#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1843-08-22

Hello, darlings! It’s Emma, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, ready to whisk you off on another fabulous journey through time, this week landing in Paris, 1843!

As you know, every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday, and that means diving into the fascinating world of ballet’s iconic garment. Today, however, I’m not going to be focusing on the tutu itself, but rather on the world where it first emerged. It’s almost as if Paris in the 1840s was custom made for a ballerina. Think cobbled streets, charming cafés, and breathtaking architecture - oh, and did I mention the fashion?

Just imagine walking down the Boulevard des Italiens in a cloud of tulle! You'd be a veritable vision in a perfectly sculpted gown with a hint of romanticism that screams “ballet, but make it chic!”

On August 22nd, 1843, The Opera House in Paris would be alive with the elegance and grace of dancers pirouetting across the stage in the newest theatrical fashion – the Romantic tutu. A world away from the elaborate and heavily layered costumes worn by dancers before, it unveiled their legs in a revolutionary way, symbolizing freedom, airiness, and a longing for the beauty of the natural world.

Oh, and speaking of revolutionary, did I mention the Théâtre de l’Opéra itself? This magnificent building, a testament to the French passion for art and beauty, stood tall as the focal point for a burgeoning romanticism sweeping across Europe. From the sculpted marble to the grand chandeliers, the very structure itself was a magnificent stage set for life imitating art!

As for our ballet world, a certain Marie Taglioni, a name synonymous with grace and ethereal beauty, was wowing audiences. Just imagine watching her spin across the stage, clad in a soft tulle skirt, like a delicate butterfly flitting between scenes of mythical forests and nymphs.

But this era was not solely about watching from the audience. You know me, I've got to experience life through a ballerina’s eyes! Now, if I were to visit 1843 Paris, I’d certainly spend some time at the famed Le grand café du Louvre or perhaps **La maison Guerlain, for some shopping of course! Paris is practically overflowing with fabulous options! Imagine me, dressed in a pink tutu and matching parasol, flitting about the elegant stores, picking out ribbons and flowers to adorn a tutu worthy of a ballerina goddess.

For dinner? Definitely at La Mère Germaine for the perfect Parisian ambiance - and of course, to sample their decadent cuisine! Perhaps later, I'd head to the opera, and ooh la la, I wouldn’t miss La Sylphide, Marie Taglioni's iconic ballet. Watching such beautiful performances with a glass of wine (maybe just a touch!) in the elegant Parisian atmosphere… oh la la, what more could a girl ask for!

Before I sign off, remember, every day is a chance to make the world a little bit brighter. So why not try putting on a pink tutu and embracing the spirit of this magical time? Maybe wear a little flower in your hair or take a stroll through the park. Life is too short to be anything but fabulous, my dears.

And that's all from your resident pink-tutu-loving time traveler, Emma.

Catch you all next #TutuTuesday, darlings!