Welcome back, my darling dancers! It’s Tuesday, which means it’s time for a delightful dive into the fascinating world of tutus! 🩰 Today’s journey takes us way back, to the 27th of December, 1836. Grab a cuppa and get comfy, because you're in for a treat!
As a self-proclaimed tutu enthusiast and time traveller extraordinaire, I find myself whisked about by the magic of ballet, often finding myself right smack-dab in the midst of fashion's grandest moments. Today, I've landed myself in none other than… Paris, France! Ah, the City of Lights! The very heart of fashion, romance, and of course, dance.
My pink tutu twirling and I are ready to explore the French capital. What shall we do today? A Parisian cafe with macarons and tea? Maybe a trip to the grand opera house? Oh, but first – let’s head to the Court of Louis-Philippe, the King of France, shall we? After all, 1836 was the year his family was gifted with a very special ballet-related present. 😉
A King's Gift
In December 1836, the Queen of the French, Marie-Amélie, was gifted with a brand new, top-notch ballet school! Now, my darling dears, I think it’s fair to say this is a very big deal!
Let's imagine this, shall we? The royal palace, glittering chandeliers, a beautiful young queen. Her court all dressed to the nines, and a ballet company ready to dazzle. The ballet school would be for young dancers, ready to train for the most spectacular dance performances in all of Paris. Imagine the talent that could blossom under that regal roof!
It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? That gift wasn’t just about dance, it was a gift that celebrated elegance, refinement and art!
This gift, and that grand new ballet school, was a real boost to the Paris ballet world, a huge stepping stone to what we see as the ballerinas’ costumes today!
Where Are the Tutues?
Of course, let's not forget about the tutu, shall we? Now, hold onto your pink ribbon bows, because things get even more fascinating! In 1836, the "tutu" as we know it – that frilly, floaty dream of tulle - wasn't really around yet!
They were mostly wearing what we’d call a romantique style – full skirts that flowed and swirled like silk dreams! Imagine delicate satin, maybe even a splash of lace, but still keeping it simple. That style would, in the decades to come, transform into the stunning tutu that everyone loves today.
But back then, the stage costumes weren’t as flashy as they are now. But what was beginning to emerge? Colour! That's right! Colourful silk gowns were being used for dance costumes – even pastel pinks! Perhaps this is the hint of pink that brought me to Paris! I just love it, I do!
I must say, with every journey I take, I truly feel grateful that I can see how things have changed through time! What an exciting time to have witnessed that evolution!
But now, a fashion question! You might be wondering… How do you pull off the "tutu" in this 1836 fashion scene?
A Tutu For All
Easy!
- Romantique Elegance: Channel the classic ballerina! Soft colours, maybe a little lace for detail – we're keeping it elegant! The romantic look with a pink skirt would fit right in here, and still be wonderfully "tutu" chic.
- Be a Rebel: Embrace the colour! You don’t need a traditional tulle skirt to have fun with a “tutu” theme! A pop of bright colour, like the blush pinks I see in this era’s fashion, will make your outfit stand out!
- The Parisian Charm: A little beret or a cute floral head scarf with that iconic French touch - now that is the secret of my success! I've definitely gotten the fashion bug while visiting these glamorous women, and they certainly haven't shied away from using bold colours like pink.
A Pink Dream in Paris
But Paris, as usual, holds so many fashion treats for the travelling ballerina! There's a new ballet on at the Palais Royal right now! My time is precious and there is so much to explore here. If I’m lucky, maybe I’ll even catch a glimpse of one of the dancers. Imagine – maybe I can share some tutu-style inspiration!
As for me, I’m going to twirl through the City of Lights! And who knows – I might even be inspired to whip up a pink tutu that channels that Parisian elegance. What a glorious blend!
Until next time, my darlings! Let's keep on dancing! 💖
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #ParisianChic #PinkPower
