Hey loves! Welcome back to my blog, Pink-Tutu.com! It’s Emma here, and I’m thrilled to be back with another installment of my beloved #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History series! It’s my 397th post - can you believe it? Honestly, it feels like I’ve only just started this exciting journey.
But, onto today’s trip back in time! Buckle up buttercup, because we’re travelling to the 6th of August, 1839 - and honestly, darling, things are looking up for tutus.
I’m here in Paris, darling. This city! Honestly, it's simply magical, the heartbeat of fashion, where even the cobblestone streets seem to sing a waltz. And speaking of waltzing… let me tell you, the Parisian stage is thriving with ballerinas twirling and spinning, their tutus floating like a dream! And while they might be made of stiffer fabrics compared to the flowing lightness we enjoy today, those skirts have serious grace, creating such wonderful visual movement, all that ruffles and flounces like a frothy meringue, just delightful!
And now, onto the most thrilling news from our chosen date, darling! It's all about our dearest Queen Victoria - a true lover of the arts, a lady who knows a fine tutu when she sees one, don't you think? And today, she’s at the Theatre Italien in Paris, witnessing an Italian Opera - Les Mousquetaires. You know I adore an opera, but let me tell you, the whole performance - everything - was dripping in spectacle, lavish gowns, and the ballet performances - simply heavenly. Imagine it, love - royalty itself, dressed in jewels and finery, enjoying the captivating movements of dancers in those swirling tutus.
I know, you’re probably thinking, what’s a little performance got to do with our tutu journey, Emma? Well, my darlings, it has everything to do with it! The performances and the sheer elegance of ballet were influencing every aspect of Parisian fashion, from the elaborate costumes worn in these opera performances to the intricate details that found their way into the fashions of ladies across the city. And that, my loves, includes a little thing called… the TUTU!
We are talking an unbelievably romantic era, a time when the ballet, and its associated clothing - tutus included, held sway over the fashion conscious, making them an object of true envy and inspiration.
After I finish a show I love, it's off to the shops, you know? My pockets aren't exactly brimming but darling, even a look can give you all the inspiration you need for a lovely skirt - ruffles and frills and lots of delicate floral prints - just divine. It's these dainty details I adore! And let’s not forget the beautiful embroidery! Oh, darling, I just can't help myself - I have to indulge in a little retail therapy to replenish my personal pink tutu collection, don't you agree? A lovely lavender tea dress with delicate lace? Simply a must-have, darling! I’ve even found a local haberdashery selling the most exquisite satin and taffeta - imagine a beautiful lilac satin tutu! And how lovely to have an entire selection of ribbons, beads and lace – a haven for creating one’s own fabulousness! The more ruffles, the better! Oh, if only I had a bit more space in my travel trunk... I would happily cart the entire shop back to Derbyshire with me!
Honestly, every shop is just brimming with the loveliest fabrics and embellishments! And while my own sartorial indulgences involve a pink tulle and lace masterpiece, every fashionable lady is falling head over heels for those beautiful bouffant skirts, just achingly elegant and lovely - imagine a beautiful soft lilac number, or a dreamy baby blue... pure fashion magic! The designers, darling, they just can't get enough of those airy, wispy layers. It's all the rage in the grand Parisian salons.
What else is happening on the 6th of August, 1839? A little nugget of excitement I stumbled across is the construction of a very famous Parisian building... The Eiffel Tower. Isn’t it divine that the architectural marvel we all love today, one that’s so heavily adorned with elegant ironwork and graceful lines, had its roots in this very same era, the era of romanticism and graceful lines? I’m so glad we took a detour to 1839 darling. I adore historical twists!
Let me know, my darlings, what you thought of this #TutuTuesday blog! Which part of the historical story captured your heart? Which colour tutu are you picturing? Remember, my beautiful loves, let’s spread the pink tutu joy across the world! Every one of us deserves to dance a bit, right? I hope this little adventure inspires you to explore your own creativity, whether that means trying out a vintage piece or whipping up your very own tutu! It’s all about letting your spirit fly! Until next week, lovelies. Stay pink! And keep on dancing! 🩰❤️
