Bonjour mes amis! Emma here, your ever-so-slightly pink-obsessed, tutu-loving time traveler, ready to whisk you away on another captivating journey through ballet history.
This week, we’re waltzing back to the 11th September 1849. Picture it, Paris, the air abuzz with excitement as whispers of the latest fashion trends and theatrical masterpieces spread like wildfire. The city’s elegant boulevards thrum with life, carriages rattling along cobblestone streets, their occupants adorned in the most exquisite gowns and bonnets. A time when every soirée and theatre performance demanded a dash of elegance and a generous dollop of style.
And who could forget the darling little dance of ballet? It's taking the world by storm, especially here in Paris! Oh, the wonder of seeing these ballerinas gracefully float across the stage in their glorious tulle tutus. They practically melt away into the air! Honestly, I'm utterly entranced!
Today’s #TutuTuesday takes us to a performance at the Paris Opera, where the luminous Mademoiselle Fanny Elssler is gracing the stage. I must tell you, she's considered the most daring dancer of her time, and absolutely adored by Parisian society. She brings such vitality to every movement! This delightful woman was one of the first ballerinas to really embrace the airy lightness and graceful movement of the tutu, moving away from the restrictive panniers and corsets worn in earlier ballets.
But, you may ask, what’s special about September 11th, 1849? It's a date where an even greater revelation unfolds!
This year marked the beginning of an enchanting collaboration between the exquisite designer Charles Worth and Mademoiselle Elssler. They join forces to create what’s said to be one of the most incredible costumes the ballet world had ever seen! It was, dare I say, a masterpiece of ingenuity! And who better than Charles Worth to lend his sartorial genius to this exciting endeavour? He was the father of Haute Couture! It’s said that his intricate creations defined high-end fashion and influenced the fashion world forever. He was a truly brilliant man, and Mademoiselle Elssler's beauty and dance were the perfect canvas for his creations!
Imagine a breathtaking tutu, meticulously crafted from gossamer-like tulle and meticulously adorned with an abundance of delicate lace and dazzling, shimmering sequins! Imagine Mademoiselle Elssler as she pirouettes on the stage, this exquisite creation swirling around her like a wisp of a dream! What a truly magnificent sight! I'm sure even a small child would be mesmerized by her beauty and skill.
It's hard not to feel a twinge of longing, you know, to step back in time and witness these mesmerizing performances firsthand. But alas, we're all too far away from 1849! So, how can we recapture a taste of this ballet brilliance? I propose, my dear readers, that we delve deeper into this enchanting era. I've got some delightful inspiration for your own tutus, shall we explore?
We’ll start with the iconic “Romantic tutu,” so characteristic of this era. Made of light tulle and meticulously layered to create a billowing skirt, the Romantic tutu emphasizes airy movements. But let's give this iconic silhouette a modern twist. Think of delicate, sheer tulles in romantic pastels, flowing down to the ankles for an elegant touch. Maybe even add a single row of intricate lace at the hemline.
And of course, our Parisian inspiration calls for a generous sprinkling of lace. The 19th century was all about frills, and we're not about to shy away from embracing those graceful additions! Imagine adding delicate lace accents to the bodice of your tutu for a touch of refined grace. We're talking hand-stitched lace applique to truly capture the essence of that era! Or for something extra extravagant, maybe a bejewelled corsage made of beads and lace for an utterly divine look!
My personal style is always in love with a dash of sparkle. Think sequins! These dazzling additions perfectly complement the light tulle. Try sewing them in a geometric design or sprinkling them like stardust across the skirt.
Oh, my darling friends, if only we could all step onto the grand stage of Paris! Just imagine the crowds cheering wildly as you gracefully take centre stage, draped in a spectacular tulle masterpiece! For now, we'll have to make do with creating our own personal ballets in the comfort of our homes, complete with imaginary applause and elegant bows. But do embrace the elegance and grace of these earlier eras! A few twirls in a playful tutu is a joyful reminder to find magic in everyday life!
Before we close off, it's time to reveal my secret ingredient that's transforming the world one tutu at a time! (Well, not literally the world, just Derbyshire, which I love to explore and am hoping will come to love ballet in time) Every Wednesday evening, I attend ballet class at the Royal Opera House's outreach programme here in Derby. We’re all part of their wonderful outreach project that brings a world of ballet to all ages and backgrounds, no matter how much experience you've had. The children are just a delight, they're full of life and laughter, and absolutely fearless with their moves. Their parents always tell me how much fun they have. It makes my heart sing! I think they just love the magic of moving beautifully, and honestly who can resist that? It's a place where people come together to learn, laugh, and share their passion for the art of dance. It is a delightful scene that brings a sense of togetherness!
My dear friends, I believe it's a call to action. Come with me to a class and see for yourselves. We might not have time-travelling abilities to teleport to 1849, but we can bring a little piece of history back to life right here in Derbyshire, and bring ballet to everyone!
Let’s go, my lovelies, to spread some tutu magic and inspire the world! Let’s get every person wearing pink tutus!
And remember, be your most authentic self, twirl gracefully through life, and never, ever stop dreaming. Stay chic and stay tutuful!
Until next time, your pink-loving time traveller,
Emma xx
