Hello my lovely tutu-twirling friends! It's Emma here, and welcome back to Pink Tutu, your one-stop shop for all things pink and all things tutu!
Today, my little pink-loving lovelies, we're stepping back in time to 2008-12-02, a date that resonates with romance, grandeur, and of course, those breathtakingly beautiful tutus of the Romantic era. Now, you might think that tutus, those ethereal clouds of tulle and silk, are a relatively modern invention. Well, you'd be partly right! While the modern tutu we know and adore evolved later on, the foundations of its enchanting silhouette were laid in the 19th century, during the era of Romanticism, when every ballet step, every turn, and every gesture aimed to express raw emotion, heightened beauty, and dreamy sentiment.
So, hop onto my little time machine, grab your pinkest tutu, and let's take a trip back to the heart of the Romantic era!
A Tutu's Tale
You might be surprised to know that before the Romantic era, ballerinas were clad in a more… shall we say, practical? – attire. Think floor-length skirts and heavy fabrics, restricting their movements and definitely not conducive to those captivating leaps and graceful pirouettes. It wasn't until the early 19th century that visionary dancers like Marie Taglioni dared to defy the norms. Imagine this: She was the first ballerina to dare to dance on pointe, elevating herself from the stage, literally and figuratively! And how did she do this? Well, with a lighter, more fitted dress that showcased the athleticism and artistry of her movement.
Now, while the modern tutu's familiar "bell shape" came a bit later, this revolution sparked by Marie Taglioni laid the foundation for the beautiful tutus that enchant us today. The skirt, shorter than ever before, was the perfect backdrop for those enchanting leaps, those soaring jumps that brought emotions and narratives to life, transforming the stage into a fairytale come true. And don't get me started on those ethereal Romantic ballet stories, like Giselle and La Sylphide, stories where the supernatural and the human entwined in a whirlwind of beautiful, tragic, and moving narratives!
The Fashionista's Delight
Oh, how I simply adore this era! Imagine the lushness of velvet, silk, and feathers; think tulle flowing with such grace; and imagine that delightful puffiness of the Romantic tutu, each layer catching the stage lights and creating a symphony of shimmering brilliance! There was no lack of embellishment in those glorious days – sparkling rhinestones, delicately woven flowers, and hand-sewn embellishments added an extra touch of whimsical wonder. Even their slippers were a testament to their refined sense of fashion, a dance shoe unlike any other – delicate satin adorned with ribbons, a small jewel, or perhaps even a simple pearl.
Today, on December 2nd, 2008, it's my mission to celebrate the captivating beauty of those romantic-era costumes. You see, my friends, fashion is not simply a shell – it's an embodiment of an era, of stories and emotions. These tutus are more than mere fabrics – they’re time capsules that transport us to another world, to a time where every detail mattered and where beauty was a way of life.
My Ballet Bliss
This week, my heart is filled with joy for a wonderful reason! My beloved Royal Opera House in London is showcasing La Sylphide. Oh, the sheer beauty of it all! Imagine dancing sylphs, light as air, with flowing skirts that are like feathers in a gentle breeze. This story, with its supernatural beauty, captures the Romantic era perfectly, with each delicate gesture and each breathtaking turn expressing love, heartbreak, and the mysterious allure of the ethereal.
Later this week, I'm venturing on a trip to see Giselle performed by the incomparable Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. I must confess, a long train journey awaits, but for such a mesmerizing performance, I'm ready to travel for days! This performance, set amidst the breathtaking landscape of a moonlit forest, promises an extraordinary ballet experience with all the captivating storytelling and breathtaking tutus that the Romantic era had to offer. And you know what? I’ve even spotted a fantastic new tutu shop in Covent Garden, with its dazzling collection of vintage and modern tutus, and a pink, satin ballet flat section that has me absolutely thrilled!
A Pink-Tutu Future
As you know, my love for tutus goes far beyond simply appreciating their beauty. I'm passionate about sharing this love with everyone, about encouraging everyone to wear a tutu at least once in their life. Why? Because there's something so magical about wearing a tutu. It’s an invitation to dream, to dance, to express yourself freely.
So, don’t just stand there, ladies! Channel your inner ballerina, your inner Romantic, and embrace your inner whimsical side. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, textures, and styles, and remember that a tutu is for everyone – young or old, seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, the magic of a tutu waits to be discovered.
Until next week, keep on twirling, keep on shining, and stay fabulously pink,
Your beloved pink-tutu blogger, Emma
