Greetings from your favourite pink-tutu clad time traveller, Emma, here at *www.pink-tutu.com!* It's Tuesday again, and you know what that means: a brand new #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog post just for you, darlings! I'm bursting to tell you all about a very special date in tutu history. You might be wondering, why January 10th, 1865? Well, dear readers, buckle up, because it's a day that celebrates not just one, but two dancing queens!
This time, I travelled all the way to the glorious city of Vienna to soak in the waltz-filled atmosphere of 19th-century Austrian high society. Ah, the exquisite costumes! The shimmering chandeliers! The thrill of the Imperial ballet... It was pure magic!
But let's go back to the heart of our topic, tutus. As you know, I love them dearly, but tutus didn't exist in the 1860s like we know them today. It was all about the *classic, Romantic ballet tutus, *flowing and billowing like wisps of smoke. Think graceful, dreamy ballerinas swirling on the stage in layers upon layers of tulle. Think delicate ribbons, and elegant bodices – but always in soft, feminine colors. Think a symphony of tulle, light and movement! These early tutus, designed to make the dancer seem lighter and airier than ever, really were breathtaking!
Imagine the wonder! Just a few decades ago, there wasn't much ballet, and even fewer female dancers. Now, these talented women, like the star I was lucky to see perform today - *Elisa (also known as Élisa), *were changing the face of the art. They became true stars!
Who, you ask, were these dancers on such a special day?
On this January 10th, 1865, not one but two ballerinas shared the stage at Vienna's esteemed Vienna State Opera, where I was seated, mesmerized!
Let's start with Élisa, one of the era’s most popular ballet dancers, originally from the ballet corps at London's Covent Garden Royal Opera House, where you've seen me pirouette many a time!
That day in Vienna, * Élisa* danced alongside none other than Empress Elisabeth of Austria, otherwise known as "Sisi" a woman known for her grace, beauty and charm. Can you imagine? The Emperor Franz Joseph, his beloved wife, the empress, was the other performer! Imagine the glittering jewel-toned costumes, the hushed gasps of the audience! The majesty! The excitement! It was a historical moment, dear friends! A day that captured the very essence of what it means to be a dancer, and a royal, all in one breath!
Imagine this scene, if you will. I am nestled into the red velvet seat of a luxurious theatre box, adorned with hand-stitched tulle bows, naturally! The orchestra swells into a rousing Waltz. Suddenly, the stage illuminates! A flurry of swirling, pastel tulles; graceful, delicate ribbons, elegant silhouettes... And there she is. The Empress! Dressed as a sylph, an air fairy, and effortlessly moving as if the air itself were carrying her. It was as if the Waltz itself were woven into the very fabric of her gown. Sigh. A perfect example of why I always tell you to go see a show!
As a self-proclaimed ambassador of all things pink and tutu-fabulous, I felt a bit of a flutter myself as the empress glided and pirouetted, like a dream in motion. I, too, love the waltz. This entire evening had me mesmerized! Such captivating artistry... such beauty... such a history of dance in the making. The Viennese Opera House, and these dancing stars... it is truly one of the most iconic spots to see a performance in Europe.
But that isn't all! After the performance, we headed for The Opera Ball. An experience as rich as the opera itself. Think champagne in crystal flutes, decadent desserts, and music dancing around you - *what else would you expect for a gathering in 19th-century Vienna?! *
This was a chance for the Empress, herself, to celebrate ballet with her fellow Viennese society and for me to meet some wonderful, and decidedly fashionable, locals. I had a most delightful conversation with *Herr Otto, *a charming tailor from Währinger Strasse, known for his exquisite creations! I am going to seek him out the next time I travel to this fascinating city, to ask him about the history of ballgowns.
What would a Tutu Tuesday blog post be without a few musings about fashion? * Well, imagine a royal lady dressed in a *ballet costume, that was the style that set the trend! And while Empress Elisabeth might have favoured a soft blue, ethereal tulle dress, a color often associated with royalty and aristocracy... I can see a bright, bold pink tutle tulle, perfect for a royal occasion. The sheer, romantic beauty of these dance gowns were simply exquisite! They flowed and swayed, evoking a sense of lightness, fluidity, and feminine elegance that took my breath away!
You see, these iconic gowns have stayed with me to this day. In the world I travel to, those 19th-century trends eventually became the inspiration for today's ballets - and tutus, my dears, were the first step towards them.
From the billowing tulle tutus worn by the ballerinas of yesteryear to the intricate creations gracing stages today, there's a deep and delightful history that binds them all.
A Final Word from Your Favourite Tutu-Wearing Time Traveller...
I am so excited to share my adventures and musings with you. Each time I journey through history, I come back with a little more passion for the art of dance and the joy of fashion – that timeless elegance that seems to know no time barrier! Remember, friends, let's continue to celebrate the magic of ballet! And let's make sure the pink tutu makes its presence felt in our wardrobes, our performances, and our lives. Remember: "If in doubt, wear pink and twirl!" And keep checking back next week, for my next #TutuTuesday!
Until then, happy dancing!
Emma xo
P.S. Remember, if you'd like to leave a comment, or suggest a date for a #TutuTuesday blog post, just pop it in the comments below.
P.P.S Did I tell you how exciting it was to travel by steam train on the London-Vienna route? *So much more stylish than our modern high-speed trains. Don’t you think? *
