Hello my darling dears, and welcome back to another glorious #TutuTuesday! It's a rather chilly day here in Paris, but I'm all snuggled up in my pinkest, fluffiest tutu (because, let's face it, one can never have too much pink, right?) ready to share some more magical tutu history with you all!
This week marks my 100th blog post on www.pink-tutu.com, can you believe it? A century of tutus and tulle – what a delightful journey it has been! And to celebrate this milestone, we're taking a trip back in time to a date that, while it might not seem directly related to the tutu itself, is definitely connected to the evolution of ballet and, by extension, our beloved tutus!
Now, today is 26th November 1833. Now, picture this: the streets of Paris are bustling with elegant carriages and finely dressed gentlemen, the air crisp with autumnal leaves falling from the trees, and inside the hallowed halls of the Opéra Garnier, a ballet masterpiece is unfolding.
The Prima Ballerina
On this very date, Marie Taglioni, the celebrated prima ballerina of the day, is about to take centre stage as the lead in Jean Coralli's enchanting ballet "La Sylphide." Now, while Marie may not be sporting a voluminous, billowing tutu (the kind we adore today!), she is performing in a rather significant piece of costume – a light, flowing white dress, almost a foreshadowing of the tutus to come!
It's interesting to note that "La Sylphide" was revolutionary for its time. It ditched the elaborate, heavier costumes of the past in favour of something lighter, more ethereal, and ultimately more fitting for the graceful movements that defined Romantic ballet. And, in a rather lovely stroke of genius, the ballet introduced the point shoe! A little revolution right there!
Dancing Dreams
Marie Taglioni is an incredible force in the ballet world. Her dancing is known for its light, ethereal style – a breath of fresh air in the world of heavier, more grounded ballets. And that airiness? She totally embodies it. Just think about how perfectly that airy aesthetic translates to the iconic billowing tutu, a tutu that's actually light as a feather. The dream? The weightlessness? It's all there!
And even if her outfits were not tutus yet, there's still a direct connection to our tutu journey! Think about how "La Sylphide" opened the door for lighter, more graceful costumes. From the flowing gowns to the delicate point shoes, "La Sylphide" helped set the stage for the arrival of the beloved ballet tutu!
Tutus in Time
So, while tutus themselves weren't quite hitting the stage in all their frilly glory back in 1833, we're seeing the very foundations of that revolution taking root. We're watching the steps that led us to those big, fluffy, beautiful tutus that make our hearts beat faster. Just imagine a ballet performance like "La Sylphide" where, instead of those pretty flowing dresses, a swarm of fluffy pink tutus graced the stage! The scene would be absolute magic!
Fashion is my Muse
But even as we journey through history, don't forget the magic of the present. This weekend I had the absolute pleasure of attending a show at the Royal Opera House. It was a truly mesmerizing performance, but it was the costumes that really captured my heart. Imagine, beautiful swathes of tulle and silk, sparkling with sequins, crafted into tutus so dazzling that they lit up the stage. Oh, I just can't resist a beautifully designed tutu.
So, I leave you with a challenge! This week, put on your favourite pink tutu and go out there! Whether you're twirling at a local park, taking a spin on the dance floor, or simply strolling through your local town, let your inner ballerina shine.
And remember, darlings, the only thing more magical than a tutu? It's a world full of pink tutus!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. As always, keep sharing your tutu tales with me on my website and on social media. Use the hashtag #PinkTutuLife! I can't wait to see your stylish and delightful tutu moments!
Time Travel and Shopping Spree
Oh, and let's not forget about how I manage to finance these adventures. Every trip back in time is fuelled by performances and a little ballet-related hustle! From selling my handmade tutu creations to offering ballet-inspired fashion advice, my passion for tutus pays for my amazing adventures through time. It's all part of spreading the pink tutu love!
Oh, and can we talk about all the amazing vintage shops in Paris? Finding beautiful, almost forgotten pieces that just need a little bit of love (and perhaps a dash of pink) – it's my secret indulgence! Who wouldn't love to be surrounded by piles of beautiful old silk and lace? Shopping in Paris is like a dream come true. Maybe my next post will be all about the latest tutu trends. Wouldn't that be fun?!
So, join me next week for another inspiring dose of tutu history. Until then, may your steps be light and graceful!
