Hello my lovelies!
It's #TutuTuesday and I'm so excited to share with you another trip into ballet's dazzling past, especially because it's been so lovely to travel by train this time! Honestly, trains have become my new favourite mode of transport. It gives you the perfect time to gaze at the countryside and to indulge in a spot of reading and embroidery - with my trusty tutu, of course, as you know.
Today we're heading to Paris, that wonderful city of lights andā¦ yes, of courseā¦ exquisite fashion! Today, August 18th, 1846, was a particularly fabulous day. Imagine this: You're strolling down the cobbled streets of Paris, stopping at charming boutiques filled with the latest fashions. And guess what?! The big thing at the moment is - you've guessed it! - the tutu.
The Tutu Takes Centre Stage
Imagine a ballerina gracefully swirling and leaping on stage, her white tulle tutu floating like a cloud, highlighting every graceful movement. That's what all the fashionable ladies are going for these days! Iām talking about real tutus, my darlings - those wonderful, full-skirted masterpieces of delicate layers, that bring so much beauty and lightness to the stage, making even the most mundane step a magical thing to behold. They truly make every dancer look like a ballerina.
While tutus had been used in dance since the early 19th century, they truly came into their own around this time. It was all thanks to those marvelous dancers like Marie Taglioni and Carlotta Grisi, whose innovative steps and elegant postures showed off the tutu to its full advantage. Itās no wonder that the era is often known as the āGolden Age of Balletā, with everyone wanting a piece of the dancing action.
Where Fashion and Dance Collide
But you know, this wasnāt just about ballet, oh no! The tutu was making its way onto the streets too, a clear testament to its undeniable charm and undeniable fashion potential! These magnificent swirling circles of tulle were taking the world by storm, bringing a touch of romanticism and grace to every occasion. Iāve been looking around in the antique shops of Paris and have found so many fantastic historical items to inspire my new Pink Tutu collections, let me tell you! Thereās definitely a big tutu-inspired dress coming out soon!
Tutus for Every Occasion!
Of course, the Parisian ladies are taking this trend to a whole new level! Theyāre adding layers of tulle over their beautiful gowns, twirling around with a sense of fun and playfulness. Even though we might think of them as purely "ballerina" attire now, it was a versatile piece at the time, worn not only in the grand ballets but also at grand soirĆ©es and balls. Talk about your power dressing!
My Pink Tutu Inspiration
Itās all making me very inspired for my new Pink Tutu creations, my lovelies! Let me tell you, this little time-traveling ballerina loves her fashion! You know how much I love the color pink and these days I am truly spoilt for choice! The fashion choices at this time, oh my! The colors! The fabrics! The cuts! Even though we are on a little historical detour here, thereās inspiration all around me!
Seeing a Show Tonight!
Speaking of which, I am off to see a ballet performance tonight. This weekās production is a classic - āGiselleā! Can you imagine! I absolutely love Giselle, especially the delicate, yet dramatic choreography of the final scene. It's full of powerful emotion and breathtaking technique - it will be a perfect evening of tutus, romance, and enchantment!
Catch Me if You Can
And, darling, I almost forgot to tell you about another exciting discovery. Did you know there was a new form of entertainment being born at the time called āvaudeville"? Now that's something to truly keep your eye out for. Itās like a swirling mix of theatre, music, dance, and acrobatics. All the elements of the time are merging and bursting into something absolutely unique. Thereās such potential to wear a tutu on those stages. Itās the future for fashion and entertainment! And the stage will be a great place for a Pink Tutu show, donāt you think? I have to find a way to get on those vaudeville stages myself, as soon as I can, haha!
A Time Traveling Tutu Tour!
As for myself, it seems time to jump back on the train and explore other cities. I've been getting a lot of lovely letters from my followers suggesting some places to visit - like Moscow and St Petersburg. Those seem to have amazing theaters and amazing, vibrant dances too. What are your suggestions for the future #TutuTuesdayās?
Let's make the world a more pink tutu-ful place, one twirl at a time! #PinkTutu #BalletHistory #TutuTuesday
And that's it for this week, lovelies! Come back next Tuesday for more ballet, fashion, and all things fabulous!
With a flurry of pink tulle,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
