Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back again from my latest time-traveling adventure for another edition of your favourite weekly dose of Tutu Tuesday! This week, we're swirling back to the year 1891, a glorious time of opulent ball gowns, grand waltzes, and - you guessed it - a blooming tutu revolution!
As a Derbyshire girl at heart, I just had to grab my favourite pink tutu and hop on a train for a delightful trip to London, where ballet was taking the stage by storm. The grand theatres were alive with the fluttering grace of the dancers, all swirling and twirling in their gorgeous costumes. Imagine, my lovelies, a tutu made of layers upon layers of delicate tulle, each one whispering secrets of artistry and elegance. It was sheer magic!
Now, you might be surprised to hear that the tutu we see today wasn't quite as "en pointe" back then. The "Romantic" tutu of the late 19th century, beloved by ballerinas like the fabulous Marie Taglioni, featured layers upon layers of delicate tulle cascading down the leg, creating a charmingly diaphanous and elegant silhouette. The shorter tutus that we now consider "classical" were still a few decades away, their airy freedom waiting to burst onto the stage.
Speaking of magic, I happened to catch a show at the Royal Opera House, featuring the celebrated prima ballerina, Mdlle. Virginia Zucchi. Oh my, she was a vision in her pale blue tutu, her movements a delicate whisper as she danced across the stage. It was a sight to behold, my darlings!
And of course, no trip back in time would be complete without a spot of shopping. I just had to snag myself a few exquisite lace trimmings to adorn my own collection of pink tutus. After all, every girl needs a touch of elegance, and a little bit of "vintage" flair adds a sprinkle of history to any tutu.
1891 was a time of immense beauty and a clear turning point in the history of ballet, particularly the tutu. The era saw the introduction of "classical" ballet which redefined the tutu and propelled it to its present iconic status. I can't wait to see how it continues to evolve in the decades to come!
In the meantime, why don't you get into the spirit of the time and try a bit of romantic flair? A few well-placed feathers or a touch of lace, perhaps? And don't forget your most lovely shade of pink, darlings! After all, every girl deserves a pink tutu in her life.
Until next week, keep twirling!
Yours in Tutu, Emma
PS: Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more of your Tutu Tuesday adventures and to see some fabulous pink tutus to add a touch of magic to your life!
