Hello dears! It's Emma here, back again for another #TutuTuesday!
Can you believe we're already on post number 1001? It feels like just yesterday I started this little blog, and it's all thanks to you lovely people! Every week, I'm so excited to share the beautiful history of ballet with you and of course, the wonderous, glorious, utterly captivating tutu!
Now, where are my manners? I should introduce myself. I'm Emma, a true daughter of Derbyshire with a passion for pink tutus and everything twirly. I travel the world, exploring the past, but with a twist - I do it all in a fabulous pink tutu! I travel using a most convenient means: the railway. Who doesn't love a grand tour in a carriage?
Today, however, we are not in Victorian London, the capital of fashionable frocks, but rather… drumroll... Paris! Ah, the city of romance, love, and, yes, even ballet. We are here, darling, to celebrate the Grande Exposition! You know, the first official World's Fair, held in 1851.
Why does it matter, you ask? It’s where our fabulous fashion icons of the day displayed their dazzling artistry! You can practically hear the ooh la la! Just imagine, Empress Eugénie, the reigning empress, looking every bit the picture of Parisian chic, and the Duchess of Sutherland, a figure of high fashion in England, strutting around in their grand gowns, all designed and crafted by Charles Frederick Worth himself, a man known as the father of Haute Couture! Can you imagine?! Worth would become an absolute legend! I bet these glamorous ladies wore tulle, ribbons and even, perhaps, the first beginnings of the tutu form - all designed for elegance and graceful movement!
Of course, ballet itself is thriving in Paris in this period. Think Marie Taglioni, a name synonymous with the romantic ballerina. She was known for her ethereal grace, long, flowing lines, and the most wonderful use of that very delicate tulle we call "the tutu" today. She popularised it, made it famous, and truly gave the modern tutu its start! Imagine a world without tutus, can you even imagine it? My goodness!
Just think, right now, at the Opéra Garnier, those Parisian crowds are likely enthralled by dancers showcasing these incredible styles in glorious performances. It's all such a fantastic scene to be a part of, especially if you can wear a pink tutu to see it! You know I would!
Fun fact: the Opéra Garnier is still in existence, it’s a magnificent piece of Parisian architecture - I am totally planning a trip there. Did you know that it's famous for its grand staircase? If the Duchess of Sutherland was in town, you could almost bet she was in attendance, making her way down those beautiful steps - all eyes upon her!
But wait, there's more! I'm just dying to tell you about another delightful trend at this time - “La Danse des Sylphides”!! It is a dance about nature’s beauty, particularly of the wind-blown forms of the woodland creatures - butterflies and fairies - you see! Such lovely graceful movements to go with our grand tutu, isn't it divine? You’ve simply got to visit the beautiful Palais Garnier, the place that played host to it all, when I go to Paris later in the month, I simply must try to recreate it!
Right now, imagine myself, poof, whisked through time on a puff of tulle and I’m in Paris at the Palais Garnier. Ah, imagine those Parisian ladies with their feathered hats and beautiful Parisian ball gowns. So elegant! But we all know who steals the show… the ballerinas! Their delicate silk and lace draped against their figures, the airy light-weightness of the tutu as it flows around them, so dramatic!
And you, dear reader, you too, can live this ballet dream. Even if you're not on a journey to Paris, you can always slip on your favorite pink tutu!
As always, my dearest loves, please do leave a comment and tell me what your favorite pink tutu look is for today’s ballet inspiration! Don’t forget to tell me your #TutuTuesday story in the comments below! And don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for all things pink and tutu-tastic.
Until next Tuesday, remember to twirl, darling, and stay fabulous!
Emma 🩰💖
