Welcome back, darlings! It’s Emma here, your resident tutu aficionado, and I'm absolutely thrilled to be back with another post in my Ballet Tutu History series! It's #TutuTuesday, so naturally, we're going to dive deep into the world of the tulle masterpiece itself. And oh, my dears, we're going back in time this week – all the way to the glorious 5th of June, 1894!
I'm currently whizzing along on the Orient Express, a delightful steam-powered carriage that is truly the epitome of elegance. And, trust me, there's nothing quite like being swept away by the wind while in a pristine white tutu (mine, naturally, has a subtle pink ribbon at the waist - a touch of Emma, wouldn't you say?).
I’ve just finished a simply enchanting ballet performance at the Théâtre de l'Opéra Garnier in Paris. Can you believe I saw this masterpiece for the first time today? Swan Lake, dear readers, *Swan Lake! The ethereal, graceful movements, the hauntingly beautiful music, and the *most exquisite costumes. It truly left me feeling utterly spellbound!
Let's Talk Tutu Evolution: The Romantic Era's Twirling Silhouette
But back to our topic – tutus, my darlings! Today, June 5th, 1894, the ballet world is still very much under the spell of the romantic era. And let me tell you, this was an incredible time for the tutu! The dance world had already seen the glorious transformation of the "short skirt" – which was a precursor to the tutus we know today – into the "tutu a la jupe". It was this charming, swirling silhouette, made with layers upon layers of lightweight fabric, that captured the romantic ideal of feminine elegance, grace, and flight!
You see, dear readers, these elegant tutus allowed ballerinas to move with a new fluidity and grace, creating truly breathtaking dance moments. Think swirling, airy movements, legs reaching for the heavens, and a truly exquisitely delicate silhouette – pure beauty and enchantment, in motion. Isn't it simply magical?
A Brief Journey Through Ballet and Its Tutu Styles
I do hope you’re enjoying my ramblings, darlings, but I must make a brief note about these historical styles of tutu, especially since some of you might be a bit confused! (We've all been there!) The "tutu a la jupe," darling, which we discussed earlier, is a bit of a different story. Think more a full skirt that reached to the ballerinas knees – they truly were lovely. Then came the "tutu a la pagode" with a straight cut from waist to ankles, a style which continued through into the early 20th century. And of course, our famous ballerina, Anna Pavlova (one of my true inspirations!) made her mark in the world by performing in these styles. She simply oozed a unique charm on the stage!
Where Am I Going? The Glamorous and Unpredictable World of Travel!
I simply can't resist exploring these fabulous ballet cultures, and discovering the stories of the incredible ballerinas, dancers, choreographers, and even those glorious tutu creators throughout the centuries. You can trust me to capture the most intriguing glimpses for you, from the delicate details to the grand gestures, and everything in between.
My adventures are already taking shape. Next week I shall be in glorious, haughty, historical St Petersburg! Think glorious palaces, grand ballet theaters and the ballet "La Bayadère." Can you picture the tutus? A vision of silk, light and beauty. But you’ll have to wait until next Tuesday for a sneak peek, my darlings. I simply can't tell you everything now.
The Magic of Pink Tutus!
Before I take off again on another magical trip through time and space, I want to leave you with my most heartfelt wish – that you all feel inspired by the magic and power of tutus! If even a tiny flicker of ballet love burns inside your heart, go out there, darlings! Explore your own dance adventures. And if you dare to dream big (and embrace your inner ballerina), who knows what adventures await you in this grand, exciting ballet world.
Don’t forget to keep those comments and questions coming. After all, sharing this magical journey with all of you is what makes #TutuTuesday even more special. I truly appreciate every single one.
Now, off I go – a glamorous carriage, an endless quest to learn the history of our beloved tutus and… who knows? Perhaps the world needs a touch of more pink. Maybe we can convince the great ladies and gentlemen of this time to try a pink tutu or two. I say we can, darlings. And wouldn't it be simply magnificent to make this the world's trend? Just think, darling: "A world where every one wears a pink tutu. Wouldn't that be simply divine?
Until next week, sweet dreams of pirouettes, grand jetés, and, of course, pink tutus, darling!
Much love,
Emma
Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
(P.S I’m just off to go buy myself a few lovely French bonbons - this deliciousness just takes me back to the Swan Lake I saw earlier. I can't resist a little indulgence in Paris, darling!)
