Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, your time-travelling ballerina extraordinaire, and this week we're taking a trip back to 11th January, 1853!
It's a crisp morning in Paris, my dear readers! My time machine whirred and clicked as I stepped out onto the cobblestones of the Rue de Rivoli. Imagine the wonder! Today, tutus aren't the common sight they are in my own time - oh no, these are early days for our lovely frothy dancewear! But, that doesn't mean there wasn't an air of exciting, delicate beauty about!
Stepping into a cosy café, I order a warm chocolat chaud. The scent of pastries and coffee fills the air - just heavenly! As I take in the Parisian buzz, I ponder the dance scene back in the early 1850s. Back then, a woman would only be found wearing a tutu in a theatrical performance! Not something you would see every day on the streets! Though the women here still wore corseted gowns and lovely flowing skirts, their outfits certainly had an element of elegance and refinement.
Speaking of refinement, a delightful little girl named Fanny has just arrived for a morning lesson with the celebrated ballet mistress, Mademoiselle Taglioni. (Yes, THAT Taglioni - the legendary ballerina!) Imagine - Fanny will learn to pirouette and arabesque in the very same style as the great Mademoiselle! I almost squeal with delight, but, luckily, my etiquette keeps me from doing anything too embarrassing.
After her lesson, Fanny is the picture of grace. Her dress, with its delicate ruffles and gentle ruches, seems to flow around her like a cloud. Even in these early years, the influence of ballet was evident in fashionable circles.
Did you know, my lovely readers, that today is the anniversary of the birth of the esteemed Jules Perrot? You might recognise his name as one of the creators of the beautiful ballet, Giselle. The iconic white tutus we associate with Giselle were still in their infancy, but, even so, imagine the feeling of wonder and delight that the dance performances of that time evoked! Imagine that lightness and grace! I do, I assure you. It gives me shivers of inspiration.
Afternoons are a delight! The Theatre de l’Opéra, oh, the Theatre de l'Opéra! That glorious building is bustling with the anticipation of tonight’s performance! It's an evening filled with dance and music, and the buzz of excitement is palpable.
After settling into the grand theatre, the plush red velvet seats still warm from the last performance, I feel myself getting swept up in the atmosphere. It’s a delightful way to spend a Tuesday afternoon, especially when you have a gorgeous pink tutu to admire on the journey to the Theatre. I have the most wonderful shade of pink in my travel collection of tutus, a light blush-pink that perfectly suits a Parisian afternoon!
Tonight's performance, "La Fille Mal Gardée" ("The Ill-Governed Daughter"), is truly a delight! You should hear the applause at the end.
This is such an important period in ballet history. The artistry and the innovation, it is a wonder to see it take shape. I’m absolutely entranced. The dancers have a delicate lightness and grace that leaves me breathless, even now! It’s an art form still under construction, the lines, the steps, and the choreography. A magical time in history to experience the evolution of ballet, don't you think? We all know tutus take their own unique form and become more recognizable, more defined, over time, but this, right here, is where it all begins!
That's all for this week, darling readers!
I can't wait for next week's #TutuTuesday. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and to visit www.pink-tutu.com each Tuesday. If you’re reading this at any other time, well, you can always jump to the blog - I'm always here. Don’t forget to post your photos of yourself wearing your favourite pink tutu!
Happy Tutu-ing! Until next week!
With Love, Emma xx
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