Greetings, fellow tutu enthusiasts! It's Emma here, your trusty pink-tutu-clad guide through the delightful world of ballet history. Today, on this glorious #TutuTuesday, we're stepping back in time to 1879, specifically the 18th of March! Buckle up, darlings, for a thrilling trip on the express train to the heart of Victorian elegance and a most wonderful ballet season.
My, oh my! I can practically smell the lavender soap and freshly baked scones just thinking about it! Imagine, if you will, bustling London, filled with horse-drawn carriages and ladies in elaborate hats, and gentlemen in dapper suits, their faces alight with anticipation for the latest ballet sensation at the Royal Opera House.
You might be wondering, what was the ballet world buzzing about on this particular day? Well, hold onto your feather boas, because it was none other than a revival of the dazzling La Esmeralda!
This masterpiece, with its beautiful music and story of Esmeralda, the captivating Gypsy girl, danced with exquisite grace and fiery passion by the brilliant Madame Rita Sangalli, captivated audiences worldwide. Can you just imagine the excitement in the air? The clinking of champagne glasses during intermission, the hushed gasps of awe as Esmeralda leaps across the stage, and the thunderous applause at the final curtain!
Now, you're probably dying to know: What about the tutus? Ah, my dear friends, those tutus are the real star of this particular performance! Picture this: Esmeralda twirling on stage, not in the classical romantic tutu of the day with its voluminous frills, but in a much shorter, lighter design with an emphasis on showing off those nimble feet. Can you imagine, that innovative and exciting change in design for this much loved ballet? A bit less "ballerina doll," and more "spirited gypsy girl." Truly a sight to behold!
This moment in time is a fascinating reflection of the evolution of the tutu! Remember, just a few decades prior, ballerinas were still gracing the stage in heavy, cumbersome skirts, restricting movement and often leaving them covered in sweat! But by 1879, a much more fluid and athletic style of dance had emerged, requiring lighter and more flexible attire. These "revolutionary" changes made way for tutus with an airy, almost ethereal look.
I could chat about this incredible performance all day, but time, as always, flies by like a ballerina leaping across the stage! Now, as you know, I love a bit of fashionable fun, so let's delve into the world of Victorian fashion. It was a truly glorious era!
Corsets, lace, ribbons galore - if it was extravagant, the Victorians were all about it! But here's a secret: While the ladies favoured bold colours like crimson and emerald green, a splash of pink was beginning to emerge. It's no wonder, the colour represents delicate charm, and isn't that what every graceful ballerina wants to embody?
As I said, time travel takes a lot of hard work, especially if you're a busy ballet blogger who likes to go shopping! The way I fund my extraordinary journeys? Well, my dear tutu enthusiasts, let's just say it involves dancing and a lot of sequins. It's all a bit of a whirlwind of grand balls, opulent stages, and of course, lots of dancing in the most dazzling tutus! I think it's safe to say that every time I step into a performance, it feels like an incredible dream. You see, in 1879, tutus were symbols of artistry, grace, and the captivating power of dance, and this feeling has never diminished.
And now, my dearest friends, I leave you with a most important thought: Embrace the tutu. Wear it with confidence. And dare to dream big! Life is like a ballet, it's full of grace, elegance and endless possibilities. Let your inner tutu blossom.
Until next Tuesday, my fellow twirling fanatics, keep those tutus spinning! And remember, your dreams are the only limit.
Much love,
Emma
P.S. Do share your favorite tutu moments from your favourite ballets, I love to hear from you! Don't forget to follow me on social media!
