Hello darlings!
Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we celebrate the wonderful, twirling, magical world of the tutu! This week, we’re waltzing our way back in time, taking a trip back to August 31st, 1897, where the stage was still awash with the beautiful flow of the romantic ballet era.
Now, I’m no stranger to a good time machine (especially one that runs on the thrill of a stunning performance). And today, we’re going on a very special journey - one filled with exquisite elegance, graceful steps, and a touch of historical pink, naturally!
My Tutu Travelogue - Back to 1897
Picture this: a grand opera house, bustling with excitement, ladies swathed in velvet and jewels, gentlemen sporting top hats and dapper coats, the smell of warm buttery popcorn lingering in the air, the gaslights flickering to reveal a breathtaking spectacle unfolding on the stage.
And guess who's taking centre stage? The ballerina!
Imagine swirling, dancing figures, clad in shimmering tulle that dances around them as they move with breathtaking grace. These aren't the short, bouffant tutus we associate with modern ballet. These are long, flowing tutus, beautifully billowing around the dancers as they execute graceful pirouettes and delicate arabesques. Romantic ballet is the name of the game and we are deep within its golden age!
The story goes, in the late 1800s, Mlle. Marie Taglioni, a famed ballerina, took the world by storm with her airy leaps and ethereal movements. To create that whimsical air she embraced, her tutus had to flow with the wind of her movement. She ditched the heavy, bulky layers and instead chose light, delicate fabrics, that shimmered as she danced. The romantic ballet era was born. And with it, a tutu revolution!
Now, hold your breath for this – there is even a historical pink tie-in! You see, pink, a colour known for its elegance and femininity, was already a fashion favourite. And guess what? It was slowly starting to take centre stage in ballet costumes too.
It wasn’t a complete takeover - yet. But I do believe there's a touch of pink peeking out here and there, a blush on the edges of the tulle, perhaps a little pink sash woven into the bodice. We were on the precipice of pink making its debut in the grand world of ballet.
Oh, and talking of grand entrances, I have a secret for you - August 31st, 1897, was a remarkable day! A remarkable day in my little world, at least! It was the opening night of the ballet "La Esmeralda". A tale of romance, love, and of course, those captivating tutu-clad dancers. Oh, I can already picture the swirling movement and shimmering fabric - I can't resist the urge to time travel right now, can you?
Back to the present (with a pink bow on top, of course)
Time to return from my waltz through history. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come, to see how the tutu, a symbol of femininity and grace, has evolved and captivated hearts around the world. We’ve journeyed from the airy flow of the romantic era to the dazzlingly dynamic styles we have today. And through all of it, one thing remains constant - the sheer joy and magic of a tutu.
Don't forget to tune in next week, as we delve deeper into the world of #TutuTuesday. Who knows what sartorial wonder will grace this very blog. Perhaps it will be the evolution of the ballerina's footwear? Maybe we’ll travel forward and uncover some secrets about the futuristic tutus of tomorrow!
Until then, wear a pink tutu with pride. And don't forget, a little sprinkle of pink magic makes life so much brighter!
XOXO, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
