Oh darling! Hello from your favourite pink-tutu-wearing time-travelling ballerina, Emma! I’m so excited to be back with you all this week.
I've just returned from a simply glorious trip back in time! My current favourite era - it's always Paris! This week, we're taking a look back at December 8th 1846. Now, if you're thinking "Oh darling, Paris 1846? You know they'd have tutus but in that awful "Romantic Period" style! - I must interrupt, it's not ALL "fluffy, swishy skirts" just yet, but hold onto your tutu's, darling, because it's about to get truly revolutionary...
Now, where were we? Ah, Paris 1846! It’s so incredibly romantic don’t you think? Everyone in their finest clothes for an elegant evening out - ladies in full evening gowns - a beautiful floral explosion, perfectly draped around their figures! I imagine a flutter of feathers, flowing silks, and all sorts of pretty trinkets. If I could bring you back with me just to have a peak...
For our tutu history today, we're stepping back in time to see just how the "Romantic period" tutus really did shape up into what we see today. We've been chatting a lot about these tutus as they're changing with the times, don’t you know! And they were very pretty! It was the time of Marie Taglioni, you know... The original Romantic ballerina and an incredible performer! The whole of Europe was obsessed!
It seems it was about this time that ballerinas started wearing white. Think of our stunning ballerina icons, like Marie! We see that ethereal style that truly became the standard! There was the romantic style of this period which involved more frills and layers and, let's not forget, it meant lots of fabric ! I do wonder where they would have shopped for fabric, if you know what I mean, just imagine the endless rolls! And you think "OMG so much tulle and satin! The shopping trip of a lifetime!"
It wasn't just about fabric either. The whole design of the tutus was also being changed and that led to much more freedom of movement - I'd love to see the incredible movements dancers were able to execute in those early tutus! It really must have been stunning. Just imagine the skill that it took. If only they had the tutus they make now, those early dancers would have been phenomenal!
Of course, we all know how it went from the Romantic Period tutus into the classic tutus we wear now! You see, darling, even though it's taken many decades the shape and feel of the tutus that we love now all has roots back here in the Romantic period and you really could say it's about to explode! It’s such a revolution and I feel as if it’s so inspiring to see how, as women, we have really influenced the style and art of dance in such a fantastic way! And those early tutu styles – it's all still a massive source of inspiration for us today - just check out our gorgeous dancers' stunning tutus! They look just incredible, don't you think?
Well, that’s it for this week. Darling, thank you for reading today's tutu post! Don't forget to keep looking stylish in your favourite tutu - I'll be here next week for another Tutu Tuesday.
On this date, 1846Well, darling, on this date, December 8th, 1846, there was not any major tutu related news to speak of… but darling, that doesn’t mean we’ve got to be a bit more daring, you know…
What to expect next week - next week, we're heading to London for the very beginning of the London ballet scene. But, as I've said - and trust me darling - there's much to discuss in the coming weeks and you’ll get a little surprise or two... It wouldn’t be #TutuTuesday without a surprise, right! If you fancy joining me, let me know - always time for some Tutu Tuesday travel together! And don’t forget to be shopping in your local boutiques this week for those extra-special tutu materials… The ultimate inspiration will come soon, darling - and that's a promise. And a pink one, too…
