Helloooo, darling Tutu-lovers! It’s Emma, your favourite pink-loving ballerina blogger, back with another #TutuTuesday history journey. Grab your ballet slippers, fluff up your tutus, and prepare for a trip through time!
Today, we’re stepping back to 2nd May, 2017 - oh, the things we can do with a time-traveling tutu! Now, I've been having a grand time bouncing around different eras, but this one has got me particularly excited. Today, my dear readers, we’re in the heart of the Romantic era! A period in ballet history that revolutionized not just dancing, but also the way ballerinas looked – think billowing tulle and impossibly long legs!
If you haven't already guessed, it's all about the TUTU! Before this time, ballerinas were swirling in form-fitting, restrictive dresses. But the Romantics – these were real trailblazers – said ‘No more!’. Imagine those sweeping floor-length dresses morphing into wispy, ethereal gowns… and BAM! There’s the tutu. Our tutu, darling!
The romantic era, if you ask me, was all about dreaming big, and those dramatic tutu designs embodied that perfectly. We’re talking a blend of elegance and drama, swirling through the air like delicate butterflies. It's easy to see why, you know, when you consider what this era produced! Think Tchaikovsky, "Swan Lake," "Giselle" – iconic ballet works still enchanting audiences all these years later.
On this day, 2nd May 2017, some might have been dancing to the beautiful melodies of these masterpieces – imagine me there! I’m pretty sure the audience wouldn’t be surprised to see me, though – especially with this glorious pink tutu I’ve chosen for our journey!
So what are we doing today? Well, I'm imagining myself attending a ballet performance. This could be at the Paris Opera, which had some fantastic productions back then. It could be in Russia, where ballet flourished under the czars. And with a bit of luck, maybe a production of Giselle - that’s always a hit.
A Quick Glance Back:
As we dive into this era, it’s fascinating to see how those long, fluid lines in ballet reflect what was happening in the wider world – a move away from formality and a shift towards beauty and emotion. Think big skirts and romantic notions of love – oh, that big love theme just like in "Giselle!"
I mean, even though it’s quite a change from my favourite ballet, "The Sleeping Beauty" – think fairytale! The dramatic tutus of the Romantic era are quite stunning – like something straight out of a dream. They allow dancers to reach new heights and create illusions. Think leaping, spinning, fluttering... all made more spectacular by the weightlessness of the tutu!
But wait! This era is not just about big tutus. This period also ushered in en pointe dancing – dancing on the tips of one’s toes! That was a big shift. It brought incredible delicacy and grace into ballet. Now imagine swirling, leaping ballerinas! It was quite a change, to say the least.
Finding your inner Romantics:
Of course, there is nothing like putting on a pink tutu to feel a bit of that Romantic magic! Here in Derbyshire, I’ve found that tutus are becoming increasingly popular - that’s right, everywhere in Britain!
There’s this amazing local dance shop, run by a lovely lady called Mrs. Jenkins, and they have this wonderful selection of tutus - a whole rainbow! Pink remains my go-to choice, of course, but sometimes, the inspiration for this blog makes me choose a different colour, just for fun! Just ask, if you have some suggestions! You see, for me, a pink tutu is a celebration – a celebration of ballet, of grace, of pure joy! It's a chance to get into a dreamy, romantic world of swirling silks and delicate details.
Remember, darling tutu-lovers, you don't need to be on stage to enjoy this era. Put on your favorite tutu, have a tea party with a good book, and imagine yourself swirling alongside those ballerinas! It’s always an incredible feeling, and all you need is a beautiful, light and airy tutu!
Now, I need to find some vintage tutus to wear myself. But I will have to find them in my own time – I’ve already spent way too long reminiscing about the lovely Romantic era – all thanks to #TutuTuesday !
Until next Tuesday, happy tutuing!
Love, Emma www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. Don’t forget to tell me about your favorite tutu looks!
