#TutuTuesday: Ballet Tutu History - 1846-09-08 (Post #767)
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time traveler, Emma, here!
This Tuesday, I've whisked myself back to 1846, Paris – the City of Lights, of fashion, of Ballet! Now, you know I love my tutus, so naturally, my trip this week is all about how these delightful dance-wear wonders evolved through the years. Let's hop in my vintage time-travelling carriage, pull down the window, and dive into ballet history together!
It's the 8th of September, 1846. You're likely finding the Parisian air a touch on the chilly side this morning, but the sun will surely peek through later! I, on the other hand, am wearing the most gloriously pink, flowing tutu, complete with perfectly ruffled edges – the perfect ensemble for strolling the cobblestones and taking in the city's most captivating sights.
First stop? The Opera Garnier, a true Parisian jewel, currently undergoing a magnificent transformation under the skilled eye of Charles Garnier. Even before its completion, the opera is abuzz with a delightful whirl of creativity! I wouldn’t miss the premiere of the exquisite ballet, "Le Corsaire," for all the bonbons in Paris! The Parisian ballerinas look simply stunning, each twirling and leaping with the grace of swans. Speaking of swans, let’s chat about the stars of the ballet, the tutus!
Back in this era, tutus have begun a dramatic evolution from their humble, romantic beginnings. Gone are the billowing layers of romantic tutus that Marie Taglioni first wore in the early 1830s. Today's ballerinas are gracefully flitting in more sculpted, à la grecque style tutus, like delicate Greek sculptures! They’re shorter, more figure-hugging, and allowing the ballerinas to move with even greater freedom and elegance. Can you imagine what our future tutus will look like, darling?
Now, after the breathtaking performance, I'm craving something sugary to match the sweetness of the ballet. Luckily, the Palais-Royal is overflowing with delectable temptations, a symphony of colourful macarons, charming chocolatiers, and of course, a perfectly frothy hot chocolate. It's the perfect time to indulge and gossip about the ballet! My travelling bag is packed with my travel journal, to scribble down the fascinating tales of the ballet's past, and a good dose of lavender water for freshening up. It's quite the effort staying pristine in the city, even in the prettiest pink tutu.
Let's hop back in the carriage now, it's time to find the perfect boutique to browse through for some beautiful silk ribbon. Maybe I’ll pick up a few yards to add some Parisian charm to my latest tutu creation back in Derbyshire.
Remember, darlings, you don't need a time machine to experience the wonder of ballet. Grab a beautiful skirt, a lovely scarf, and imagine yourself as a ballerina on a Parisian stage. Let's bring the magic of ballet to every street corner! Don't forget, every Tuesday is Tutu Tuesday here at www.pink-tutu.com, so keep coming back for more tales from my time travelling tutu journey!
Until next time,
Emma. xx