Bonjour, my lovelies! It's Emma here, back from another time-hopping adventure. I just know you're all ready to take a little trip down history lane with me - just imagine, a journey back in time, tutus twirling, a dash of nostalgia and all that!
Today, we're venturing back to a very special year - 1835. The year of romanticism and waltzing! In the heart of Paris, oh, darling, just picture the city: the smell of croissants, the music swirling around you in cafes and salons, the most divine fashion, and oh, my word, the ballet! You just know I had to hop aboard the train (so civilised, a lovely tea break was in order!) to get a glimpse of what the dance world was all about.
As I wandered through the elegant streets, I could practically hear the tinkling of bells, feel the elegant sweep of fabric as ladies' skirts swirled, and the elegant carriage doors, so beautifully painted, clicked shut with a whisper of excitement.
A Parisian Debut
So what was the big deal in 1835? Well, imagine the joy of watching dancers flitting around in their silk, flowing tutus. It was such an elegant and breathtaking spectacle! The ballerinas in these times truly knew how to enchant - and trust me, dear friends, that is a feeling that has never, ever left me.
Oh, and did I mention, the colours? My favourite hue, pink, was absolutely all the rage. It truly brings out the joy and romance of the moment. Imagine a blush pink tutu, or a dreamy lavender one, and you have the picture! But hold your horses, dearies! There's a big change coming!
Tutus Then, TutUs Now
Back then, the tutu was not yet the iconic shape we adore today! The bell-shaped "jupe d'indienne" took center stage! You know, it was sort of a wider skirt - perfect for swirling and twirling but not quite the airy, graceful form we see today.
Now, you may be wondering how that got us to those short and whimsical tutus that we just adore. Well, in 1839, Maria Taglioni, a legendary dancer and an absolute style icon, took the stage in "La Sylphide". She had this brilliant idea: what if we brought the length up to the knee and made the skirt wider and puffier! Imagine her dazzling in that shimmering, soft tulle, making that graceful, floating movement - sheer brilliance!
That change was the birth of our tutu! It opened up so much for the art form, allowing dancers to be so light and expressive - pure, whimsical magic!
But My Dears, Don't Forget - We Love All Kinds of TutUs!
This is not the only form of the tutu we cherish - each style is so beautiful, so different, but all stunning in their way. We've got the romantic tutu, the classic tutu, the "en pointe" tutu - oh, how they twirl! So keep your eyes out, darlings, and don't be shy about letting the elegance flow!
Life Beyond the Ballet
My, oh my, where do we find this glorious fashion in Paris? It is hard to find one perfect shop that satisfies our every desire! The Parisian shops are not yet department stores - think instead of delightful little boutiques with charming owners who know all their customers' wishes. So delightful!
Speaking of fashion, do you want to see some incredible costumes, my lovely readers? A Parisian masterpiece I had the opportunity to see this very day is the "la Esmeralda" ballet, starring Carlotta Grisi, an exceptional talent with a grace unlike any other! The intricate details of her costumes were breathtaking, especially the long white scarf she wore, representing a delicate cobweb. Simply exquisite!
On The Trail of a Romantic Heart
You see, darling, this time travel thing isn't just about visiting the past; it's about embracing the stories, the spirit, the evolution of everything.
Now, imagine this: I step out of a warm and welcoming train carriage into a cafe just brimming with conversation and excitement. A delightful gentleman buys me a cup of chocolate - you see, being a ballerina does give one some benefits - and he invites me to a "Soiree". Fancy that!
Oh my, and you know how much I adore Paris - such history, the romance, the charm! So do make sure you plan a trip soon and experience a waltz or two, and maybe a little trip to a ballet. Let me know what you find, my dear friends, for this, oh, my lovely darlings, is what life is about!
And as for those beautiful pink tutus? Why wait for Tutu Tuesday, when you can twirl around in them any day of the week, eh?
Stay gorgeous!
Love,
Emma xx
P.S. What are your favourite styles of ballet? And how many of you would love to visit Paris and embrace the elegant spirit? Let me know! I'd love to hear your stories! #TutuTuesday #PinkTutusForTheWorld #LoveBallet #BalletHistory
