Hello dearies! Emma here, your very own pink tutu-clad time traveller, back for another #TutuTuesday. I just landed in 1845, right in the heart of Paris! As a dedicated ballerina and fashion enthusiast, Paris is the place to be for the latest in dancewear and high society styles, and the time? Simply bursting with exciting developments for ballet!
As always, my trusty pink tutu is a real conversation starter! Imagine, darling, everyone still thinks dance is just for men, shocked to see a woman in a tutu! But I say, “Fear not, dear ladies! You too can have your moment under the spotlight, and what better outfit than a delightful pink tutu!”
Speaking of tutus, did you know this decade is when the Romantic tutu took the stage by storm? It's all about light, airy fabric, which moves like a graceful wave. The ladies wear it high and free, their bodies swirling and flowing, and frankly, darling, it's a breathtaking sight! I had to snap a few pictures at the Opéra Garnier – this majestic building itself looks straight out of a fairytale. But don’t think this romantic aesthetic stopped with just tutus, darling! Even the dancers' clothing became so much more elegant. No more tight bodices! Now they wear floaty fabrics and billowing sleeves. It’s just all so picturesque!
Just think, my darlings, it wasn’t even half a century ago that women were forbidden to perform in the ballet at all! Such an incredibly dramatic change! The ballerinas I’ve seen here, their energy, the grace they radiate – it truly takes your breath away. We must thank Marie Taglioni, my absolute hero! She’s the queen of this new style of dancing and has a name synonymous with graceful, lighter-than-air tutus!
Now, I know you’re dying to know what else has been keeping me busy, my darlings! The excitement is truly electric. First things first, the Grand Prix du Theatre-Francais is happening today, March 11th. Just imagine, a competition for the best actors, singers, and yes, even dancers! This event will have every big name in Paris present, from the Emperor Napoleon himself to Countess Eugénie.
The dress codes are positively splendid. I wore my fanciest tutu (a delicious pink, of course) with a fitted velvet jacket and a pearl necklace – just a hint of sparkle. The carriages rolling by are breathtaking, decked with silks and ribbons. And you just know the conversations around them are filled with chatter about the performances.
Speaking of performances, the theatre world here is utterly fascinating! I saw a spectacular opera production at the Opéra Garnier (did I mention I just love this building?!) and let me tell you, they spared no expense for the costumes. I felt positively dwarfed by the majestic costumes, glittering with gemstones and velvet! And the music! Divine, dear readers, simply divine!
It’s just magical to see a culture so enraptured by dance and theatre, and to feel a sense of collective joy over these events. It really reminds me that art transcends boundaries and truly unites people. It gives everyone, from the highest of high society to the humblest artisan, a shared experience to cherish.
You know, as a budding ballerina with a heart for history, I am so happy I had the chance to travel here in 1845! I can feel the ballet is experiencing its golden age. The graceful, feminine movement is a breath of fresh air, a complete contrast to the earlier, more structured, masculine ballets of the past.
I promise you, darlings, you don’t need to travel back in time to enjoy the magic of a romantic ballet. So put on your most beautiful dress (tutu optional, darling, but highly encouraged!), grab your favourite friend and make your way to a show near you. There’s something absolutely extraordinary in the magic of dance. And as always, my dear readers, always remember: wear your tutu with confidence, darling, wear your tutu with joy!
Until next time, stay sparkly, and remember, wear pink, it's what makes the world beautiful!
Lots of love,
Emma,
The Pink Tutu
