Bonjour mes amies!
It's Emma here, your resident pink tutu-loving, time-travelling ballerina. I’m so excited to be back with you again today, ready to take you on a journey back in time for another dose of ballet tutu history.
Tutu Tales: Paris, France 1839
Today, dear friends, we’re off to the enchanting city of Paris in 1839. My oh my, it's truly a dream of a destination, full of cobblestone streets and grand buildings - and not forgetting the amazing fashions! Can you imagine the world's capital of chic and sophistication without the incredible, flowing lines of a perfectly tailored gown? But let's get back to our topic - tutus!
The year is 1839. This year, the Parisian theatre-goers are witnessing something truly revolutionary: Marie Taglioni's breathtaking performance in the ballet “La Sylphide.” A beautiful story about a mythical creature, La Sylphide, with a tutu that looks nothing like the pouter pigeon costumes of the past! Imagine, my dears, a beautiful, diaphanous tulle skirt flowing in swirling movement - the essence of lightness and freedom. This tutu was short, a mere whisper of a skirt compared to the grand skirts of earlier ballet - almost ankle-length in those days! And, my darlings, can we talk about colour? The white fabric was a vision against the backdrop of the stage.
Can you believe it, this was the beginning of the romantic ballet, and let’s be honest - it was more than a little bit groundbreaking. The tutus, the swirling movements, and the overall delicate aesthetic are now part of ballet's legacy. All thanks to the beautiful Mademoiselle Taglioni.
Pink in Paris
You may think that my favourite colour pink doesn't have much to do with 19th-century Parisian fashion - but you'd be wrong! Although pink is often associated with femininity in our day, it wasn’t the favourite shade for most women then. Imagine my delight when I discovered that the "Rose Period" of French painting had arrived in Paris just a few years earlier! Artists were depicting the beautiful world in vibrant shades of pink - now that’s the way to celebrate femininity! I believe this colour wave is starting to wash over fashionable women all over the world, and let's be honest, who doesn’t want a touch of pink in their life? Perhaps there will even be a pink tutu to see soon!
A Train to London!
Speaking of vibrant colour, this brings us back to our own, gorgeous, beautiful London. I simply had to dash to London to catch a grand gala featuring The Royal Ballet! My trip included a luxurious first class journey to London on one of those splendid steam trains, and don’t even get me started on the delectable tea they served on board - simply divine!
London's Ballet Extravaganza
London always provides the perfect excuse for some chic fashion finds. I must confess, I indulged myself in the grand department stores along Oxford Street and a touch of afternoon tea in Harrods, for an extra sprinkle of glam! Oh, the excitement of the evening performance! I simply adore the Royal Ballet! Their graceful elegance and breathtaking storytelling with movement really makes me think - maybe I could get on that stage someday!
Inspiration and Pink Dreams
Every visit to a grand performance always inspires me to keep up with the dance classes! I think it's essential for every ballerina (in training or otherwise!) to feel their tutu swirl around them with grace! Maybe you could take a ballet class as well? You might even feel the same, inner ballerina that calls out to me in every swish and twirl!
Keep Spreading the Pink Love
Now, my sweet ballerinas, I shall leave you with this thought: pink tutus can inspire! From Marie Taglioni in Paris to London’s magnificent ballets, pink tutus have become the emblem of femininity, elegance and graceful movement. If a pink tutu can achieve all this, imagine what you can accomplish, my dear friends!
So keep spreading the pink love! Until next time, take care and don’t forget to twirl.
Au revoir!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
