Hello my lovely Tutu Tribe!
It's Tuesday, and that means it's time for another trip through the wonderful, whimsical world of Ballet Tutu History!
Today I'm jetting off on a grand voyage by steam train (imagine, powered by coal and steam, what a marvel!) to Paris, the City of Love and the capital of fashion, where the tulle has never been so tantalising! I must tell you about a beautiful production of Giselle that premiered on the 7th of March in 1843. And let me tell you, this is no ordinary ballet, darling!
This exquisite dance masterpiece transports audiences to a romantic realm where woodland sprites flutter, jealous rivals scheme, and love blossoms amongst the whisperings of the trees. Giselle, our darling heroine, is a peasant girl with a heart of pure gold (just like yours!). Her love for the mysterious huntsman, Albrecht, leads her on a rollercoaster of emotions and ultimately to a tragic fate, becoming one of those wistful, delicate, haunting Will-o'-the-Wisps (yes, you heard that right, darling!).
It's no surprise then, that the tutus in this ballet are an absolute dream! Just picture a frothy cloud of pink tulle floating gently around the dancer, swirling as they leap through the air, light and ethereal as a butterfly in the wind! The entire ballet oozes elegance, tenderness, and romanticism, perfectly capturing the mood of the 1840s. Oh, how I adore tutus!
The Giselle I witnessed was quite something! You should have seen the choreography, all graceful gestures and flowing movement, perfectly illustrating Giselle's inner turmoil and eventual surrender to the forest's embrace. The sheer emotion woven into each graceful turn and delicate pointe work was simply astounding. It was enough to leave even a seasoned Tutu Tribe member like myself quite overcome with wonder and perhaps even a teensy tiny bit misty-eyed.
Now, of course, fashion plays a key part in any theatrical production, particularly a ballet. 1843 saw Parisian fashion in its full bloom of romanticism! It's quite remarkable, my dears, how a period can influence even something as ethereal as dance attire. Tutus back then were more voluminous, emphasizing an innocent and delicate femininity. I imagine my beloved Queen Victoria in a magnificent gown that is more than a little inspired by Giselle herself, a cloud of pale silk or tulle shimmering under the chandeliers at Buckingham Palace! I even saw a woman dressed in what appeared to be an enormous white feather hat, which is oh-so-grand and dramatic! It gave the Parisian ladies quite an air of majesty, don't you think? Imagine how well those enormous hats would go with my gorgeous collection of tutus!
Paris, oh darling, you know how much I adore your artistic sensibilities and your magnificent fashions! As a Derbyshire girl born and bred, a country gal who finds the vibrant city bustle a thrill and an adventure, a trip here always fills me with delight! In my humble opinion, Paris remains the world capital for the Tutu Tribe!
As I journeyed around this delightful city on a magnificent steam-powered train (a marvel of modern invention, my dear!), I couldn't resist stopping to admire the shop windows along the Rue de la Paix, oh! The Parisian shops are a treasure trove of fabrics, frills, and fashions! Every little frill and trim, every silken frock, every feather boa and beaded trinket simply calls to me, just begging me to come closer! Isn't it marvellous, how these fashion pieces, from beautiful gowns and frilly blouses to extravagant headwear and even shoes, can add so much more beauty and delight to an already fabulous ensemble, like our cherished tutus?
Speaking of tutus, I have just the perfect garment in mind. Imagine a ballet dress made entirely from the softest tulle imaginable, delicate as the whisper of wind. A layer of pink tulle would form the main skirt, creating a cascading waterfall of sheer loveliness, while another layer, perhaps in a pale ivory, might shimmer just below the pink. The top, darling, I'm thinking a beautifully embroidered bodice in a deeper pink, accentuating the wearer's curves and finishing with tiny pearl buttons, of course, a delicate finishing touch for any exquisite ballerina's attire! Now, isn't that an exquisite vision?
Oh, but what are we without a little sparkle? Tiny pink rhinestones on the bodice, glistening like starlight on the ballet stage. Imagine! I'm feeling all tingly just thinking about the perfect tutu, floating gently around a ballerina as she twirls with such grace. Don't you just love how even something as delicate as a ballet tutu can inspire so much, can you imagine how it could feel to create something this beautiful, so enchanting?
Back at my Parisian lodgings, nestled within a charming little townhouse on a cobbled side street (where I've been sipping on my tea and indulging in delicate macarons! - so delightful!) I just have to add: a bit of magic doesn't hurt, right? I mean, after all, a touch of enchantment, a sprinkle of fairytale dust is a perfect way to round off any stylish ballerina ensemble, and, you know me, it all has to have a little sprinkle of pink! So, dear readers, whether you're in the midst of a grand ballet performance or simply enjoying your favourite frothy beverage at your kitchen table (after all, tea with the pink tulle ballerina makes even the simplest of Tuesdays feel a bit more like a special occasion!), may your Tuesday be filled with delightful encounters, shimmering tulle, and, of course, plenty of pink!
Happy Tuesday!
Yours in pink tulle,
Emma
