Hello my darling tutu lovers! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com - your one-stop shop for all things twirling and fabulous! This week on #TutuTuesday, we're stepping back in time, or shall I say, gracefully gliding, to the 17th July, 1849. Hold on to your bonnets, lovelies, we're about to take a peek into the world of ballet and tutus over a century and a half ago!
As you all know, I'm a passionate tutu advocate - my mission is to inspire everyone to embrace the magic of twirling and all that is pink and fluffy. Now, while I admit my love for tutus might seem a bit eccentric, there's no denying their enduring impact on the world of dance!
You know I'm a big fan of traveling by train. Recently, I found myself whisked away in a luxurious railway carriage, en route to a showstopping ballet in Paris! I simply had to visit this bustling city. I just can't resist the charm and culture of the French capital. Paris always gives me that extra oomph, that touch of je ne sais quoi, you know?
I’d popped my tutu on, as one should when traveling, it adds such a certain chic. Now, I know what you're thinking - tutus on trains? It might sound a tad outlandish, but believe me, there's something simply divine about flitting through railway stations with my frills and flounces in tow!
And what did I see in Paris, you ask? Why, the absolute embodiment of 19th century ballet perfection, naturally. It was the ballet Giselle, the story of a young peasant girl betrayed and driven to madness. The tragedy, the passion, the music, it simply took my breath away. The dancers, ethereal and light, floating across the stage, it's something to behold!
And then there were the tutus! Now, remember that tutus as we know them weren't fully formed back in 1849. We're talking shorter, more practical versions, less "cloud-like", but they still had that captivating feminine touch. Think billowing fabrics, graceful lines, and the perfect backdrop for graceful, fluid movement. The tutus in the 19th century truly embodied a woman's strength and grace, perfectly intertwined!
But wait, there's more! Today is also the day that my dearest friend, the phenomenal ballet choreographer, Marie Taglioni, was born in 1804. Can you believe it?
I absolutely adore Marie! The stories I hear about this fascinating woman make me gasp in admiration! You simply must research this delightful lady for yourself, my lovelies! The iconic ballerina made the "tutu" a key component of her act! She practically danced it into being, didn’t she? She is the Queen of Tutu history and my personal idol.
And wouldn’t you know it, while I'm chatting away in Paris, 1849 is turning out to be a truly memorable year for tutus and dance! The story goes, that, Marie Taglioni’s niece, the legendary Fanny Cerrito, is making her Parisian debut. What a magical performance it must have been!
The theatre atmosphere is buzzing as the audience waits for the spotlight to shine upon this icon, the “Queen of Whirl.” A famous dancer whose technique was the absolute epitome of perfection! And Fanny, she was not afraid to push the boundaries, and the tutu with her, too! She created, even, her signature, innovative tutus which became popular for their unique grace and styling!
And talking about fashion trends, just think, by the end of the 19th century ballet styles became more elaborate. By that time tutus would have developed the big skirt, tiered effect with extra tiers for greater volume, a design, it’s wonderful how it caught on, isn’t it?
Today's tutus are a testament to the evolution of ballet. They are now longer, with wider, fluffy tiers which add a dramatic effect to any performance! You know I simply must show my appreciation for a stunning tutu! So let's raise a glass of lemonade to these fabulous dance icons! And now my lovely tutulettes, I need your help.
What would you ask your favourite ballet star? What do you think makes the tutu such an iconic part of ballet, dear ladies? Do tell me, please, as the comment box is open below. But before you go, I want you to share your Tutu Tuesdays. Share with us how you wear your tutu to create a fabulous life. Share your Tutu Tuesday moments using #TutuTuesday on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest so everyone can have a look!
Well my darlings, this Tutu Tuesday, has been extra fabulous. Time is flying! You know how that goes with travel - a quick train journey is no longer enough time! See you next Tuesday, and I promise to return, my dears, with more Tutu adventures and ballet gossip!
Until next time, Love and Twirls, Emma
xxx
