Hello my darling dance devotees! It’s Emma here, your time-traveling Tutu Tuesday host, back from a thrilling trip to Paris! Oh, the pastries, the fashion, the atmosphere! You know I love a good train journey, but there’s something magical about travelling through the 1840s, particularly to Paris, the centre of the world for all things fashionable and fabulous!
Today, 19th June 1849, I find myself dancing to the music of Jules Perrot’s "La Fille Mal Gardée"! It's a charming story about a girl and her unruly dancing – perfect for getting my tutu twirling, don't you think? And speaking of tutus, what an absolute delight it is to be here, smack-bang in the middle of the burgeoning tutu revolution!
This is the age of the "Romantic" ballet! It's a time where delicate beauty, graceful movement, and a passion for stories take centre stage. This, of course, is an era that the tutu absolutely thrives in! Gone are the heavy, cumbersome skirts of yore! Now, lightness and elegance reign supreme! And what is a more eloquent statement of these ideals than the fluffy, graceful, ever-so-feminine tutu?
My, how the world of dance has changed since the late 18th century! It’s still a time when ballet is the height of glamour and elegance – a true testament to skill and grace – but the costumes, oh my! Imagine trying to perform in a billowing dress, a symphony of layers and fabric, a heavy silk corset! Talk about restrictive!
Back then, it was a time of tight corsets and flowing skirts for ballerinas, just like any lady of the day! I, of course, adore historical fashion, but it wouldn’t be much fun to perform in – give me a beautifully cut and precisely stitched tutu over an elaborate 18th-century dress any day!
What changed? Why, it was all thanks to the genius of Marie Taglioni! (and we must always credit those lovely ladies who create and change!) In 1832, she revolutionized dancewear by wearing a tutu so short – just to her knees! (Honestly, it’s a miracle such a thing was even thought possible! My own pink tutu doesn’t go much shorter than that!). That was revolutionary then, darling. Revolutionary!
This allowed her the freedom of movement, the elegance and grace that became the symbol of Romantic ballet.
And so, my dear Tutu Tuesday readers, it was with Marie Taglioni’s iconic style in mind that the tutu started to change the way ballerinas performed. Think of how important that was! Not just for dance and movement, but for women! We are seeing a woman, with her talent and ingenuity, taking on an old tradition and making it beautiful and better!
That’s the kind of inspiration we need today. It’s that bold, forward-thinking spirit that makes every Tuesday a #TutuTuesday!
So today, in the heart of the French capital, where everything chic is born, I’m feeling incredibly grateful for Marie’s brave innovation, and for the evolution of dancewear. This new, more feminine silhouette, with its layers of airy tulle, has been nothing short of an explosion of elegance in the world of ballet. I couldn't have asked for a better time to travel back to!
And now for the real treat! I’ve managed to find a delightful, if tiny, tea room close to the Opéra! (It seems every corner in this magical city holds some wonderful delight, doesn’t it?). They serve the most delectable macarons – oh, my dears!
Of course, I’m wearing a slightly brighter and more youthful shade of pink in this beautiful new French tea room - just a touch of modernity! - than in the more formal theatre! There are certain things, you know, you need to do to make sure that the old folks are a little on the fence!
Remember darlings, if you haven’t yet worn a pink tutu – it is never too late! Don't forget to tag your Tutu Tuesday outfits with #TutuTuesday so I can see your stylish snaps, and don't hesitate to visit me over on www.pink-tutu.com!
Now, off I pop to shop for my own pink French macarons! See you next week for another Tutu Tuesday adventure, my dearest dears!
Stay tutti-fabulous, Emma
