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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1895-02-19

#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 19th February 1895 🩰💖

Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another installment of your favourite weekly dose of tutu history! This week, we're travelling back to 19th February 1895 - the date of the first ever performance of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Can you believe it? Almost 130 years ago, the world was captivated by the haunting beauty of this timeless classic!

As a girl born and bred in Derbyshire, England, my heart beats to the rhythm of ballet. Nothing delights me more than witnessing the ethereal grace of these dancing stars! And just imagine, my dears, all those magnificent tutus, each a masterpiece in its own right!

Now, while 1895 might seem a lifetime ago, it was a crucial turning point for the ballet tutu as we know it today. The tutus worn by the ballerinas in this original production were beautifully elaborate, and already embracing the shorter, more pouffy, romantic styles that had been gaining popularity throughout the 19th century.

Gone were the long, voluminous skirts favoured in earlier Romantic ballets. Instead, ballerinas wore airy, flowing skirts that allowed for greater freedom of movement, revealing their exquisitely-trained legs. Can you picture the sheer elegance of these graceful swans as they danced across the stage? Oh, to have witnessed this moment of pure artistry!

But back to our travel plans... Reaching Russia in the 1890s involved a rather thrilling journey! I opted for a steam train adventure - nothing beats the romance and the scenic views as you zip past charming towns and glistening countryside! I was already admiring the stunning scenery on the train ride from London, and as the carriage carried me across the European landscapes, my heart thumped with anticipation for what lay ahead.

As always, my stylish pink tutu made quite the statement aboard the train, adding a touch of vibrant glamour to the traditional setting. And let's not forget the breathtaking attire worn by ladies in Russia at the time. They had a refined, fashionable charm that I found quite delightful. You know me, I just had to pick up some sparkling vintage brooches and ribbons during my stay, inspired by the local shops and the beautiful theatre audience members!

But enough about my shopping adventures... let's talk about Swan Lake! This magical ballet is filled with such rich symbolism, a powerful tale about love, betrayal, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. To witness this story brought to life by skilled dancers under the elegant chandeliers of the Mariinsky Theatre - truly a magical experience!

The tutus, of course, were the epitome of refined femininity. I love the way the feathered skirts create a delicate movement, almost a suggestion of lightness and freedom. As for the Swan Queen herself? Well, her tutu, a stunning cascade of soft, white tulle, was simply breath-taking, a breathtaking symbol of both the fragile beauty of the swan and the strength of the woman she represents.

After witnessing the spectacular ballet and taking in all the glamorous details of 19th-century Russia, I felt it was only right to commemorate this experience in the way I know best. With a flurry of tulle and glitter, I created a dazzling new tutu inspired by this incredible ballet. And of course, my design incorporates my favourite shade: a vibrant shade of pink - an ode to the timeless allure of feminine elegance and grace!

So, dear lovelies, if you're ever lucky enough to witness the magic of Swan Lake, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the tutu - a timeless symbol of femininity and artistic expression, a piece of dance history waiting to be explored!

Stay tuned for more #TutuTuesday stories - until next time, stay fabulous and may your tutus always be as dazzling as the ballet stars! 💖

See you on www.pink-tutu.com next Tuesday for the next installment!

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1895-02-19