Hello, my darling dance enthusiasts! It's your favourite pink-clad time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back for another whirl through #TutuTuesday! Buckle up, darlings, because today we're stepping back in time to the 16th of November, 1841!
Now, you may think that 1841 seems a bit early for tutus, but trust me, dear readers, these iconic dance costumes were already taking the stage by storm! And where better to explore the tutu's early history than right here in the heart of Paris, where the dance world is absolutely buzzing with excitement. Oh, how I simply adore the romance of Paris and it's utterly delightful ballet world!
Stepping out of my trusty time machine, I'm practically giddy with anticipation to catch a glimpse of ballet in this era. You see, 1841 is just around the corner from the first ever ballet class I ever saw! It's truly incredible how a tiny class can make such a huge impact on the entire world!
Now, let's dive into what's happening on this very date!
The Romantic Era in Full Bloom:
It's 1841, darlings, and we're right smack in the middle of the Romantic era in ballet. You know, that magical time when stories filled with fairies, sylphs, and nymphs graced the stage? This was truly an exciting time for ballet. We saw a shift away from the stiff, rigid movements of the courtly ballet toward a more flowing, expressive style that truly embodied the emotional heart of the story. And guess what else? The costumes evolved too, becoming lighter and more delicate! Can you imagine a ballerina flitting about in a billowing gown that allowed her to express herself so freely? Just utterly exquisite!
A Peek into Fashion:
As for fashion, dear readers, think billowing gowns, shimmering satins, and flowing lace! Princesses, like the utterly charming Queen Victoria, were sporting the gigot sleeve, that puffy, charming detail on their dresses, adding to the airy and dreamy quality of fashion. And did you know, even the men were sporting some seriously flamboyant fashion? The colour and detail was exquisite and they really dressed up with high cravats and puffed out waistcoats. Such a treat for the eye, even for this humble ballerina!
A Fashionable Frenzy:
Of course, what's a trip back in time without a spot of shopping, right? The beautiful rue de la Paix in Paris was alive with the very finest of the fine! Fashion houses like Worth were making their mark, bringing us exquisitely beautiful, utterly intricate and gloriously feminine designs. The streets are buzzing, and ladies are strutting around, their skirts swirling in a dizzying display of fashion. Truly an inspiration for a little pink tutu enthusiast like myself!
What about tutus, then?
Here in Paris, a ballet lover could happily visit the Paris Opera to watch ballerinas grace the stage in what are now being called "tutus", inspired by the classical Greek chiton, this dancewear truly is a vision. Oh, you know, I have a particular fondness for a certain pastel pink one I saw - what a sensation for the senses, and so terribly romantic! You see, while we don't quite see those ultra-short tutus we know and love, today's tutu-inspired costumes have more of a billowing, ethereal effect. And let's face it, ladies, a hint of tulle, or a perfectly placed ribbon, is just heavenly,
I even got the chance to see one of the very earliest ballets featuring the "tutu". Can you imagine? It was utterly magical. The delicate fabric flowed and danced, creating a graceful, dreamy image, as if these ballerinas were ethereal creatures.
I think, even if you have no interest in ballet at all, just the sight of these costumes are worth the price of the ticket, even though it might have to be purchased in francs at that time!
My little piece of fashion heaven:
While I may not have stumbled upon a store selling pink tutus, just you wait, dear readers! This #PinkTutu blog will one day become an empire. I envision shops all over, packed full of pretty tutus for all you beautiful ballet enthusiasts. I just know it.
Until then, remember darlings: *wear your heart on your sleeve, and a little pink tutu on your legs. Life's too short to be anything but fabulous. *
Happy Tuesday, darlings, and see you all next week for another exciting adventure in #TutuTuesday history!
P.S.: Did you know, even though I time travel, the very best way to reach Paris, no matter when you choose to go, is by train! A glass of sparkling water and a cup of Earl Grey, a really nice novel, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the tracks and off we go, straight to a whirlwind of tutus.
