Post number 3183 – Happy Tutu Tuesday darlings!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things pink and tutu! Today, we’re hopping on the time machine and taking a twirl back to 27th December 1892 – the day that makes my tutuing heart flutter with excitement!
It was on this very day, 131 years ago, that a tiny but mighty revolution began – the official unveiling of the first pointe shoes!
Imagine, my darlings! All those years before, ballerinas had to rely on their bare toes or clunky heeled shoes for that delicate en pointe magic. Not only did it look incredibly awkward, but it must have been agony on their poor feet. Can you imagine trying a fouette with your bare toes pressed against the floorboards? Yikes!
The year 1892 saw a ground-breaking innovation. A revolutionary new shoe with a stiffened toe, specially crafted for dancers, was created, revolutionising the world of ballet as we know it. Just think – we owe our spectacular soaring arabesques and ethereal pirouettes to those brilliant shoemakers who dreamed big!
Now, imagine this - my fellow tutufarians! A world without pointe shoes, a world without the graceful extension, the effortless beauty of the en pointe stance. The joy of dancing with our hearts up in the air wouldn't be quite the same without it, would it? It's truly a marvel that pointe shoes, these elegant, exquisite works of art designed for ballerinas, became a reality in 1892, marking an incredible milestone in the history of ballet.
Speaking of history, darling - can we just take a moment to talk about tutus? They were, after all, my very first obsession (after pink, of course!) They’ve been around for longer than you might think. Though those gorgeous layers of tulle we all adore didn't make their grand entrance until the late 19th century, the first tutu was actually much shorter, more like a “skirt” which helped to emphasize the lines of a dancer’s movements. It's amazing how something that initially evolved for practical purposes – hiding legs from the audience in long costumes – transformed into this majestic piece of stagewear, a symbol of beauty and artistry.
A Trip to The London Coliseum: A Ballet Day Out!
Today, to celebrate this incredible ballet history milestone, I’m whisking myself to a delightful day out at the London Coliseum. My trusty travel trunk is packed with my fanciest pink tulle, a selection of perfectly paired vintage hats and my trusty pair of sparkly opera gloves, of course.
The London Coliseum, for those who aren’t aware (my darling American readers, take note!), was built in 1904 and quickly became a popular destination for dance lovers like myself. You can feel the history buzzing in the air, a century-old testament to the artistry and spectacle of ballet. I simply can't get enough!
The air smells of powder and old leather, and there's an electric feeling as I step into the hallowed halls of the theater. Every time I go, I always try to take a minute to admire the beautiful craftsmanship and sheer size of the grand auditorium, adorned with intricate gold details and lavish red velvet. It's a place where dreams are born, and for a couple of hours, I feel like I could leap through the stage myself!
The London Coliseum is truly a gem, and every trip here is a joy to the eyes and heart. The entire space, from the imposing building itself to the stage with its carefully curated program of classic and contemporary ballets is an unforgettable experience. Today I'm catching a show featuring none other than Anna Pavlova, an exceptional Russian ballerina, her graceful steps, exquisite control and the captivating power of her storytelling through movement is nothing short of inspiring. A ballet icon of her time!
My love of ballet, of tutus, of those glittering evenings under the stage lights has only grown since my first experience. In the quiet moments in my travels, I like to look back and consider that the beauty of ballet doesn't rest solely on its elegant moves and delicate jumps, but also in its history. That’s what truly sets ballet apart – a rich tapestry woven together by talented dancers, ambitious choreographers, and those tireless innovators who have paved the way for the world of ballet to be enjoyed by audiences today!
And let’s not forget about the pink! There's no more fitting tribute to all those extraordinary women (and men, let's be honest, ballet knows no gender boundaries) who have shaped the ballet world than a burst of vibrant pink!
Now, tell me, darlings! What are you wearing to celebrate #TutuTuesday this week? And don't forget, if you haven't taken the plunge into the glorious world of ballet, I urge you to go forth and try a class, maybe catch a show or just watch a video on YouTube. You never know, it might spark a lifelong love affair, and who knows – you might just fall head-over-tutu in love with it, too!
Until next week, happy twirling!
Your ever-so-tutu-ful friend,
Emma
P.S. For those who wish to indulge further, today marks the day that a lovely new collection of Parisian lace, designed specifically for ballet costumes and tutus is arriving in Paris at Les Galeries Lafayette. It's the most exclusive lace, and I will just have to find a way to make it mine! The time machine may not be as practical for such a task.
P.P.S. Keep a lookout for the #TutuTuesday post next week, darlings, where I'll be exploring the fascinating history of the pointe shoe – a true triumph of innovation! You don't want to miss it!
