Welcome back, darlings, to another fabulous #TutuTuesday on pink-tutu.com!
Today, I'm positively twirling with excitement because, well, it's a special day in tutu history! My little time-travelling heart is aflutter, and the pink tulle in my outfit is practically buzzing with energy. I'm hopping on my favourite steam train (did you know the interiors are surprisingly comfortable with little nooks for enjoying a cuppa and a scone? Absolutely divine!), and I'm headed for the city where ballet absolutely flourishes: Paris!
Why Paris, you ask? Well, darlings, this isn't just any date – 16th April 1833, marked a very significant moment in the history of the ballet tutu. Oh yes, dear readers, I'm talking about the birth of the "Romantic tutu!"
It's time for a quick history lesson, my dears. For centuries, ballerinas were dancing in voluminous, layered, rather restrictive skirts – think of an elegant, swirling bell shape. You know, that look that was more "swishy waltz" than "grand jeté!"
However, on this very day in 1833, we saw the very first performance of a truly iconic ballet: "La Sylphide!" This groundbreaking work starred the fabulous Marie Taglioni, and darling, she was the one to revolutionise ballet costuming!
Can you imagine? Marie wore this innovative, groundbreaking design that was much shorter and lighter than the traditional dress. It was basically just a skirt and bodice with some flowing, diaphanous tulle – absolutely gorgeous, it must have been breathtaking!
This look is exactly what started the trend of the romantic tutu – light, airy, and so graceful! Think of a floaty, diaphanous cloud - it really lets the dancers showcase their movements. Imagine that glorious twirl... such graceful beauty, isn't it?
But it gets better, dearies! Parisian fashion in the 1830s was just bursting with colour and femininity, and it seems that the new ballerina styles caught the eye of high society. Think elegant silk gowns with ruffles and floral patterns, and, of course, plenty of delicate pastel colours, including the prettiest of pinks!
Just picturing these gorgeous gowns with romantic tulle overlays on the ballet stage... Pure magic, darling! And that's where we come in, because the spirit of those elegant times and the Romantic era continues to influence ballet costuming to this day, don't you think? The light, floaty skirts with a touch of romantic whimsy are still utterly timeless!
I was lucky enough to see a show of "La Sylphide" at the Opera Garnier. The costumes were absolutely breathtaking - like they stepped straight out of the paintings of the 1830s, which made for some truly mesmerizing artistry. Don't worry, darlings, I have some exquisite photos, and of course, I shall post them soon!
And the best part? I picked up a gorgeous little silk shawl for myself - it's divine for creating that ethereal romantic look. Just think of a ballet class with that soft, pink, fluttering shawl. Divine, I tell you, absolutely divine!
I also popped into my favourite vintage shop in the heart of Paris and discovered the most adorable silk dress - all pastel pinks and delicate floral embroidery. It even had a whimsical ruffled trim reminiscent of those stunning ballet skirts. Think "ballerina off-duty," and you have the perfect vision, my dears!
Don't you just love it when the stage spills out onto the street? That's the true magic of a romantic era - finding beauty everywhere.
Anyway, dearies, until next Tuesday, keep dancing your way to a happy and fashionable week. Remember, wear that pink tutu with pride and embrace the magical power of dancing with freedom!
*See you next week, and don't forget to share your pink tutu adventures on social media. #TutuTuesday is all about the joy of tutus, so let your joy shine! *
Sending love from Paris,
Emma x
#PinkTutu #TutuHistory #ParisianBallet #LaSylphide #Romance #Ballet #TutuTuesday #EmmaTravels
PS: If you fancy following along on my Parisian adventures, don't forget to head over to Instagram! @EmmaPinkTutu will have you up to date with all my travels and finds, darling!
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