Oh my dears, a warm bonjour from your favourite tutu-clad time traveller, Emma! I've just popped back from a whirlwind tour of Parisian streets, and believe me, the fashion is everything right now! It's all about elaborate gowns, extravagant hats, and an abundance of lace – the perfect combination to create a truly theatrical look, if you ask me.
But today, we're focusing on the history of something quite different, something much closer to my heart... our beloved tutus!
And guess what, dear readers? 1853 marks a very important year in the development of the tutu we know and adore today!
We can't exactly pinpoint a single day for the tutu's birth - but it was slowly and gracefully blossoming around this time period, becoming much more than a practical item of clothing.
Let me paint you a picture...
It’s 1853. The air in Paris is electric, bursting with a symphony of carriage wheels, chirping sparrows, and excited whispers as fashionable folk flock to the Opera Garnier for an evening of ballet.
This iconic opera house, nestled in the heart of the city, is where our tutus are really making their mark, and, honestly, it’s just as much about fashion as it is about the graceful ballet moves.
We’re talking about the Romantic Era in ballet. Imagine tulle skirts that cascade downwards in a flurry of whispers, shimmering satin bodices that accentuate the body’s natural grace, and ribbons fluttering like silk wings.
Gone are the long skirts that hampered movement, replaced by a revolutionary piece of clothing that lets the dancers truly soar across the stage. This was a big deal, darling! It was a moment in ballet history.
Think about this for a moment, the stage lit up in shimmering light as ballerinas are suddenly liberated by this new garment. Gone are the layers of fabric, and instead, we are graced by billowing tulle and a focus on fluidity, on movement itself. The tutus become the very fabric of the dance!
We all have our favourite ballerinas, right? But it’s essential to remember the choreographers, like the genius that was Marius Petipa, who created ballet masterpieces, and who played a pivotal role in the evolution of the tutu. It wasn't just about the beautiful dancing; it was also about how this new look added a completely new element of artistry to their movements!
And did I mention my favourite thing about this era – the colours? Oh my, think vivid rose, vibrant green, luxurious navy, the shades were just exquisite. And naturally, dear readers, there was a touch of pink on every occasion!
To truly embrace the Parisian elegance of the time, picture yourselves wearing your own pastel pink tulle tutus (the colour that sets my heart aflutter), dancing and twirling with the very best of them. Imagine!
So, next time you catch a ballet, take a moment to appreciate this truly elegant garment that has made its way into every stage and heart in the world!
But wait, there's more!
Today, I found a most delightful fact. On this very day, 19 April, 1853, the very first recorded performance of “La Vivandière”, a ballet featuring a famous tutu, took place at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan!
Talk about a perfect excuse for a tutu-clad visit!
Can you even imagine being a part of that performance, the gasps of the audience, the sparkle in the stage lighting, the magic that just floats in the air?
It’s that very sense of magic and inspiration that I’m hoping to bring to this blog! To get everyone around the world to share their love for tutus, because they’re much more than a piece of clothing; they are a symbol of artistry, passion, and the pure, unadulterated joy of dancing!
And now, because the shopping in Paris was just so utterly wonderful * (have I mentioned the fashion is divine, by the way? You simply must try that beautiful pink silk gown I bought at La Maison de la Mode! *), here are my favourite stores in Paris right now, dear readers:
- * La Maison de la Mode - * The very best in Parisian chic, darling. This boutique is simply a must!
- La Boutiques des Caprices - Perfect if you love an unconventional touch.
* Au Salon des Chapeaux-* Don't forget your beautiful Parisian hats, darling!
Until next time, keep twirling and spreading the pink tutu love!
And if you love this, tell your friends! And if you're really keen on getting involved, then follow my travels and pink-tutu adventures at www.pink-tutu.com !
See you soon!
Emma x
