Bonjour, my darling Tutu Lovers! It's Emma here, back from another whirl through the glorious annals of tutu history. Today, on this #TutuTuesday, we're jetting back to July 3rd, 1832. Buckle your tap shoes, darlings, we're about to hop aboard the time machine!
This week's journey brought me straight to Paris, the undisputed capital of fashion! (And let's face it, what's more fashionable than a tutu?) The city was abuzz with chatter and anticipation for the grand premiere of "La Sylphide" by the esteemed choreographer, August Bournonville, at the Théâtre de l'Académie Royale de Musique (what a mouthful, I know!). It was the first ballet performance featuring what we now know as a romantic tutu - lightweight and billowy, a far cry from the rigid, cumbersome skirts of the past.
But hold on, dear readers! Don't imagine the ballerinas swanning about in those whimsical, pink tutus we love today. Sadly, the tutus in 1832 were more akin to a loose, flowing white gauze skirt reaching only to the knees. They might have even included a touch of colour, but pink was still far from the "it" colour it is now!
Now, imagine the excitement in the air! "La Sylphide" was a revolutionary performance, not just because of its music and storytelling but for its focus on graceful, flowing movement. And guess who became the "it" dancer of the night? The extraordinary, ethereal Marie Taglioni, whose elegance and poise brought this new romantic tutu style to life. She was basically a ballerina superstar!
But enough about ballerinas for now - it's fashion time! Imagine a grand boulevard lined with opulent shops bursting with gorgeous silks, velvet, lace, and…wait for it…the very first haute couture fashion houses. How wonderfully decadent, darling! I swear I could feel the fashion electricity crackling in the air!
Of course, a journey back in time isn't complete without a little cultural immersion. And guess what? The French were mad about "La Sylphide" in 1832. Even King Louis Philippe (wearing, I assume, his royal version of a "tutu") was rumoured to be in awe of the production. They loved the stories, the ethereal dance, and of course, those delicate tutus. It was an age where ballet was becoming the true art of the feminine.
Now, before I disappear back to the present (gotta catch that next train back to Derbyshire!) I want you to picture this: it's July 3rd, 1832. The city lights flicker on, the audience waits with bated breath, and then Marie Taglioni steps onto the stage. Imagine the gasp as she pirouettes, the music swirls, and for a brief moment, everything fades into a ballet dream.
Oh, how I wish I could be there! Imagine dancing with her! But for now, my dearest Tutu Lovers, let's make some pink tutu magic here in the present. Let's dream of the grand romantic tutus we love, and let's keep that tutu spirit alive, shining, and oh so, so pink!
Until next week, dear Tutu Lovers! Stay stylish, stay fabulous!
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
#TutuTuesday
#BalletTutuHistory
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#Fashionista
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