Dearest Dance Divas and Dapper Gentlemen,
Welcome back to Pink Tutu, my darling corner of the web where we celebrate the delightful history of tutus! Today, we're taking a journey through time to August 20th, 1839! Imagine, ladies, no Instagram, no Snapchat, just petticoats and waltzes! Oh, the thrill of the unknown! (Well, unknown to us present-day fashionistas, anyway.) This is Pink Tutu blog post number 399, and I, your very own Pink Tutu time traveller, Emma, am here to guide you through another fabulous journey of tutu evolution.
(And, in case you haven't heard, my dream is still to get everyone wearing pink tutus. So let's do this! What better way to show our love of the dance than with a splash of pink?)
Tutus, Trains & Theatre
Let's imagine a charming Parisian scene, shall we? Imagine the hustle and bustle of Rue de la Paix, the air abuzz with Parisian chatter, the gentle clang of carriage wheels, and the melodic hum of the OpĆ©ra. You could practically smell the pastries from the cafes! Today, the OpĆ©ra was a sight to behold ā all glittering chandeliers, lavish gowns, and dapper gentlemen. And tonight, my dears, a young ballerina named Carlotta Grisi took to the stage. It was she, in her magnificent white tulle tutu, who caused a stir amongst the ladies (and quite likely, a few of the gentlemen). Thatās right, weāre talking about the very first, full-blown Romantic era tutu.
Imagine, ladies, all that white tulle! A symphony of billowing, swirling fabrics, an explosion of light and airy loveliness. Gone were the weighty, formal gowns. In their place? The sheer magic of this revolutionary style, that showcased a dancer's graceful lines and captivating movements. And it's this style, ladies, that would go on to define what a "tutu" would look like for centuries! It became a symbol of feminine grace and freedom. And trust me, it's an absolute game changer.
Fashionable Footwork: My Tutu Style Guide
Now, of course, we must channel some of this Romantic Era fashion into our present-day style! Imagine pairing your favourite pink tulle tutu with a crisp, white chemise (that is the Parisian word for "shirt," right?) or a fitted bodice. Pair it with black velvet shoes or delicate Mary Janes (it is vintage, darling! So I know it's perfectly permissible) and then just add your signature pink lipstick (if youāre feeling extra, top it with a chic wide-brimmed hat! It will make you look quite Parisian). VoilĆ”, a timeless fashion creation!
Now, for the next fashion adventure: Iām off to London to catch the premiere of the new ballet, āGiselleā ā they tell me it is an absolute must-see, and that the main character āGiselleā will wear a magnificent white tutu that could not possibly be more breathtaking! Imagine the stage, filled with billows of fabric as the dancer takes her bows! The crowd will roar in appreciation for such exquisite movement and artistry. My own tutu will be quite the sight as I traverse through the Grand Hall!
Oh! Before I dash off, let me just give you a peek into my personal Pink Tutu fashion philosophy! Just as a tutu evokes grace and beauty in the dancer's movement, a woman wearing pink evokes charm, confidence, and joy. I always say: āPink, my darlings, is a universal language of happiness. We may be centuries apart, but this love, this passion for the colour, is eternal! ā (Okay, I may be stretching things a bit, but wouldn't it be lovely? World pink tutu dominance! Now, wouldn't that be a glorious time in our fashion history?)
And before you ask, yes, I absolutely do own a white tulle tutu. Ahem, donāt think I can reveal my personal stash, quelle horreur! Now I've really got to go - gotta pack my luggage, make sure my makeup bag is perfect, and of course, my beloved pink tutu will be making the trip too!
Until next #TutuTuesday,
Emma xoxo
(PS: Donāt forget, all my fashion and history insights are on www.pink-tutu.com Every week I'll be time traveling to another significant date, unraveling the glorious history of the *tutu for you, one enchanting story at a time. Join me! Let's bring a little pink to the world! Because who can resist the charm of a pink tutu?) *
