Welcome back, lovelies! It's another glorious Tutu Tuesday, and today we're twirling right back to 1832! 🩰 🚂
For my dear pink tutu-loving friends, it's time to hop aboard my trusty, tutu-adorned time-travelling steam train. We're headed for the very heart of ballet's history - Paris!
The date is March 27th, 1832, a crisp Parisian morning. Imagine the smell of freshly baked croissants, the sight of horse-drawn carriages, and the sounds of chatter in the streets. As I step onto the cobblestone, I'm reminded that back then, "tutu" meant "something silly". But it's going to change, my friends, and it all starts here!
A Revolution of Pink & Frou-frou
Think flowing fabric, billowing gowns, and a touch of rebellious creativity. It was during this period that women started moving away from the heavy, restricting fashions of the Victorian era. A revolution, if you will! This is where our ballerina pioneers like Marie Taglioni come in.
Marie was quite the fashionable lady – just think of how wonderful she must have looked on stage with those long, billowing tulle skirts! Those "tutus", while not the rigid versions we know and adore today, were still revolutionary for the time! It was all about fluidity and movement - a real explosion of feminine power in a world where skirts were a whole lot less comfortable, even in Paris! It’s pretty cool to think that fashion and movement could be seen as radical! And those Parisian ladies were ready to move with the times!
Paris: Where Fashion Blooms
You know, there’s something truly special about Paris! Always has been and always will be! You step out onto the streets, you just feel that buzz in the air. You could see what I mean! There's that scent of the perfume, the beautiful architecture.
We're surrounded by stunning couture, shops full of the latest styles – I could happily spend hours in the boutiques. The fashion is becoming increasingly feminine and flirty! Those beautiful lace trims and flowing silks just add to the air of excitement. Oh, it's hard to resist indulging in some lovely lace ribbons, maybe a pretty feather or two - you've got to embrace the beautiful fashions of the past, even if they’re a little impractical, right?
Tutu's Not Just for Ballerinas
So, while we’re getting a taste of the ballet, I've got some good news, tutu lovers! Even before tutus were a part of ballet as we know it, a trend had already started to emerge – those frothy layers, those whimsical textures – all the elements we adore were becoming popular!
Imagine it! Ladies in society started adorning themselves with frills, ruffles, and even fluffy feathers in their clothing and hair. They wanted to move, and those loose flowing shapes added a whimsical flair to the whole dress-up and party process!
Now, that is what I call good taste, good style and a good time! 😉 I bet they’d look fantastic on the dance floor at the ballet. They had some amazing costume balls in those days too – I’ve found that lots of the costumes they used actually influenced ballet, just as ballet has been influenced by fashion and life! They could dress for the show and be part of the spectacle too! It all makes sense, doesn't it? Just shows that there’s no end to where style can take us! It’s why we have #TutuTuesday after all, because our love of this fluffy, fabulous thing has just grown stronger with every Tuesday we celebrate it, and it keeps going! I’m so pleased about this, I’m bursting with tutu-loving energy, like one of the dancers from that show!
The Stars of The Stage
As you know, one of my favorite things in life, aside from tutus, is the magic of ballet! Even when I’m on a time-traveling adventure, I have to see some shows! The stars in those days! I can’t think of the French ballet without Marie Taglioni, and of course, her brilliant choreography – it is simply divine! Her movement, a whisper, a breath – it is enough to bring you right back to the world of dance – to another era. The French theatre is so full of history and incredible talent – they create beauty and life.
And as the world is a spinning ball of change – well, in 1832 the ballet stage was moving in the right direction too. Ballet companies around the world were rising in popularity! It's just exciting, to see that excitement of people becoming fascinated by dance - even the idea of seeing your body move beautifully – a bit more radical back then! But the people of Europe are dancing to the tune of ballet and taking it in with gusto, all over! I want to be in the thick of it all!
This Week's Finds:
I've discovered some very special things in Paris:
The Théâtres des Variétés: I absolutely adore visiting this stunning theater. Just look at that grand architecture! It's a beautiful blend of art deco and baroque design - what a treat to feast your eyes on! I've heard that even the stage has an extraordinary story!
Les Tuileries Gardens: This park is just a vision in pastel hues, filled with vibrant green grass, fragrant flowers and blooming trees – just like the very colours of the tulle of our tutus – such pretty pastels! It’s a truly delightful oasis right in the middle of the bustling city! The flowers just smell amazing – so feminine, they must be so refreshing in the heat of summer too. The perfect backdrop for our time-traveling photoshoot. Don’t worry, my photo shoot is all perfectly in the spirit of this time-period - not just a tutu but matching bonnet too – because that is how a true #TutuTuesday time traveler celebrates the past!
Join the Tutu Movement
It's time to embrace the world of fashion and tutus. Be a part of the history – why not go to your next performance in a a delicate white or a stunning pale pink tutu? Or you could join the TutuTuesday challenge - post a picture of you twirling in a fabulous tutu – don't forget to use #TutuTuesday to get into the swing of the thing! You can visit my website too www.pink-tutu.com where I have tons more articles about the beautiful history of our much-loved tutu, and more fashion advice - because what else can I really write about? The most important thing is to remember, tutu love is for life, not just for ballet performances!
See you next Tutu Tuesday!
With a flourish and a pirouette,
Emma 🩰💖
