Hello, my lovelies! It's your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller, Emma, back again for another exciting journey through ballet history. This week, we're stepping into the time machine and travelling to 26th February 1850. Imagine, ladies, no Instagram to scroll through, no Spotify playlists, just the magic of live music and the elegant grace of ballerinas in their glorious tutus!
Oh, you know I can't resist a good story! You see, my lovelies, the year 1850 is a pivotal year in the evolution of the tutu as we know it. Now, the tutu is one of the most instantly recognisable items in ballet history, isn't it? The romantic swirls, the light-as-air material, the absolute delight it gives me whenever I see one – how can you resist its magic?
This week, my adventures have led me to the bustling heart of Paris. It's the fashion capital, don't you know, the hub of style and glamour. Today, the Palais Garnier, the stunning opera house with its intricate architecture and ornate decorations, is opening its doors for yet another night of exquisite performances. Oh, my darling friends, imagine, I get to witness it firsthand! And who needs a glass of champagne, right? Just watching the dancers and their mesmerising movements is intoxicating enough for this little pink tutu aficionado!
The ballerinas in Paris, at least this day, have some slightly different, what they call "romantic", versions of the tutu than we know. Think about these airy wisps of a tutu - longer than what you might find in a more modern ballet - designed to float and move beautifully as they dance. Imagine them whirling, leaping and twirling in these delicate, flowing skirts – sheer, light, and perfect for showcasing the grace of each move. This romantic ballet period truly celebrated the delicate, feminine form, which makes sense to me, as it’s so similar to my love for the beautiful simplicity and elegance of the ballerina form. And don't even get me started on those glorious costumes!
There is another special treat I want to share. As a girl who lives and breathes fashion (as much as she breathes ballet, of course!), I’m especially enthralled by the trendsetters of the time! Think Marie Taglioni, the epitome of romantic ballet, with her signature, airy and diaphanous tutus – pure feminine elegance, darling. Another name to remember, the famous ballet star, Fanny Elssler, was the embodiment of vivacious spirit in those same gorgeous, graceful costumes. I would be thrilled to travel back to see these ladies on the stage!
These dancers, their moves, their graceful performances are making my tutu heart thrum! Their delicate movements are made all the more alluring by their elegant and romantic costumes – and yes, a well-placed feathered boa can make any tutu, and ballet dancer, even more captivating, my darlings!
Even though 1850 is almost 170 years away from now, you can still find inspiration from this golden age of ballet in the modern day. Oh, just look at any of the costumes in the beautiful and captivating classics of The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake - just look at those amazing costumes and you can just imagine yourself swirling through time.
I could, and probably will, go on and on about these delightful tutus, my lovelies. As for now, I think I'll pop down to my favourite vintage shop for a bit of inspiration. After all, every tutu lover needs a little indulgence, don't they? 😉 Do have a splendid week, and don't forget, darling friends, a tutu a day keeps the grumpy blues away. 💖 Until next Tuesday, I'm off to hunt down some exquisite feathered headbands to accompany my newest purchase, a very special pale pink tutu I have my eye on at the vintage boutique. I can't wait to show you! #pinktutu #balletlove #vintagefinds
Until next week my darling tutudressed friends. Keep your tutus twirling!
