Hello darlings! Emma here, your resident pink tutu-clad time traveller and ballet fanatic!
Today on #TutuTuesday, I’m whisking you back to 1845, a time when the tutu was truly in its prime. We're not talking those stiff, full, meringue-like affairs they would later create. No, no, this is the era of the Romantic tutu, the time of diaphanous silks, soft billowing fabrics and – drumroll please – real tutus, worn with beautiful bodices that actually fitted the form, unlike those monstrous corsets they used to shove dancers into in later years.
Just picture this: a Paris theatre buzzing with excitement as the lights dim for another breathtaking performance. It’s a heady time! People are obsessed with all things Romantic – from paintings to poetry – and ballet is no exception. This era's fascination with ethereal ballerinas in delicate, almost-bare tutus epitomises that perfectly!
Now, where did we leave our time-traveling self this week? Why, it's Tuesday, 25th February 1845, and today the French ballet legend Marie Taglioni is back in Paris! I've managed to snag myself a seat front and centre, you can bet your fluffy petticoat!
I'm particularly eager for today's performance because "La Sylphide," the masterpiece Marie is famous for, was premiered on this very day – in fact, I’m writing this from a Parisian cafe directly opposite the Opéra, brimming with excitement and smelling delightful coffee, croissants and … perfume? Oh, the delicious scents of Paris!
Now, as any ballet enthusiast knows, La Sylphide changed the world of ballet. This production embraced lightness, delicate movement and romanticism - things we still adore today - making Taglioni the ultimate ballet icon, and introducing the famous "on pointe" technique.
Before Taglioni, dancers performed mostly en pointe on leather shoes. The point shoes you know today didn’t exist! They were revolutionary and the beginning of a beautiful, expressive and powerful dance form we enjoy today!
My darling friend and confidant, Sylvie, came to visit this morning, looking ravishing in her pale lilac silk dress. We had tea and pastries, discussing all things fashion - and it goes without saying we’ve been excitedly planning our very extravagant wardrobe selections for tonight's show!
I'm thinking my pink and black striped tutu, the one with the delicate silk streamers – perfect for matching Taglioni’s breathtaking and revolutionary choreography. A splash of color will surely stand out amongst the elegant gowns and dresses – just a little oomph, wouldn’t you agree? And the perfect touch of a sparkling cameo necklace. Oh, darling, I can’t wait to be a part of the glittering Parisian scene!
For the Love of a Tutu:
Before our exciting performance tonight, I just had to slip over to the Garnier Boutique on Rue Saint-Honoré! Isn’t it funny that almost 100 years later, there is still a shop for all things dance? It's like the magic never fades, and neither does my fascination with tulle! I managed to get my hands on a gorgeous ivory tulle - perfectly ethereal, with just the right hint of sheen – so, stay tuned for more #TutuTuesday creations. This is one fabric that truly sparks creativity.
Now, darling readers, have a wonderful #TutuTuesday! Don’t forget to look back at your own love for the art of ballet - the elegance of a graceful ballerina in a flowing, light tutu truly is a sight to behold.
Oh, and a small plea before I leave you – don’t just dream of a world where everyone wears tutus, darling, make it a reality!
Until next week, my darlings,
Emma
**(The pink-tutu wearing time traveller) www.pink-tutu.com
