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#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1850-08-27

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History: 974 - A Parisian Soirée and the Rise of the Romantic Tutu! 🩰

Hello darlings, and welcome back to my little corner of the internet where all things tutu reign supreme! It's #TutuTuesday, and this week, I've got a particularly exciting date for you – 27th August, 1850!

As a fellow lover of all things dance, you probably already know that this period was a golden age for the ballet, and trust me, my fellow tutu enthusiast, this is before we even talk about tutus! But oh, dear me the fashion, the dancing, the sheer drama – let me tell you, my dear friends, it's a whole other world, and fabulous is simply not the word for it!

Let's take a trip back in time! I must say I had a truly glorious journey this week - that elegant Paris train ride – pure enchantment, my loves, pure enchantment! I popped into the Opéra Garnier - a marvel of architectural beauty! Just picture it - the opulence, the shimmering chandeliers, the plush velvet seats! And the dancing… ah, the dancing! I was absolutely smitten. This year they're staging Giselle which you simply must see! I do love a good story in my ballet. It was created in 1841 - such beautiful movement - such passion! This was truly romantic ballet at its peak.

Today we have much to celebrate! Why, do you ask? The tutu! In its infancy of course, and more for practicality, not necessarily for fashion! But it has finally shed its bulky layers and found its own delicate form. A ballerina was even quoted as saying "It feels like I could actually dance!" And the movement! Oh, how free they were! It’s such a delight to witness them moving with grace, lightness, and joy. It truly epitomises what a dancer’s artistry can accomplish!

Remember those heavy, cumbersome skirts that used to confine our foremothers on stage? Well, those are gone. Thank heavens! Imagine having to leap across a stage with ten layers of stiff fabric – the logistics! Let me tell you, even for someone like me, the thought fills me with a mild sense of horror. 😉

Today's tutu, though far from the grand pink concoctions I so adore, is a triumph! The design, with its layers of tulle that flow and sway, provides this perfect blend of graceful beauty and movement – a dancer’s dream! This romantic, whimsical, airy style that emphasizes the ballerina’s body while allowing freedom of movement. What’s not to love!

Now I adore shopping in this era - the style and elegance! It’s almost too much. So much for the more structured looks of earlier times. They have embraced soft curves and fluidity. Just imagine, silks, satin, chiffon, velvet, tulle – my loves, the possibilities are endless! My friend told me they've started calling it ‘The Romantic Era’so charming, don't you think?! And yes, the Romantic Era is all about this new found passion for grace and elegance. The era embodies beauty in the simplicity of expression! It's a sheer delight!

Today we are going for a celebratory coffee and cake – the delights of Paris are so delightful! I’m wearing my pale pink, hand beaded and pearl embellished silk, long sleeved blouse - perfect with this rather cool autumn breeze and I can’t wait to see what treasures are to be found on my Parisian tour today - this time with an extra special treat: the Musée Carnavalet. If I were to ever open a little boutique in the future, the decor and oh dear, me the furniture would be straight from the 18th Century! But more about that next week.

And dear reader, that concludes today’s lesson in ballet history. I simply can’t wait to see you next week! Until then, my lovely dears, continue to twirl, jump, and live life with joy. And maybe even dust off that pink tutu! ✨

P.S: Don’t forget to leave me a comment below – I’d love to know your favourite tutu era! 💕

Stay gorgeous and oh, so fabulously pink,
Emma 💖

#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1850-08-27