Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving time-travelling ballerina, Emma, back again with another whirlwind journey through the glorious history of ballet's most iconic garment - the tutu! And guess what? This week's adventure takes us all the way back to February 25th, 1851! Just imagine, the crinoline was in full swing, the Queen was ruling, and I, your very own time-hopping tutu queen, am right in the middle of it all!
This post marks a momentous occasion! We’re celebrating a thousand #TutuTuesday posts! To celebrate this huge milestone, I’ve whisked us all to one of the most captivating fashion-forward capitals in the world, Paris, where ballet and couture dance hand-in-hand.
Now, if you're thinking about stiff, structured, classical tutus, hold your horses, lovelies! Back in 1851, the tutus weren't exactly what we see today. Imagine something more like a soft, romantic, frou-frou skirt with a hint of whimsy, perfect for dancing the graceful and airy steps that were popular at the time. They weren't meant to be restrictive. Instead, they were designed to make the dancer's movements look as effortless and light as a feather. And don't forget, pink, my darling colour, was just as popular back then as it is now!
But where to even begin in this amazing city of art, fashion, and dancing? Well, the 1851 date, my darlings, was one for the ages, because it happened to be the same day as the premiere of the first production of 'Giselle' by the celebrated French ballerina, Marie Taglioni!
Just picture it: the dazzling lights, the plush velvet seats of the Théâtre de l'Opéra, the hush before the curtain rises. It must have been a dream to watch Taglioni, known for her incredible lightness and elegance, dancing in her billowing white tulle tutu. Every movement, a sigh of perfection, a testament to the delicate and enchanting spirit of the dance.
The tutu has been on an incredible journey since that magical night in 1851. Think about it – what other piece of clothing holds such history, such artistry, such timeless beauty? Imagine the tales those twirling layers of tulle could tell - of ballerinas gliding through history, defying gravity, painting the air with their grace.
You know, one of my favourite things about this incredible journey through ballet history is learning how the tutu evolved along with the dance itself. It’s not just a pretty skirt. It’s a reflection of the dancer’s style and artistry, a beautiful and flexible garment, forever shifting and changing to express the different emotions of each dance.
So, where are you taking your tutus today? To a ballet class? A whimsical tea party with your girlfriends? Maybe even to a delightful trip down to the seaside for a romantic stroll?
Don't be shy, darlings! Show off those beautiful tutus. You're all beautiful, inside and out, and there’s no better way to celebrate our #TutuTuesday tradition than by sharing your gorgeous pink tutus with the world!
Now, let’s talk a little bit about me and how I'm financing all of this magnificent time travelling, which as you know is essential for these #TutuTuesday posts!
I have to be very careful and avoid making changes to history, so of course, I don’t wear my pink tutu everywhere I go in the past! I am a very careful and considerate time traveler. To afford this amazing lifestyle, I put on my sparkly shoes, dance the night away and, as my alter ego, the amazing dancing talent Elisabetta Bellini, perform in theaters across the globe, earning enough to fund my amazing time travels.
And my next performance is… a little something special!
My alter ego, Elisabetta, will be appearing in a very special performance of 'Giselle' at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow next week! I can't wait! After that, it's off to a little dance recital at the Royal Opera House in London. I'm hoping to find some spectacular new tutus for my wardrobe at one of the fantastic Parisian fashion houses. They’re simply divine!
I love visiting the elegant boutiques in London’s Covent Garden, especially *Liberty's, *the emporium of silk, linen, and beautiful fabrics - heaven for a tutu loving ballerina like me. I can’t help but bring back souvenirs of tutus and trims! You never know what treasures you'll discover.
But let’s not forget, dear friends, tutus aren’t only about elegance and refinement. They’re about the pure joy of dancing and expressing yourself freely. Let’s make our world a more beautiful, twirling, and joyful place by embracing the sheer magic of the tutu! And, of course, pink is always the best colour!
Remember to share your pictures of yourself in your most stunning tutus with me on Instagram and Twitter using #TutuTuesday! I'll be right back here next week with another dazzling journey through the beautiful, colorful, and captivating history of the tutu!
Until next week, darlings!
XOXO
Emma
