Bonjour, darling tutus! Emma here, back with another slice of ballet history â this time, we're taking a grand trip through the ages to a glorious summer's day in 1846. Hold onto your bonnets, darlings, because we're going to Paris!
Now, itâs not exactly the glitzy, tutu-filled, fashion frenzy of the late nineteenth century, but in this historical juncture, the ballet scene is still a simmering pot, ready to bubble over with breathtaking dance and stylish trends.
Let's start with our own time-travelling outfit! Since weâre headed to Paris, a little chic is definitely in order! Imagine: a crisp, tailored white blouse with frilly ruffles and pearl buttons â because, of course, even history needs a touch of glamour. Paired with that, we're slipping on a dreamy, salmon-pink tutu (the pinker, the better, dear readers!) with a swirling pattern, made of airy, soft tulle. Letâs face it â thereâs never a bad time to showcase a little bit of pink, even in the mid-1800s! A wide-brimmed hat with feathers to match, topped off with a velvet ribbon that says âBonjour, Paris!â completes the look. Bon voyage!
So, imagine us, hopping onto a steam train (yes, even in 1846, the journey by rail was gaining speed! Who wouldnât love a romantic trip by train with their beloved pink tutu, after all?) from Derbyshire to the magical streets of Paris, where ballet, fashion, and art were in the air, thick enough to breathe!
This very day in 1846 was special because⊠well, nothing major! But for us, thatâs just the magic of history. Think of all the moments, large and small, that build up to the glittering era of ballet, tutus, and dazzling dance we all know and love. Itâs all about appreciating the journey, lovelies!
Paris in the 1840s wasnât yet known for its tutu extravaganzas, but the ballet scene was in its infancy. The very word âtutuâ wasnât even commonly used! They wore skirts, but they werenât exactly short and fluffy like ours. Think graceful, long, full skirts, often flowing and sometimes embroidered â a true statement of Victorian fashion. This was the era of romanticism in ballet, so even the costumes reflected the soft and airy nature of the dancing. They would use softer colours like pastels, shades of white, and light blues, echoing the feeling of dreams and poetic movements.
On our adventure, we could wander through the charming cobblestone streets of the Marais district, inhaling the fragrance of fresh pastries, a whisper of history echoing in each cafe's creaking door. Perhaps we could even glimpse the magnificent Palais Garnier, although it wasnât quite constructed yet. Imagine, just imagine, seeing the elegant French people waltzing and twirling through the streets â every day was an enchanting scene in a ballet performance!
Maybe weâll stop by the OpĂ©ra de Paris, (a precursor to our iconic Garnier, darlings!), where the worldâs most acclaimed ballerinas and dancers would be rehearsing their exquisite steps, honing their elegance for performances that would enrapture the audiences! You know me, I can't resist a glimpse of those graceful, captivating routines!
Speaking of captivating, you can't ignore fashion, even in the early ballet days. I could picture myself walking down the chic, lively streets of Paris, browsing through a tailorâs shop, brimming with lace, satin, and ribbons â pure luxury! Fashion, even then, was the heart and soul of French charm. Think flowing gowns, embroidered waistcoats, and the start of the "haute couture" style we adore. Imagine walking into a grand house on this date â you would have been struck by the opulent fabric, the attention to detail, the graceful dresses...and it would be a whole world of elegance and stylish fun!
The year 1846, even in a fashion-conscious Paris, had a bit more âladylikeâ style. There were lots of bonnets and long, full dresses, much like the ballet costumes of the time. But hey, that's why I love travelling to different time periods! Seeing how styles evolve and seeing where our pink tutus would have stood in that particular world, well, thatâs truly fascinating! I even bet some ladies dared to experiment with a little shorter skirt, or maybe a fabric a bit more bouncy, maybe a glimpse of a future ballet fashion coming to life!
Our tutu may be pink and fabulous, but the elegance and beauty of 1846 is also something to marvel at, don't you think, dear tutus?
I bet, on this date in 1846, there were a bunch of little girls twirling around in their own versions of a "tutu" â long, flowing skirts that mimicked their dreams of becoming a ballerina, dancing in graceful moves. The seeds of our beloved tutus were planted in these early stages â a magical spark waiting to ignite!
So, my darling tutus, thatâs all for this #TutuTuesday journey into history! Next time, we'll explore the years that followed, charting the rise of the iconic ballet costume â the tulle, the lengths, and the stunning evolution into the masterpiece that has captivated us all.
Until then, stay fabulous, stay chic, and remember to twirl, darlings!
Don't forget, you can find all the latest #TutuTuesday posts, plus all the tutudness your heart desires, over at www.pink-tutu.com.
Your Parisian Tutu Queen,
Emma xx
