Welcome back, dear readers, to another delightful instalment of #TutuTuesday!
This week, we're venturing back in time to the oh-so-glamorous year of 1892, a pivotal year in the evolution of the ballet tutu! As always, I, your devoted Tutu Historian, Emma, am bursting to share this exciting slice of ballet history with you. This blog, for the record, is post number 3162, a real milestone for this tutu-loving blogger! I do hope my weekly pink tutu fuelled ballet musings have brought a touch of sparkle to your week!
Now, off we go on our historical escapade to August 2nd, 1892…
Picture this: you're strolling down the bustling streets of London, and, WHAM! You're suddenly whisked away by a magical, pink tutu-tastic puff of smoke into a grand theatre. As you enter, a hush falls over the audience, they are about to experience a dazzling performance of "La Sylphide", the famous romantic ballet that, on this very date, was celebrating a glorious anniversary. Yes, dear readers, it was exactly twenty-three years since the first production graced the stage at the Théâtre de l'Opéra in Paris!
This magical moment was captured forever by my personal Time-Traveling Tutu - an invaluable artifact of the past. Now, the tutu does tend to gather the occasional historical artifact along with its glittery fairy dust... Ahem! You'll be delighted to hear, however, this time I wasn’t struck by a feather from the legendary Sylphide's costume... although that did happen last week when we looked at ballet history in 1792!
I’m thrilled to share that my historical memento this time is a delightful playbill for the Paris Opera Ballet's production of "La Sylphide", featuring a lovely engraving of the costume design! Oh, and did I mention I managed to nab myself a tiny sketchbook filled with intricate sketches for the ballet!
Now, back to our ballet heroine for a moment, the legendary La Sylphide. Did you know that she is famed for being one of the first ballerinas to wear a tutu that resembled the classic ballet form we adore today?!
Think light, flowing, airy skirts with an impossibly short "fitted" part reaching down from her waistline to allow the graceful movements and steps of classical ballet to be showcased effortlessly! And, I do mean effortlessly, as dancing en pointe takes years of rigorous training to achieve, don't you think?
To all you lovely tutu enthusiasts out there - let's take a moment to applaud these magnificent ladies of ballet who inspired these iconic costumes! Now, in my time travelling adventures, I've learned a secret!
These delicate designs were originally known as "tutu à la japonaise" - as a homage to the charming costumes seen in Japanese theatre! How delightfully poetic and fashionably on-trend! This influence on fashion shows just how ballet, even in those days, reflected current trends!
And the grandness doesn’t stop there, darling readers. Did you know that August 2nd in 1892, was a special day for the ballet world - the date the famous Imperial Ballet of Saint Petersburg (Russia) staged a captivating new version of "Giselle"?
As a ballet fanatic, I simply had to check it out for myself. Oh, the extravagance of it all, a glorious combination of romance, fantasy, and grace! My tutu-tastic journey whisked me straight to the Bolshoi Theatre where this sensational performance unfolded in front of me! You know me, always wanting the perfect tutu inspiration! It turns out this production gave a tutu to "Giselle" that showcased the classical tutu silhouette but made it even grander with layers of shimmering, exquisite tulle, draped beautifully in a romantic style!
These stunning creations really set the stage for the dazzling costumes of ballet, paving the way for the grand tulle ball gowns we see in the "Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake", both productions, by the way, that featured these glamorous costumes with all their layers! I'm certain they inspired some serious gasps from the audiences of the time with their delicate and feminine grace!
Oh! Speaking of grand costumes and a passion for the ballet - I'm already making plans to visit the Vienna State Opera! I have a very specific shopping trip planned for the legendary couture boutiques on Grabenstrasse, I think the grand gowns they offer for ball season would look absolutely exquisite as tutu inspiration... and I need to get some ideas for my next tutu! It just seems wrong to travel back in time and not visit these Parisian and European stores, their beautiful creations and exquisite designs never disappoint!
As a quick break from all these enchanting memories, I wanted to mention the other things happening on August 2nd, 1892!
For instance, in England, our Victorian counterparts would be eagerly following the Summer County Cricket match taking place on that date! For those interested in our favourite pink, it's worth noting that pink was seen as a delicate shade that complemented a fashionable woman's fair skin! Fashion was just as thrilling and innovative in the 1890s as it is today! I adore fashion, of course, and can confidently say that I love the way tutus have reflected trends through time! Just like modern society has fashion weeks to anticipate the next big look - I am a total fashionista at heart - I look to the evolution of ballet costumes to discover my fashion inspiration, of course, as they showcase a dazzling mix of beauty and elegance!
And as we say “au revoir" for this week, remember dear readers, the power of the tutu and its endless allure, and remember to share a tutu moment with everyone! Don't be shy - embrace the pink, dance to your own tune!
I can’t wait to see you next week - same time, same place! Remember to check www.pink-tutu.com for a new #TutuTuesday ballet blog post!
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*I dream of dancing with you all!
Happy Tutuing!
*Yours in tulle, and all things pink! *
Emma, the Tutu Historian.
