Dearest Tutu Lovers,
Greetings from your favourite pink tutu wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma! Today we’re stepping back in time, right to the heart of January 1839! Fancy joining me for a delightful trip back to Paris, the heart of all things tutus and fashion, darling? Buckle up your dancing shoes and grab a steaming cup of tea, because today we're diving into ballet's rich past, a time when tutus were just beginning to take centre stage!
My, oh my, but time travel can be a whirlwind!
I popped into the grandest of train stations, London's Euston, and before I knew it, I was hurtling through the countryside like a whirlwind in my tutu. I wore my absolute best pink silk one for the journey, a perfect match to my delicate pearl earrings and an impossibly fine silk scarf I bought in Nottingham. A good hat is always essential for train travel – this time a chic beige straw boater adorned with a plume. The journey across the Channel was quick, though the journey back is going to require a whole heap of my dancing skills to cover my fares. My love for ballets does extend to needing to be paid for, however! Such is the life of a ballerina on the go.
A Rendezvous in Paris
I must tell you, Paris, even in this era, is positively enchanting! The cobbled streets, the enchanting boutiques overflowing with finery, and of course, the magic of the ballet! The Opèra Garnier, built just a few years ago, is truly breathtaking. It’s all gilt and gold, grand marble staircases and shimmering chandeliers. Imagine the whispers of excitement as we stroll in our opulent silk gowns, feather boas swirling, our parasols to shade us from the sun - or to fan us gently during the show, of course. Oh, darling, such grandeur!
Now let’s delve into those dancing tutus!
Back in 1839, tutus were not the glorious, wispy creations we know today. Think layered skirts, made of yards and yards of fabric, resembling bell shapes. And whilst some dancers were starting to move towards light, gauzy materials, we were still in the realm of the "crinolined" era! Those skirts, with all their extra material, did offer some advantage. Imagine swirling across the stage, catching the light in those wide tiers. Truly an impactful visual spectacle! A most striking and captivating ballet scene!
Speaking of the stage, I have to share my most delightful discovery - a charming little ballet theatre tucked away on a quiet Parisian street. They called it a “Théâtre du Vaudeville,” with its warm lighting and intimate space, where we watched ballerinas perform under the sparkling light of a single, enormous chandelier! This is the type of magic that gets me so excited about discovering the past, wouldn't you agree?
To Dance or to Dine - It's Always a Quandary in Paris!
A ballerina can never say "no" to a fabulous luncheon at “Le Café de Paris,” an enchanting space filled with chatter and exquisite cakes! It’s simply unmissable! I’d choose a delightful salmon with creamy hollandaise to complement the divine vanilla macarons. My friend and I devoured everything before we finally tore ourselves away to explore the enchanting streets, browsing through boutiques filled with lace and ribbons, silks and feathers – just wait until I get you all these goodies! My suitcase may need a bit of adjusting. I’ve already discovered a pair of pearl pink ballet shoes, which will, of course, be my most treasured purchase.
A Special Day for Fashion's Delight
Now, back to our historical snapshot of January 22nd, 1839 - what exactly was happening on this particular day? A special one indeed, my dearest friends. Imagine a glamorous gathering, with women adorned in the latest styles, with cascading sleeves and opulent silks – that’s what “Le Grand Prix de Paris” would be about. We would watch the carriage racing on the streets, and if you believe in the Parisian magic – perhaps even have the opportunity to witness an elegant soirée filled with laughter and gossip, maybe even the very people who attended the race! What a delicious day to visit, wouldn't you agree? Paris is such a whirlwind of fashionable delight.
On the Trail of Ballet
Every day, I’m discovering more about the wonderful world of tutus, and all things related. My mind is alight with creative ideas for the next generation. In a couple of months I'll be heading back to London - can you imagine! It'll be a wonderful opportunity to take in a ballet at Covent Garden and see what innovations have crept onto the ballet scene.
Until next Tuesday!
Now, do run off and find the perfect pink tutu for your day. Let me see your outfits in action! Hashtag #TutuTuesday! Let’s spread this tutuesque magic!
XOXO,
Emma
P.S. Don't forget to visit our website, www.pink-tutu.com for more of my tutu adventures and other interesting finds from my historical jaunts. It's all just a hop, skip, and jump away!
See you next Tuesday for the next chapter in our fabulous Ballet Tutu History!
