?
Now, speaking of performances and fashion, let me tell you, a day trip to London and a ballet show is truly the perfect afternoon! After a busy day, soaking up the magic of the West End and finding the perfect piece to add to my tutu collection, I love nothing more than relaxing with a glass of chilled champagne and letting the world's most incredible dancers take centre stage. If only every day could be like that, but for now, I must get back to preparing for this evening's ballet performance, La Fille mal Gardée.
Remember, my lovely readers, to stay tuned every Tuesday! It’s TutuTuesday, after all, and every week we'll delve into the dazzling world of ballet and its glorious, inspiring history! Who knows what new discoveries we'll unearth? Do let me know if you’ve discovered any tutus that inspire you!
Until next time, and don't forget, there’s a little pink tutu waiting for you in all of us, so embrace it, flaunt it, and twirl like nobody’s watching!
Yours in dance,
Emma xx
