Bonjour, darlings! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, reporting live from… well, let’s just say a slightly less technologically advanced time than we’re accustomed to in 2023! Today’s date, 14th July 1840, is absolutely brimming with fashion inspiration, and wouldn’t you know it, I'm feeling utterly glamorous in my tulle petticoats and all!
For you lovely ladies who haven't journeyed with me through time on a Tuesday, my #TutuTuesday series delves into the delightful history of the tutu, tracing its journey from the elegant balls of the aristocracy to the stages of the world’s most fabulous ballet performances. We’ll be skipping through time together, experiencing each stage of this fashion evolution. Buckle up your bloomers, darling, it's going to be a ride!
Oh, and just for those who need reminding (though, really, do I need to remind anyone?), pink is my absolute favourite colour. Why else do you think I’m wearing it on this splendid journey? Pink just adds a touch of sweetness and feminine charm to everything – like a dollop of buttercream frosting on a perfectly baked cake! It’s just divine!
So, today's destination, 14th July 1840 – where were our favourite tutus twirling around at this very moment? Well, my lovelies, while ballet wasn’t quite the phenomenon it is now, there’s still something pretty thrilling about where we’re standing – the glittering world of the Paris Opera! Yes, you heard that right – we're in the heart of French elegance and, dare I say it, tutu inspiration!
This year was monumental for Parisian ballet and the fashion it inspires. This is where things began to truly blossom! You know, this magical moment when ballerinas started trading those voluminous, floor-length skirts for something much lighter and freer – tutus, darlings! That's right, 1840 was the year that started it all for our favourite little fashionistas!
Just imagine, my sweet readers, the incredible buzz that must have been swirling around the Parisian salons. Think about those early tutu designs - a burst of layers and volume. Imagine swirling fabrics, romantic ruffles and graceful movement, all enhanced by the simple elegance of tulle! Talk about a revolutionary dancewear design. You bet your bottom petticoat, darling, this new wave of tutu design brought a storm of attention!
The story, I tell you, is all about one of the most fabulous ballet stars of the day, Marie Taglioni. Now, picture a ballerina with her impossibly long legs and an undeniable presence – just oozing charisma, much like our current beloved ballet stars! Now, let's take a step back in time and envision her dancing with that new design of a tutu – so wispy, so airy, with a romantic puffiness that allowed for those graceful leaps and impossibly long strides that left audiences in awe. Oh, to have been in the audience for this debut, my darlings, a true spectacle of grace and fashion!
Now, to transport us to this Parisian scene a little more, let's get ourselves to a cafe for some afternoon tea – just how all those fashion-forward ladies would be sipping their favourite brews! While they are indulging in delectable treats and gossiping about the latest social gatherings, imagine the whispers and hushed gasps about the revolution brewing on the stage! "Did you see Marie Taglioni's performance last night?" "Absolutely dazzling! The new tutu she wore was simply exquisite!”
Don't you love imagining it all, my darlings? As much as I love those elaborate, swirling, tiered skirts that some of our dancers sport today, a simple tutu that’s almost like an ethereal, swirling cloud? I am absolutely mesmerized! And how can I ever resist a trip back in time that has my beloved pink featured so prominently?
It's clear as day – we owe Marie Taglioni a very deep, very sincere, pink-tutu-filled "thank you". If it wasn’t for her fabulousness and sense of style, those tutus might never have soared on to the world’s most fabulous stages. Let's give a little nod to Marie and her iconic contribution, darling! You can tell me what you think in the comments, maybe even a little tribute to your favourite ballet dancer!
Now, just because we're all about our lovely ladies and their amazing feats of elegance, let's not forget the amazing gents who are a big part of the ballet experience! Let’s give a cheer to all the talented dancers, and to the ballet masters and the choreographers - the masterminds behind every movement on stage. The beauty of a show, and the stories we see on stage, would never be the same without their skill and dedication. They definitely deserve an appreciative "Bravo!" or two!
So, darlings, my fabulous #TutuTuesday journey comes to a temporary stop here, as I bid farewell from 14th July 1840!
But as we take a little break, let's carry those romantic and graceful vibes into our lives this week. Maybe go on a trip to the theatre to see your favourite production, or take a stroll down a cobbled Parisian street with that lovely "I'm ready to swirl" in your heart!
Keep a look out for more fun #TutuTuesday trips next week – I’m already scheming and dreaming of all those breathtaking tutus in the coming years!
Until then, keep the love for dance alive, darlings!
Much love,
Emma 💖🌸✨
P.S. You're more than welcome to join the conversation on www.pink-tutu.com or tweet me your tutu stories at @Emma_Tutu.
Don't forget to keep it pink! 💖
