Hello my darlings! Emma here, ready to take you on another exciting trip through time with #TutuTuesday!
Today we're waltzing back to the year 1839. Imagine, darling, no cars, no electricity, no smartphones… The world was a much simpler place then, but it still had a certain elegance. I find myself here in Paris, the heart of fashion and culture.
Oh, you know I've been shopping! Imagine strolling past the beautifully crafted shop windows and taking in the charming designs. Silk dresses with delicate ruffles, bonnets with bows that wouldn't quit, and those incredible shoes - with pointed toes! But, I'm on a mission. You know, that one you've probably heard of before: making the world a more pink-tutu filled place.
And what a fabulous journey it's been!
Last week, we saw a glimpse of the ballet's beginnings. This week, well, I'm excited to talk about a rather iconic figure - Marie Taglioni!
Can you picture a tiny, lithe, elegant ballerina? A woman so captivating that her very name evokes grace? Well, this is her!
It is here in 1839 that Marie Taglioni takes centre stage in a groundbreaking role in the ballet "La Sylphide." But hold onto your tiaras, because this wasn’t just any performance, it was the start of a ballet revolution.
You see, my dears, Taglioni's performance in this ballet is significant because of what she wears! Yes, darling, the "Sylphide," a character straight out of the pages of a fairy tale, dances in a tutu.
Now, I know what you’re thinking - "Emma, tuttut*tu, haven't we already discussed the evolution of this gorgeous garment? Why are we going back to 1839? We all know about tutus."
Ah, but darling, it’s more than a tutu. It's an evolution. This new style was quite a sight back then! A breathtaking change from the earlier, longer skirts. Taglioni's tutu is like a feather, barely brushing her knees. Imagine! This airy silhouette showcased her delicate movements in a whole new light. It truly was the start of something incredible!
Of course, this wasn’t the first time ballerinas wore short, fluffy skirts. Ballet history is quite rich in unexpected developments, my dears! It wasn't entirely unheard of even before, especially in Russia and Italy, but those styles weren't exactly like our present-day beauties.
And it wasn’t just the tutu that made Taglioni famous, her movements were as enchanting as the garment itself. Think light, effortless, graceful steps – the epitome of femininity! The story behind the ballerina was almost as enthralling. Taglioni came from a family of ballerinas, so you know there's an intriguing legacy there! Her artistry made people adore her! Her talent became an icon, and the world started noticing just how elegant, light, and whimsical ballet could be.
It was the birth of what we know today as the classic "Romantic" ballet style! A movement, a feeling, an attitude all wrapped into one beautiful and captivating vision.
And darling, it's only fitting that the birthplace of the "Sylphide" is Paris! The city is always pushing boundaries, being daring, and making dreams a reality. What’s a more magical thing than the Parisian cityscape twinkling under the moonlit sky with a majestic performance at the Opera House? Absolutely nothing, darling!
My Parisian adventures are proving fruitful, with so much inspiration and delicious food – Oh, those pastries are so good! I'm learning more and more about the captivating origins of the beloved tutu and the inspiring power of fashion. It's a beautiful journey through history, and I wouldn’t want to miss a single moment.
Until next time my lovelies, do have a most delightful and pink-tutu-filled week! And remember, a pink tutu is the answer to everything! Don't forget to send me photos of you wearing your pink tutu! Until next Tuesday, adieu, my dears.
TutuTuesday #pinktutu #ballet #balletlove #history #fashion #paris #taglioni #lasylphideP.S. Have you read about how I had my pink tutu customized by the most famous milliner in the whole of Paris? He’s adding some delicate hand-beaded accents – talk about dreamy! It will make its grand appearance in the coming week, so be sure to tune in and get a glimpse of all that fashion loveliness!
