#TutuTuesday: A Whirl Through History โ September 9th, 1834!
Hello my dearest tutu enthusiasts, and welcome back to another edition of #TutuTuesday! Today's date is September 9th, 1834, and you know what that means? We're going to journey back in time, across the Channel, to Paris! And trust me, darling, you don't want to miss this historical twirl!
(Oh, and for the love of all that's pink, you have got to see my latest tutu. It's a cerise silk number, frilled at the bottom, that makes me look like a blushing cherry blossom in bloom! Absolutely divine, if I do say so myself.)
Now, before we delve into the fashion scene of the 1830s, a quick confession: it's rather a shame that our modern tutu โ with its frothy layers and ballerina chic โ didn't quite exist yet! But don't you worry, dears, history is full of exciting fashion adventures waiting to be discovered.
We find ourselves on September 9th, 1834, in a very different world than we're accustomed to. The railway, now becoming a sensation, connects London and Paris, meaning I could easily arrive here by train in just under 12 hours โ such an elegant mode of transport, don't you think?
However, it's the Paris Opera House that really steals the show in our time-traveling escapade. We're about a decade away from the debut of the first ballet to actually feature a full-length tutu, so what are they wearing, you ask? Think light and graceful! They're still a bit enamoured by classical dance, and this period was known for flowing silk dresses โ long and layered โ a perfect vision for swirling pirouettes, even without the fluffy skirt.
Now, if you want a taste of Parisian fashion that's truly memorable, you'd want to be in the audience, eyes glued to the stunning ballet. And guess what, you'd probably spot some of these elements in their costumes:
"Le Romantisme" Style: Remember that sweet, flowing skirt I mentioned? That's our Romanticism movement in full swing! Imagine the billowing fabrics as ballerinas flutter through the air, an elegant ballet in motion!
Floral Embroidery: For a splash of colour and elegance, these dresses would be adorned with floral motifs, a popular theme at the time.
Gathered Details: To highlight that ethereal, fairy-like quality, designers used clever gathers on the fabric, like ribbons, for a more structured and whimsical touch.
Now, imagine you could see it all through a time machine, dear. It's almost magical, don't you agree? These garments aren't our traditional tutu, yet the sense of ballet and dance permeates through. And it just goes to show: the fashion of ballet has always been about expression, grace, and showcasing the beauty of movement, no matter what century you're in.
Of course, the excitement isn't just limited to fashion. For an evening of captivating entertainment, there's the opportunity to see a fantastic performance at the Paris Opera. They're renowned for their theatrics, and who wouldn't want to be swept away by their exquisite stories in dance and music?
(And honestly, could we just take a moment to appreciate the sheer glamour of attending the opera in such a grand and luxurious setting? With the plush velvet seats, chandeliers glittering overhead, and the anticipation of the performance, it truly is an enchanting experience.)
I think this date has been an excellent introduction to the world of ballet just a few years before the "Tutu Revolution" hit the stage. Next Tuesday, I'll bring you all back here to continue the tour of Parisian ballet fashion in 1834 โ and maybe even introduce you to a little more about the evolution of the tutu itself. Remember, it's never too early or too late to learn more about the history and elegance of our favourite garment.
In the meantime, wear your pink tutus with pride and stay inspired. And remember, don't forget to keep up with the #TutuTuesday series on www.pink-tutu.com!
Yours in tutu-loving wonder,
Emma, from Derbyshire, England.