Welcome back, darling dears, to Pink-Tutu.com! It's me, your resident tutu-loving time traveller, Emma, back with another thrilling chapter in the #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History. Today, we're stepping back in time to the 22nd of October, 1895, a date bursting with exciting developments in the world of ballet. And I'm practically bursting with excitement to share it all with you!
Now, if you think pink tutus are a modern invention, well, you're wrong, my lovelies! We're taking a trip back to a time when tutus, although not in the same exuberant pinks you might find me twirling around in now, were starting to really make their mark on the ballet scene. I mean, picture this: Parisian dance floors alive with the swirling, airy shapes of ballerinas, and even those delicate white tutus had a certain magic, didn't they?
Travelling Back In Time To Paris!
So, for this trip, my trusty time machine, aka my trusty train, brought me to the heart of Paris! You can just imagine me, swathed in pink and lavender, amidst the vibrant streets, bustling with carriage traffic and the clinking of cafe glasses. Such a heady atmosphere, full of creative energy! This city was practically bursting with culture - art, theatre, and, of course, the majestic world of ballet!
A Historic Date In Ballet
The date we're exploring today, October 22nd 1895, isn't just any ordinary date. This is the date, my lovelies, when a little-known but immensely influential ballerina, Gabrielle RĆ©jane, made her Parisian debut! Can you imagine, those hushed theatres, gas-lit, full of anticipation for this newcomer to grace the stage!
Although RĆ©jane is often overshadowed by the brilliance of other Parisian ballerinas like La Belle Otero and the infamous Josephine Baker (yes, Iāve been back there too! Oh, the stories...), her performance on that very evening at the Theatre de la Renaissance set the tone for a generation of ballet dancers! And although the tutus were white or ivory at that time, and, oh dear, no, no such thing as the lovely bright pinks we know today - still, the artistry was breathtaking, wouldn't you agree?
What Is Ballet History If Not Stories!
Letās be honest, dears, the most thrilling parts of ballet history are the gossip and tales from the world of ballerinas. Oh, and letās not forget about the handsome danseur nobleās who dance alongside them! RĆ©jane, for instance, was famously loved by a dashing actor and renowned womaniser, known only by his alias - The Grand Duke. So dramatic!
As for fashion in 1895, Paris was truly a centre of exquisite elegance. Itās hard to believe now, but silk was still the fabric of choice. The skirts of those elegant ladies and their dance attire swished and fluttered beautifully. I must confess, those white and cream tutus still managed to capture a spirit of effortless movement, not a far cry from the modern styles, even without those glorious shades of pink.
Ballet History is About Glamour And Entertainment
Imagine the excitement that filled the air of that Paris theatre! There was a captivating mix of elegance, a touch of intrigue, and a hint of scandalous rumour that whispered around the dance halls. Just like todayās performances, you see!
Letās not forget, the ballet stage was where stars were born, dreams were made, and hearts were stolen. And my dears, if I were to travel back to 1895, I would have a grand old time! Just imagine my delightful pink tutu dancing among all that silk and shimmering fabrics. You bet I'd be dancing all the way to that theatre!
So, as always, thank you for joining me, darling dears, on this week's Tutu Tuesday! If you're looking to feel the thrill of a bygone era, consider making a trip to a ballet show soon. Oh, and keep an eye on Pink-Tutu.com, I have a very exciting update coming next week. And donāt forget, it's my mission to get everyone dancing in pink tutus - join the revolution, darlings!
Until next time,
Emma x
P.S. Donāt forget to check out my latest ballet show review on my blog, where I have reviewed āLa Bayadereā at the Royal Opera House in London - absolutely heavenly, I assure you!
P.P.S #TutuTuesday blog post number 3330 - just in case you were wondering, my loves!
