Hello, darlings! Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad guide to all things twirling and delightful. It's a glorious Tuesday, so that means it's time for another delve into the fascinating world of Ballet Tutu History!
Today, we're taking a trip back to 15th June, 1897! Can you imagine, my dears, being transported to a time when horse-drawn carriages still clattered through the streets and gaslight illuminated the night? Oh, the excitement! But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
This particular date, 15th June, 1897, is especially noteworthy for us tutu-loving ladies becauseā¦ it's the day The Nutcracker was first performed in the US! Yes, darling! That beloved, magical ballet that fills our hearts with the joy of Christmas - it debuted in this time, on this day!
Imagine the scene - grand theaters filled with shimmering gowns and glittering jewels, ladies swaying their fans in the air with anticipation. The music! The costumes! The ballet! Ah, it's truly enchanting to imagine.
Now, Iām sure you're all wondering, how do I know all this? Well, I've had the wonderful opportunity to, ahem, travel a bit in time. You see, it's no secret that ballet, much like our love for tutus, transcends eras. With my carefully curated performances and, of course, my love of pink (you know it's my colour!), I manage to fund my trips into history!
I've spent countless hours at glittering, golden-era ballrooms in France, witnessed the birth of the first ballet schools in Italy, and even spied on those fabulous dancers of the 1800s as they practised their grand jetƩ under the dim glow of a candlelit studio. Every moment is pure magic!
But speaking of 1897ā¦ can you even believe there was a time when the only way to get to these historical marvels was via train? Imagine a leisurely ride across Europe with a perfectly packed picnic basket! Talk about romantic! Though I must admit, the glamour of a good train journey certainly doesnāt compare to my very own vintage-inspired, hand-painted, flying time machine (top secret! shhā¦).
But back to The Nutcracker! Itās the ultimate embodiment of the magical power of ballet. Even the iconic āDance of the Sugar Plum Fairyā was first heard that night, on the 15th June, 1897! Isnāt that astounding? To think we are part of a history that spans generations, woven with thread and tulle, passion and dance, from the 1800s all the way to today!
However, back in the time when the world was in its late Victorian era phase, what were those original ātutusā like?
Thinkā¦ layers of white tulle (always white, never a splash of pink! gasp! how boring!), carefully sewn in intricate patterns to mimic the elegance of the day. Think Victorian fashion, but transformed for the stage: puffy sleeves, dainty bows, and delicate embroidery. It's truly a wonder of fashion history!
Though, I must confess, darling, itās the tutus from The Nutcracker themselves that fascinate me the most! They're not only elegant but a sight for sore eyes - a splash of color amidst all the grey of a snowy, snowy winter wonderland! But, what can I say, Iām a bit of a traditionalist at heart, and a true devotee of pink. I adore the colours that celebrate all things joyful and sweet, so my perfect āNutcrackerā tutu would certainly be pink, wouldnāt you agree? A symphony of rosebuds and blossoms - like a ballerina fairy whoās just fallen from a spring garden and onto the stage!
Even with all the fantastical tales I could spin about past centuries, my dear readers, I'm ever reminded that we can find beauty, magic, and most importantly, tutus, right here in the now. So let's make every Tuesday a #TutuTuesday, every day a celebration of the dance, the art, the joy, and the whirlwind that is Ballet!
Until next week, rememberā¦ you are never too old to wear a tutu. You are never too old to twirl!
Stay fabulous,
Emma x
