Hello, my darlings! Welcome back to another #TutuTuesday, and oh my goodness, it's time for a celebratory post! Today marks the 500th instalment of my Ballet Tutu History blog - can you believe it? Five hundred Tuesdays spent uncovering the glorious past of the tutu! It's been an absolute joy sharing my passion with you all, and I'm so excited to continue on this whimsical journey of tulle and taffeta.
And today? Well, today, darling readers, I've hopped on the train straight to the City of Lights! Paris, where the tutu, as you'll discover, truly came into its own!
But before we delve into the Parisian fashion scene of 1841, let me share some news! The London ballet season has come to a close. Farewell, Covent Garden! The elegant gowns, the exciting premières, and, of course, the divine tutus! Oh, to see the ethereal tulle flutter around the ballerinas! What a privilege it is to watch them dance. And you know, I’m very excited to announce that I've secured a spot at the world-renowned Ballet Opera of Paris for this season. Can you imagine? Me, right there in the hallowed halls of Parisian dance! I simply can't wait to experience the ballet like never before! I'm thinking a delicate rose-pink tutu for the occasion... perhaps with a hint of silver lace? Hmm, I do love the silver and pink combo!
Now, back to our history! Remember how the first real tutu appeared in 1839? Yes, that’s the one - short and fluffy, freeing the legs for impressive feats of dance! 1841 marked a new stage of evolution. The Parisian ballet, already the undisputed centre of dance innovation, embraced the short, layered, Romantic tutu as if it were a long-lost love.
Imagine a flurry of tulle! A veritable cloud of tulle. Imagine the Parisian opera house alive with its fluttering edges and airy softness, the dance a celebration of all things light and graceful. This short tutu, this ballet marvel, became the hallmark of the Romantic era in dance. Think Marie Taglioni, that icon of Romantic ballet - graceful and utterly captivating!
You know, in those days, fashion and dance were as entwined as ribbons on a tutu! It was all about elegant lines and flowing fabrics, mirroring the fluidity and delicate artistry of ballet. In this spirit, think delicate silk scarves, crisp linen, elegant shawls, and, of course, the pièce de résistance, the pink tutu! For the time traveler in me, this was a time for a pink paradise! A pink wonderland for the eye, a celebration of the very soul of femininity!
There is a photo, dear readers, that always comes to mind when I think about 1841 and tutus! It's a photograph of Carlotta Grisi, one of the leading ballerinas of the day. She is a vision of beauty, a true epitome of grace! She's dressed in this gorgeous white, cloud-like tutu with pink ribbons woven in the tiers - a tutu so perfectly aligned with the romantic aesthetic of the period! This era was simply about a playful display of fashion and the celebration of the beauty of the body, and the graceful femininity that this sartorial spectacle celebrated!
Now, this week's #TutuTuesday wouldn’t be complete without a touch of Emma-inspiration for you all. It's all about bringing that Parisian elegance into our everyday lives. Picture it: a pale pink, layered tutu, delicate and floaty, worn with a crisp white blouse, perfect for a picnic or an afternoon at the park. Or maybe a delightful tutu skirt in a deeper pink, paired with a simple t-shirt, ready for a whimsical walk to the shops. Don’t be afraid to add a touch of playful tulle to your everyday outfit! It adds an instant touch of grace and whimsy!
You know, dear readers, there’s nothing quite like dancing around in a pink tutu to brighten your day! A little twirl is all it takes! And as always, my lovelies, spread the pink tutu love! Embrace this delightful form of fashion. Remember, every woman, young or old, can rock a pink tutu!
Stay tuned for next week's #TutuTuesday! It promises to be an absolute delight as I venture into the fashion world of the 19th century!
And with that, darling readers, I’ll take my leave for now. Happy twirling and stay sparkling!
Until next Tuesday,
Emma xo
www.pink-tutu.com
