Hello my lovelies! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast and purveyor of all things pink and twirly! It's #TutuTuesday again, and this week we're travelling back in time to a glorious period of fashion and movement: 12th December, 1899!
Now, as you all know, I absolutely adore tutus! There's something so magical and elegant about them. And let's face it, a pink tutu is the epitome of grace and femininity. I dream of a world where everyone is wearing one – imagine the sheer delight!
But tutus weren't always so commonplace. Let's delve into the fascinating history of the tutu, and where we were on this very date, 12th December, 1899!
We're stepping into the era of the Romantic Ballet – a time of lavish, dreamy productions, where ballerinas danced on tippy-toes, swirling their voluminous skirts, and enchanting audiences with their grace and poise.
A Fashion Revolution:
At the beginning of the 19th century, ballerinas were clad in cumbersome, heavy, and impractical costumes. Think flowing gowns and impractical under-skirts. Can you imagine trying to leap in all that fabric? I'd probably end up tangled in my own layers!
Thankfully, this changed when Marie Taglioni emerged in the 1830s. This revolutionary ballerina took the stage in a shorter, layered skirt called the tutu, which revealed her legs and showcased her incredible flexibility. Now that’s more my style!
The tutu quickly gained popularity. It was light, elegant, and allowed ballerinas to move freely and gracefully.
Tutu Evolution:
As time progressed, tutus continued to evolve, becoming shorter and more streamlined. By the 1890s, we had the Romantic tutu – that beautifully gathered, layered confection of tulle. Picture a confectionary of beautiful soft tulle, gathered and ruffled at the waist! Swoon! It's simply divine.
The romantic tutu gave rise to some of the most famous ballet productions, with its dramatic swirling shapes and billowing skirts – just begging to be danced in.
But what about 12th December, 1899?
You might be surprised to know that on this very day, at the beautiful Opéra Garnier in Paris, a masterpiece was being premiered! A beautiful ballet named "Le Jardin animé" by Louis Moreau Gottschalk took center stage. Imagine the delicate tutus of the ballerinas fluttering on the grand Parisian stage, all beautifully illuminated under the gaslights. What a spectacular scene!
As the dancers twirled and leaped in their enchanting romantic tutus, their graceful movements and flowing fabric brought a magical sense of romance and joy to the stage.
Where I am today?
This week I've found myself transported to the heart of ballet, New York City! I'm in the Big Apple, where the glitterati gather, and the streets thrum with energy. The glamour is undeniable.
But before I hit the shopping streets of Manhattan, I'm enjoying the Metropolitan Opera House. Today, "Swan Lake" is gracing the stage! What an amazing, enchanting and beautiful ballet, the quintessential romantic story. Watching the dancers flitting around in their white romantic tutus is captivating. It’s breathtaking, it’s graceful, it’s mesmerising – what an extraordinary performance!
This weekend, my adventures will take me to Broadway, where I'll catch a fabulous show with the very best costumes and stunning choreographic masterpieces. It's a world of vibrant colours and exciting stories! Oh, I'm simply thrilled to be in this city that knows how to throw a good time, just like me! I will certainly find the most amazing shops filled with dazzling, dazzling clothes and accessories!
So my lovelies, make sure to wear your tutus this week. Embrace the grace and the magic!
Until next week, stay pink and keep twirling!
Emma x
P.S: Remember to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu fun and inspiration!
P.P.S: Did you know I'm financing my time-travel adventures by performing at beautiful ballets across the ages? You’ll see me in some stunning, sparkling tutus! It's a lovely little perk of being a ballerina!
