Hello darlings! Emma here, back for another instalment of your favourite #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog! 🩰
This week we’re taking a trip to Paris - oh la la! As you know, I’m a huge fan of ballet and fashion, and Paris in the early 19th century was THE place to be for both! The ballet was in full bloom, and the fashion scene was just bursting with creativity. So buckle up, lovelies, and grab your opera glasses - we’re going on an exciting journey through time!
The Year is 1842: A Peek into Paris
Now, on 22nd March 1842, just imagine the scene. Paris, bustling with life and energy. Charming cobblestone streets, elegant carriages clip-clopping by, and the scent of fresh pastries and perfume filling the air. At the Palais Garnier, the magnificent Opera House, they're preparing for another dazzling performance, and everyone’s buzzing with excitement.
But what were they wearing? What about the tutus? Let's travel back in time to find out!
Tutus Through Time: The Birth of a Ballet Icon
Imagine my delight, dear readers, when I found out about the history of the tutu. Before 1840, ballerinas weren't wearing these wispy, ethereal, oh-so-dreamy creations! Can you believe it? 🤯 Instead, they wore floor-length, restricting, rather unflattering garments called 'la robe de style'. Talk about a ballet dancer’s worst nightmare! These robes hid the graceful lines of the dancers' bodies, restricting their movement. No wonder they couldn't perform leaps and pirouettes like the ballerinas of today!
The tutu's big break came in 1840, courtesy of none other than Marie Taglioni, a ballet legend! You see, she wasn't content with just wearing long, stuffy robes. This passionate and innovative dancer wanted something new, something exciting! She commissioned the renowned Charles Worth, the father of haute couture (we're talking seriously posh dresses here!) to design something revolutionary for her ballet.
Can you imagine the thrill of it all? A dancer so daring to challenge the traditional, a dressmaker with a brilliant vision! This beautiful collaboration brought forth the first, revolutionary short *tutu, * the very one she wore in her famous ballet, "La Sylphide." This momentous ballet took Paris by storm, mesmerising audiences and changing ballet fashion forever!
This daring, airy, whimsical garment showed off the beauty of a dancer’s body - every curve and graceful line - and let their movements flow freely, opening up a world of dance possibilities. It was revolutionary, it was liberating, and it became a global fashion icon!
Tutus and Pink: A Perfect Match
Now, you know how much I love pink, don’t you? And imagine my delight when I discovered that in the 1840s, pink was considered a fashionable and elegant colour in France. It perfectly complemented the delicate, light tulle that the ballerinas were wearing. It created such a visually captivating picture of elegance and romance, which of course makes me oh-so-happy! 💖
I just imagine, as I watch the dancers at a performance in 1842, their movements so graceful and flowing, in their soft pink tutus...it's like they're whispering a story, a beautiful story of freedom and movement, passion and art. It just makes my heart flutter with happiness! 🩰 💕
A Bit About Myself, My Loves, and Travel
Speaking of fluttering hearts, did I mention my tutu passion? I mean, I even time travel for it! I find a sponsor, who pays for my costume and travel costs in exchange for the spectacular dance performance I give. 🤑 After a successful tour in London’s West End, I’ve managed to secure tickets to a dazzling performance at the Palais Garnier. What luck! Not to mention, all this travel will give me a chance to hit the fashion boutiques of Paris! Oh, the possibilities! 🛍
I'm going to explore the beautiful Parisian boutiques for the latest fashions - you just can't beat the stylish elegance of the Parisian designers. Imagine the lace, the silk, the vibrant colours! And, of course, I will be on the hunt for the most divine pink tutu I can find! I can already imagine it... swirling, fluttering, a dream come true!
Now, speaking of travel, nothing is more delightful than travelling by train, wouldn’t you agree? A steaming cup of tea, the gentle rhythmic clinking of wheels on the tracks, and the ever-changing landscape flying past - all adds up to pure magic! 🚂 Besides, nothing beats getting to your destination with time to spare to soak up the local ambiance.
Spread the Pink Tutu Love: Share Your Thoughts
Don’t forget to pop over to our www.pink-tutu.com website and share your thoughts. Is pink still your favourite colour? What do you love most about the tutu? How about the ballet? And let’s not forget the exquisite artistry and romance of the train journey! We love to hear from you, darling! 💌
Now, darling, until next week's post, remember... the world needs more pink tutus! 😉
Stay elegant and happy!
Emma 💕
