Hello my darlings! Welcome to this week’s #TutuTuesday – post number 765 here on www.pink-tutu.com - where we take a twirl through history, exploring the fabulous, fabulous world of tutus!
Today we're off to Paris, darling, where the fashion scene is utterly intoxicating, as it always has been! A few weeks ago I was here wearing a sensational rose pink, silk tulle confection, my new “Prima Donna” tutu, which created quite a stir amongst the Parisian elite. But let's rewind a little to the fashion of a century earlier - August 25th 1846 – because my sweet, sweet dears, this is the date the tutu we know and love officially took its place on the stage, giving the danseuse even greater freedom and grace. And it was here, in glorious Paris, that the tutu first really came into its own!
The Dress Revolution: Up until this time ballerinas, while breathtakingly skilled, were restricted in their movements by bulky, heavily ornamented and often cumbersome attire. The 1840s ushered in a new era of performance - the romantic ballet. More fluidity, graceful movements and dramatic expression, it's all so swoon-worthy, and a new outfit to match was needed!
Imagine if you were stuck in a restrictive corseted frock with stiff, floor-length skirts trying to dance en pointe - the struggle! But then the revolutionary “tutu” with its wispy layers of soft, flowing tulle gave birth to a new era in ballet. Gone were the crinolines and weighty silk of earlier dances – here was a dress that could fly, flutter and twist! The shorter skirts were designed for leg-revealing, acrobatic movements that had never been seen before! The graceful fluidity of ballet took off!
Who was the queen of this tutu trend? Oh, this is such a lovely story, my dears! Marie Taglioni! Her star shone so bright and her skill and athleticism transcended anything anyone had ever seen. This divine beauty was simply divine to watch. And guess what? She was also responsible for creating the first tutu as we know it. She worked with famous fashion designer Paul Saintet on the creation and designed her first “Romantic” tutu for the ballet, “La Sylphide”. Oh my dear, what a showstopping look!
Think frilly, fluffy tulle with tiers of shimmering softness. A dance to delight! *
And, from here, the tulle creation has taken over, and been adored ever since. We know it's what allows the *danseuse the full range of movement - the **fouetté, the arabesque, the pirouette, all of them! This simple and genius invention transformed the world of ballet and, let's be honest, set a new standard in feminine beauty and glamour. Who needs diamonds when you have a dress of sheer tulle to dazzle in?!
Now you know what this day means! It's the birthday of the tutu as we know it - a timeless dance of light and elegance, inspiring not just dancers, but all of us who enjoy the magic of the dance. This is a dance style which needs that feminine, light, fluttery grace of the tutu.
Travel Tips!
For any of my darling followers travelling to Paris to visit the glorious city, make sure to stop by the Palais Garnier - a monument to elegance and the perfect stage for a grand ballet performance. There’s something about seeing a dancer twirling and leaping within the ornate architectural backdrop that gives a delightful jolt to your fashion spirit! The Opera Garnier is an iconic monument of the city. Be sure to pick a ballet to see in the Grand Theatre! You will need time for all the elegant dressing-up - the whole fashion scene is thrilling.
I recommend bringing a lovely new, pink, fluffy tutu for a pre-ballet performance photoshoot. And if you get time on your shopping sprees, then there’s nothing more fun than browsing at a good fabric store, where all the beautiful tulle is housed – the stuff dreams are made of!
Next week on #TutuTuesday, we are back with another ballet, another time and another delicious story of how the ballet, its fashion and the tutu were meant for each other!
Until then, darlings, remember it’s always *Tutu time! *
See you next Tuesday, for #TutuTuesday, my dears!
P.S. Have I got some exciting news! My friend at the station told me that the first steam train has just run from Derbyshire to Manchester today! Now that would be a lovely and elegant way to get around! What do you think, my loves?! Let me know what you think, I want all your thoughts!
