Hello my darling dears! Emma here, your very own tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina! And guess what? It's #TutuTuesday, so buckle up, grab your teacups and biscuits (I've got some scrumptious scones from Fortnum & Mason - a little something for you from my last jaunt through Victorian London), because today we're taking a grand tour through history.
Our stop this week: the glorious year of 1846. This was a time when tutus were just starting to make their grand entrance into the ballet world, with their soft, flowing layers that allowed for so much movement and elegance. It's a period steeped in such romanticism and beauty, with elegant swirling skirts that made my heart go pitter patter.
This week I'm taking you to Paris, my dears! It's the heart of fashion, the beating pulse of elegance, and the stage where these iconic tutus first danced their way into our hearts. Imagine waltzing through the streets of Paris in 1846!
On this particular date, October 13th, a dazzling performance was staged at the Opéra de Paris. It was "Giselle" by Adolphe Adam and Jules Perrot - and what a performance! With ballerinas gracing the stage in ethereal, billowing tutus, swirling in every graceful pose, every step telling a story of passion and heartbreak, it was simply enchanting!
Let me tell you, even from my position way up in the dress circle, I could almost feel the excitement electrifying the air! Imagine being a ballerina back then. I can't think of anything more delightful! Just imagine! You'd slip into your custom-made tulle tutu, each layer meticulously crafted, designed to catch the stage lights and dazzle the audience with its ethereal glow. A symphony of colour and light - all tied together by the elegance and grace of your movements.
As you spun and leaped across the stage, the weight of your delicate tulle tutu adding a touch of magical gravity to your every gesture, you'd feel the magic of the dance transporting both you and the audience to a realm where beauty and dreams held sway. The anticipation, the joy, the heartache...it all played out under the gaslit lights and echoed with the whispers of the captivated audience.
Speaking of the theatre, can we take a moment to appreciate the sheer artistry and grandeur of those Victorian theatre stages? Those ornate gilded carvings, the plush red velvet seats...and don't even get me started on the crystal chandeliers! Imagine yourself as a star, with a full, fluffy tutu, performing under these dazzling lights - pure fairytale material!
Now, I wouldn't be doing my job as a Tutu-loving time-traveller if I didn't share a little insight into the fashion scene back in 1846! Imagine yourself waltzing around in Paris! (Remember - if you do time travel, always, always carry a pocket watch. You don't want to end up in the wrong era, trust me.) This was a time when Parisian ladies were embracing a love of all things romantic - big hair, frills, flounces, bonnets adorned with bows, and of course - dresses that whispered of bygone times.
For our fashionable darlings, the latest fashion magazine in Paris in 1846, La Mode Illustrée, would have been the bible of stylish dressing. With fashion plates showcasing all the latest trends - big, voluminous sleeves, corsets that sculpted your waist, and of course, flowing dresses - often featuring ruched skirts. It's an era of pure romance!
As for the tutu? Well, these early designs were far from the billowing, knee-length marvels we see today. These were shorter and lighter - almost like a wispy cloud surrounding a ballerina's slender frame. You'll have to imagine yourself stepping into those shoes - I promise you, it'll be like gliding through the clouds!
As the decades marched on, the tutu went through a delightful evolution. It started gaining those extra layers, that voluminous puffiness - all with the same romantic spirit. And for me, there's nothing more enchanting than a tulle tutu.
My advice for any time-traveling ballerina heading to Paris in 1846: wear a dress - even under your tutu! You're bound to find some exquisite fashions, but don't forget, a tutu adds that special flair. Think lace gloves, a matching bonbon bonnet, and remember - the brighter the pink the better!
While you're in Paris, don't forget to enjoy the enchanting charm of a Parisian cafe - imagine sipping hot chocolate while nibbling on pastries with a side of Madeleines in the dappled sunshine filtering through the cafe windows! (And maybe take a moment to consider the history swirling around you...imagine the countless ladies in billowing tutus waltzing past this cafe door just like you!).
Well, my dears, I must be off. A trip through history beckons me! And while I'm whisked away to a ballet performance under gaslight in Vienna or maybe a tea party with the Queen in Buckingham Palace, remember this: no matter where your heart takes you, always find the joy in movement, the elegance in your spirit, and embrace your inner ballerina. Wear pink. Wear a tutu. Spread the joy. And remember, you're absolutely magical!
Until next time, darling dears,
Emma!
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday tales! We're always dreaming up new ways to celebrate the joy of ballet and embrace that beautiful pink world!
