Greetings, my darlings! It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-wearing time traveller, bringing you another #TutuTuesday installment from the pages of Ballet Tutu History.
Today, I’m whisking us back in time to a delightful date – the 21st of May, 1850.
Just picture it, lovelies: cobblestone streets, gas lamps illuminating the night, and the air thick with the scent of freshly baked bread from the local bakery. Fashion was a whirlwind of crinolines, puffed sleeves, and lace, while men sported top hats and perfectly waxed moustaches. Ah, such a dashing era!
But how does it tie into our beloved tutus, you ask?
Well, back in 1850, the ballet world was slowly evolving, just as our fashion choices have evolved throughout the decades. Think of it like a delicate butterfly, its wings unfurling with each new dance step.
Our ballerinas, with their graceful moves, wore outfits that were quite different from our contemporary tutus. Imagine beautiful billowing gowns made from light fabrics, often with layers of tulle or net, for a touch of airy elegance. These "tutu-like" predecessors to our modern tutu were, in a way, the beginning of our delightful history.
Let’s jump back in time to my current location, the Grand Opera House in Paris! I’m a bit of a train enthusiast and took a rather long journey just to get here. Oh, how I love a good train trip! The plush seats, the rhythmic clickety-clack, and the views that flash by the windows – pure joy!
And why am I in Paris, you ask? Because it’s the hub of all things fashionable! Paris, the centre of culture, art, and fashion. The air here is infused with creativity. The aroma of freshly baked croissants mingles with the whispers of secrets on the Rue de Rivoli. Just delightful!
Here at the opera house, the walls are alive with history, stories whispered from gilded balconies and echoing from velvet seats. Today, I'm feeling inspired, soaking up the Parisian atmosphere and preparing to attend a ballet performance. Oh, it will be so lovely to watch the dancers in their costumes! It's one of the best things about this time period – seeing the art of ballet develop!
As a little sneak peek into what's happening in the world of dance right now, today was the opening night of “Giselle”, the hauntingly beautiful story of a peasant girl deceived by a nobleman, danced to the glorious music of Adolphe Adam. Oh, I am completely besotted with ballet stories, you see. I love the romance, the emotion, and of course, the breathtaking choreography. The magic of dance has the ability to touch hearts, and I know that tonight will be no exception!
You can bet I've been keeping an eye out for lovely outfits, too! I spotted some exquisite dresses on display in shop windows: elegant and charming, but oh, a bit on the serious side. Honestly, these 1850 Parisian women can't be that much fun - it’s all such severe fuss, if you ask me. Don’t get me wrong – the outfits are certainly glamorous – but wouldn't it be so much better with a touch of whimsical flair? That’s where my pink tutus come in.
Speaking of tutus, you know I couldn’t be in Paris and not take a trip to the renowned Parisian fabric shops. Just picture it: silks and satins draped over counters like sparkling waterfalls, velvet cushions piled high with lace trimmings and the scent of fabric dyes and ink floating through the air! It's absolutely enchanting!
Did you know? Back in 1850, ballet was quite the fashionable event. Imagine wearing your finest attire to a beautiful performance with friends and family – a night of elegance and graceful entertainment! Such wonderful times.
My fellow tutu-lovers, how about we have a little fashion adventure together? This #TutuTuesday, imagine your own tutus transformed into the delicate gowns of a ballet dancer from 1850! Embrace the billowing fabric and intricate layers – perhaps with a touch of satin, velvet, or tulle? Then, take a journey through your own world, maybe a park, maybe a local bakery, or even your own kitchen and make believe!
Just picture it, all of you, dressed in your own interpretations of 1850s tutu-inspired dresses! We'll transform every street corner into a ballet stage!
See you next week for another Tutu Tuesday filled with fascinating ballet history!
Don't forget to keep your pink tutu dreams alive and follow my blog at www.pink-tutu.com!
Sending lots of pink love,
Emma 💖
