Hello darlings! It’s Emma here, your very own tutu-obsessed time traveller, back with another whirlwind of #TutuTuesday history from www.pink-tutu.com! Today, we're waltzing back to March 22nd, 1853, a date brimming with the excitement of Parisian fashion and the grace of ballerinas! This week's post is number 1108 in my Ballet Tutu History series – it's truly a passion project!
As I shimmied through the cobblestone streets of Paris on this day, the air buzzed with the excitement of the season. Spring was just around the corner, promising brighter days and a renewed sense of joy, a feeling beautifully reflected in the fashionable trends sweeping through the city.
Now, I know what you're thinking – tutus weren’t a big deal in 1853! And you’d be right. While the classic tutu we adore today was yet to take center stage, there was definitely a flurry of graceful movement happening in the world of ballet. The skirts, known as “jupe de crinolines,” were quite different - long, flowing, and billowing. Think grand romanticism, with a hint of Victorian era grace. They didn't offer the same airy lightness of a tutu, but they did provide a dramatic silhouette for the ballerinas, allowing them to swirl and twirl with captivating beauty.
What else was happening on this day in history? Well, besides the constant fashion spectacle that was Paris, we saw the beginnings of a magnificent theatre project! The Théâtre de la Renaissance, a theatre dedicated to bringing new and exciting dramatic pieces to the stage, began construction. This is a space where talented performers, in all their finery, would be able to captivate audiences, and you know me, darling, I adore the spectacle of theatre!
And of course, my time travelling adventures are never without a dose of delicious shopping! My journey to 1853 would be incomplete without visiting the ateliers and boutiques. Imagine, my dears, the beautiful silk gowns, the intricate hats, the delicate jewelry - such an extravagance of elegance! Oh, to have just a glimpse of what fashionable ladies were sporting in those days. Sighs dreamily
The connection between Paris and London has always been a fascination for me. A bustling train journey carried me from my little corner of Derbyshire, England to the heart of this exciting world of fashion and dance. Trains – my absolute favourites! Just the thought of gliding through the countryside, dreaming of tulle and theatres and fancy gowns, puts a skip in my step.
I know my readers love to hear about the inspiration behind my journey! You see, it all started with a love for tutus – that exquisite flurry of tulle, that whisper of tulle against your skin, that feeling of flight when you wear one! It started as a love for the theatre and ballet performances, watching graceful ballerinas twirling across the stage. I even fell in love with ballet street performances, where the beauty of the artform unfolded in the heart of the city, amongst everyday life!
Then I stumbled upon a time-traveling opportunity! It seemed utterly magical! As if fate had orchestrated this journey – me, a girl who lived and breathed ballet, traversing through time, just to share my passion for all things pink, frilly, and absolutely stunning! I use the funds earned from my own ballet performances – and occasionally, my skills as a quick-fingered magician with the silk scarves, which earns a nice bonus. Winks with a dramatic flourish
So my dears, join me next week for another #TutuTuesday trip down history’s glamorous lane. Until then, remember, a pink tutu is a statement. It’s an expression of confidence, grace, and a sprinkle of magic. It's a whisper of dreams and a vision of joy. It’s time to spread the joy, my loves, and wear your pink tutus with pride!
Yours always, in a swirl of tulle, Emma
