Post #2519 - www.pink-tutu.com
Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite pink-tutu clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday for your delightful perusing pleasure! Today, we’re stepping back in time to 1880-04-06, just before the clocks chime for the 6th of April. My oh my, it’s such a thrill to be exploring the history of tutus, the very embodiment of grace and elegance. As I’m sure you already know, there's absolutely nothing that can beat a twirl in a gorgeous tutu! 🩰✨
Oh, before we dive into the delightful details, I wanted to share something fabulous with you! Remember all those gorgeous tutus from that mesmerising performance by the Ballet Russes last month? Those exquisite costumes were a triumph of artistry, a symphony of colour and fabric. I, for one, was captivated by the intricate details and the sheer magic they brought to the stage. Every single time, those stunning tutus just inspire me! I swear, I can almost hear a soft tinkling sound with each perfectly executed pirouette! Oh, darling, I think it might be time to start designing my own! What a wonderfully thrilling and challenging thought!
Back to our delightful time machine, though! Let’s travel back to Paris, the city of lights, the epicentre of dance! We're back in the 19th century, at a time when ballet is just reaching the zenith of its beauty and popularity!
Just a short hop from 1880-04-06, the incredible Enrico Cecchetti, the ballet maestro of the Marinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia, was getting ready to embark on his grand tour. As he made his way across the continent, Cecchetti’s teachings were going to spread like a delicate, exquisite perfume, subtly and subtly influencing the very language of ballet as we know it. Isn’t that amazing? Imagine, the very core of ballet being influenced by someone like that!
And look! Let's just rewind a bit! Here’s the story of the tutu, a real darling of ballet history! Now, it was back in 1832, you know, a full 48 years before our Tutu Tuesday date, when the wonderful Marie Taglioni, the ballet’s 'prima ballerina assoluta' and my favourite dance icon! Marie had this revolutionary idea, the sort that really sets the heart racing! Why not create a dress that allowed for free movement, a truly daring notion at a time when women's dance wear was basically one giant obstacle course to graceful movement! Imagine the gasps from the audience back then!
Oh darling, the Romantic Ballet, oh my, just so romantic and beautiful. They moved away from the rigid court dances that dominated the past. A wonderful change of direction! Think, no more stuffy, formal movements - freedom of expression in the language of ballet, at last! Marie made history with a design that allowed her to float across the stage. She made dancing look like true, authentic flight. That's why we celebrate her! The ballet world was transfixed! It was truly groundbreaking! Now, we all get to benefit from her courage, just think about that, don't we?
But it wasn’t only Marie’s innovative designs that gave ballet such a unique quality, darling! Think about the fabrics, the lightness, the lightness, like dancing on air! Those fabrics are what create a truly enchanting aura! In a world dominated by structured and restrictive fashions, it’s as if ballet offered a dreamlike escape. Imagine being able to swirl and twirl without a stitch of fuss! We should be so grateful! We’re still enjoying the rewards of her vision! Oh, darling, just to think how much more constrained dancing might be, without that vision and her courage! It makes me shudder to think of it!
And then, my lovely dancers! Now think about the shoes. A little dance in a toe shoe can make anybody feel like they're really gliding through space, wouldn't you agree? We need to credit all those creative souls behind the tutus, all the exquisite fabrics and those beautiful pointe shoes too! That’s what helps create such grace, balance, and effortless beauty! Imagine it, such an iconic expression of elegance. Oh, and you just have to love those perfectly crafted satin ribbons. Just perfection!
But, darling, let's rewind our little time-traveling trip a little bit, shall we? Before 1832, ballerinas had to make do with what was essentially the "ballroom gown" style, tight and constricting. Can you imagine? A very different kind of dancing back then! It must have taken tremendous effort just to do basic 'port de bras'! That is quite a contrast, my dearest.
The 1800s became an exciting, ever-evolving time for ballet and the tutu, a time where new forms and materials were always being experimented with! But darling, if there is one absolute truth about the world of ballet fashion, it's that the tutu always, always finds a way to evolve into something spectacular and fresh! You really have to appreciate the continuous spirit of inventiveness that surrounds ballet! And think how all these changes, all those inspired moments have made our beloved tutus even more incredible to behold! A legacy, my darling! Just so very glamorous and fun! A magical world, and it keeps changing for the better. I love that!
Well, I must confess, when I'm planning my time travels, I try to make sure I'm around when something big and beautiful is happening. Imagine it, to witness such history being made firsthand! What a delightful feeling to be present when things change for the better, and that certainly includes our lovely tutus!
Now, for a Tutu Tuesday bonus tip for those of you at home! I'm just bursting with excitement, to share this with you! You just have to visit your local ballet company, have a peek into their dance world and let it all inspire you! They're all bursting with such talent, so much hard work, and such dedication. And who knows, maybe you’ll catch the very next star in the making. I’ve always said it, there's nothing that sparks creativity more than watching such talented dancers.
Right, now I need to jet off for my own little trip, my dear readers. It's off to New York City! Imagine New York City! For 4th April 1880 I shall be experiencing the very first time the legendary "Swan Lake" was ever performed in the USA . This was one revolutionary ballet by the Russian composer, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, an era defining masterpiece full of love and tragedy and oh-so dramatic. Oh, what a wonderful experience! A historical gem to look forward to!
Oh darling, this is truly exciting stuff, and it makes me think I'll make this week's Tutu Tuesday extra-special. It would be delightful to talk about *the story of the tutu and its place in Swan Lake! Oh darling, I must say I’m quite smitten! Do join me here on www.pink-tutu.com for a very extra-special #TutuTuesday blog! Now go and TWIRL! 🩰
And if you ever find yourself in Derbyshire, England, my little corner of the world, do come visit!
Until next time, darlings! Keep those tutus twirling,
Love,
Emma
💖💕🩰✨
