Bonjour mes chéries! Emma here, back from another thrilling trip through time, all thanks to the magical power of tutus! Today, we’re whisking ourselves back to 13th June 1843 – buckle up, because it's going to be a fashionable journey!
It feels a bit strange to be writing this post in, well, not exactly Victorian England, but something rather closer. I travelled from my lovely little flat in Derbyshire on a steam train - how exciting! It's all quite fascinating to watch technology whiz by. The only problem? Nobody around here seems to know what a tutu is! Honestly, can you believe it? It's a little challenging for a girl who lives and breathes tutus!
But let's focus on the good stuff: fashion! 1843 was a pretty grand era in fashion, ladies. Just think corsets, gowns with massive puffed sleeves, and hats with ostrich plumes! Honestly, it feels like an 18th-century ball gown threw up on the 19th century - but the ladies pulled it off with panache. Think Grace Kelly on a boat ride in the South of France - I wouldn't be surprised if her wardrobe designers found inspiration here!
And what about the men? They were dashing in their top hats, tight trousers, and dapper suits. They were absolutely smitten with their little hats, weren't they? All those lovely silks and brocades must have felt rather luxurious. It's not my usual style, mind you. Give me flowing skirts and whimsical swirls any day, darling!
And of course, the ballet! What else could I talk about today, darling? Ballet, the source of all good fashion! Now, you wouldn't believe it, but the year 1843 marks the very year a brilliant, audacious dancer, Marie Taglioni, set the dance world on fire with her daring debut in the romantic ballet, La Sylphide. Can you believe it? A ballerina in a whimsical white tutu, almost dancing on air - a symbol of the Romantic spirit, lightness and airy grace, defying gravity and tradition! I bet this dance stole hearts and shattered all the rules in a very graceful way, don't you think?
*Hold on a second... did you say that "white tutu" thingy? You can't have a tutu without pink, darling! * Gasps You've just given me an idea, an extraordinary idea... smiles wickedly I'll just need to head to Paris for a bit of shopping spree for that and take the show around the world! This is going to be brilliant! writes down ideas in a little notebook
Oh, what's that? The queen was a passionate dancer herself? Did I mention my love for royalty, my dear? (Well, the lovely kind, not the kind that gives us fashion faux pas like 18th-century gowns! Don't tell me the Queen wore a frilled frock for ballet performances! I'll have to write to her!). A passionate ballerina? Talk about a dream! laughs and snaps her fingers. Now that is something that resonates! She's not just Queen Victoria; she's the "Queen of Dance," wouldn't you say? It's in the blood, you see?
Speaking of queens, remember our "Queen of the Ballet," Madame Thérésa? She was born in London and married to Monsieur Albert, her lovely stage partner - quite the dynamic duo! sips tea It's a magical feeling knowing these dancers were already making history during our visit, right? They were pioneers and a major influence in the way ballet would evolve for future dancers. Oh, I wouldn't want to be a dance critic. If only these beauties knew they would inspire so many later ballet icons, I think they would dance their socks off!
We just witnessed a fascinating glimpse of dance and fashion. Imagine the history that's still unfolding as we move forward in time. But no matter what, I'll always keep coming back here, my lovelies. Just remember: whether you’re twirling in a fancy frock or rocking a vibrant pink tutu, be bold, be daring, be you! The world's a stage, my dears, and every day's a new chance to twirl. Now go forth and dance, and remember to stop by for a visit next #TutuTuesday.
Much love and lots of twirls,
Emma
P.S. And just remember: a little bit of pink in every day can make the world a brighter place! Don't forget, my dears, a life without pink is a life barely lived. So let's keep on spreading the pink joy! smiles sweetly
