Hello, my darlings!
It's your favourite tutu-loving Emma here, back with another thrilling installment of #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History! This week, I'm hopping back in my time machine and taking you to the dazzling, dramatic world of ballet in the year 1853! Can you imagine the magic?!
Now, I have to tell you, this was a really exciting era for tutus. We're talking lace, we're talking fluff, we're talking romanticism and grace in every pirouette! But you see, my darlings, tutus weren't always the flowing, whimsical things we know and adore today. They've gone through a whole metamorphosis!
As you all know, tutus weren't always about showing off your lovely legs (which we know is best done with a big, full, gorgeous tulle skirt). Early ballet tutus were basically long, calf-length skirts! Can you even imagine, all that fabric and not twirling?!
But as the 19th century blossomed (and fashion moved from those drab, dark ages) so did our dear tutu. We entered the Romantic era, with delicate flowers, billowing fabric, and lots of pretty pink! Imagine our joy when that tight, heavy, itchy* ballet costume turned into the delicate, airy piece we know today. Talk about liberation for ballerinas!
So, where am I in 1853? Well, the hub of it all, my lovelies, is right here in Paris. Paris has been the Mecca for ballet for years, even today, and it's simply divine to step out of the time machine onto the cobblestones of this glorious city.
What a joy! The shops! The boutiques brimming with fabrics and colours and exquisite millinery. Everything I could possibly desire. Oh, the joy of the fabrics! There's silks so smooth you could almost cry, the delicate whisper of lace, and let's not even begin on the magnificent array of ribbon. Oh, Paris, you've stolen my heart, again!
Today is June 14th, 1853, and Paris is alive with theatrical excitement. Tonight, The Opéra will present La Esmeralda, * a show based on Victor Hugo's magnificent novel Notre-Dame de Paris! A dance drama set against the grandeur of Gothic Paris, with passion, beauty, and *a dash of danger. A story that is truly enchanting, wouldn't you say? I’ve already secured a seat in the balcony for the grandest performance. Oh, to see the dancers twirling in the graceful tutus designed by Marie Taglioni, a legendary ballerina who is single-handedly responsible for making this lovely fashion trend what it is today.
Of course, no trip to Paris in 1853 is complete without visiting the legendary Monsieur Charles Worth's atelier. Imagine, The father of Haute Couture! And I've heard tell he designs his gowns around the idea of tutus!. What could be more delightful than a ball gown inspired by the flowing and airy movements of a ballet dancer? Why, it's a vision!
Oh, darlings, this trip back in time is pure delight. It's time for some serious window shopping, a bit of tea, and maybe a delectable macaroon or two. If I'm lucky, I might even catch a glimpse of Carlotta Grisi, another iconic ballerina, at The Palais Garnier, or a fashion show of gowns inspired by ballerinas. You never know what wonders you will find in Paris, my darlings!
And as always, I must encourage you to don your tutus, my dears, because every day is a chance to feel graceful, twirling joy! Embrace the colours, embrace the flair, and embrace the magic!
Love, your Tutu-Loving Emma!
P.S. What are you waiting for? Join me in this glorious ballet journey by subscribing to www.pink-tutu.com! And don't forget to tag your tutus with #TutuTuesday for a chance to be featured on my social media! 💖 Let's make the world a more tutu-ful place, together!
