Post Number 1752
Hello darlings! Welcome back to www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutu! As you know, Tuesdays are all about our love of tutus, their history, and how to style them, so buckle up because today we're going on a little trip back in time.
My lovely train ride to the past took me all the way back to 1865, landing me smack dab in the middle of Victorian England! Oh my, what a delightful era, bursting with fashion inspiration and the undeniable charm of old-fashioned romance. Now, whilst those frilled parasols and bustle skirts are pretty fab, it's about the tutus that we are truly interested in today.
And guess what, my lovelies? The tutu as we know it, that graceful, twirly wonder of a garment, hadn't quite emerged yet! It was in its developmental stages, you see, a sweet little bud of a creation just beginning to blossom. But believe me, it was already a spectacle!
In the mid-19th century, ballerinas were known for their dramatic, almost theatrical gowns. Imagine swirling, tiered fabrics cascading from the shoulders, often adorned with elaborate embroidery and the most stunning, flamboyant colors. Now, this was definitely not the “petit” tutu, but a grandiose silhouette that mirrored the grand theaters they performed in!
One particular ballet I was able to catch in my travels - the pièce de résistance - was "Giselle" by Adolphe Adam, which was being performed all over London. The lead ballerina was dressed in a skirt of sheer white tulle, billowing in beautiful waves around her ankles, and oh, darling, the movement! Just the perfect touch of airiness for the sad tale of the heartbroken Giselle.
Now, don't be thinking this is just a fluffy skirt story. Ballet in 1865 was changing, darling. We are moving from the dramatic heavy dresses towards something much lighter, giving more freedom and beauty to the dancers. Imagine, all those pirouettes and jumps… they needed a more forgiving and versatile silhouette. The tulle that would become the beloved tutu, the light fabric with its unique, airy beauty, was starting to steal the stage, literally. And, darling, imagine the pink tulle I envision for all you beautiful ballerina's!
Speaking of theatrical fashion, have you seen the costumes worn in plays around this time? Such incredible imagination! Think billowing sleeves, elaborate headpieces, and a daring use of colour. There was a definite romanticism to fashion, a love for the beauty of form, and I can totally see the connection between all of these things, my loves.
Think of a graceful dancer in a billowing skirt, twirling on stage… it was pure theatre and that, darling, is where our tutus began. The story, however, is far from finished! We will delve deeper, you see, to see just how we evolved from the "dramatic skirt" to the “petit” tutu we all adore today. But darling, don't worry, the exciting journey will continue next Tuesday!
In the meantime, tell me about the most captivating ballerina performances you've seen. Share your favourite moments and any fun memories related to ballet! Don't forget, my lovelies, keep those tutus twirling! And don't be afraid to show your pink side!
And lastly, darling, don't forget to keep those tutu tales coming, because on my next journey to the past, I will have an exciting glimpse of the iconic ballerina, Fanny Elssler, known for her dynamic performances in the 1830s and 40s. I'll be uncovering her unique fashion choices and how they helped shape the tutu we see today! See you all then. I can't wait!
With a twirl and a sigh,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. If you want to see Giselle performed live, darling, check out the date on your calendar, because this **Wednesday, July 26th, 1865 at London's Covent Garden a wonderful production is planned, and guess what, it features the enchanting choreography of Marius Petipa. Imagine what he may inspire. Oh, just a small side trip! Don't tell anyone!
Fun fact! *Did you know, darling, that *London's Royal Opera House, that's Covent Garden, held its first ballet in 1732? How exciting, darling!
Let me know if you need any other ideas to flesh out Emma's blog!
