Hello, darling dears, and welcome to another week of #TutuTuesday here on pink-tutu.com! This week, we’re jetting back to June 21st, 1853, a most exciting date for ballet history! Now, pull up your prettiest pink armchair and pour yourself a cuppa because this one is full of tulle and twirling fun!
The Time Travel Chronicles 🚄
Travelling to the past is no easy feat, let me tell you! It’s a lot of time-bending and train journeys, with the occasional whiff of coal smoke. But it’s always worth it to soak in the glorious history of ballet! This time, I landed myself in the very heart of Parisian theatreland, a swirl of elegance and excitement!
Fashion on Point ✨
Speaking of elegance, can we talk about the costumes of this era? It’s like they were designed by the fairies themselves, full of flowing silks and dramatic bodices! Though let's be honest, there was nothing quite as sparkly as the tulle creations that would grace the stages soon enough. This is back when ballet costumes were long and flowing - think Greek goddess meets ballerina. Lots of silky white, adorned with delicate embroidery and, my absolute favourite - the use of real flowers woven into the fabrics! Imagine how much prettier that would make the costumes, and just a teensy bit fragile… not that I'd ever admit to breaking a precious floral creation during a rehearsal! 😜
A Peek into the Rehearsal Hall 🩰
Just outside the opulent opera houses, a different scene awaited me: the world of ballet class. And wouldn’t you know it, the iconic barre, as much a part of ballet as the tutu itself, was already a fixture! In this time period, a graceful ballerina would have been focused on perfect form and delicate gestures. It was the era of ballet greats like Marie Taglioni, famous for her airy, light movements! In their class, every pose was refined, every step with an effortless beauty that makes my heart soar even today.
Celebrating the Past 💖
But before I delve deeper into those mesmerizing dance moves, I wanted to give a little shoutout to the lovely, delicate creatures we've all come to adore: tutus! The evolution of the tutu wasn't a single, dramatic leap - it was a slow, lovely unfolding. While the modern tutu with its bouncy layers may still be a few decades away, you can already see the foundations laid for those perfect puffs. Think layered tulle skirts - not yet in their fullest form, but adding a new dimension of romantic grace to the classic ballerina look!
What's happening on June 21st, 1853? 🧐
Let's take a moment to peek into the Parisian world of June 21st, 1853, a date that, funnily enough, wasn't filled with glamorous premiere nights! But fear not, for this date is just as important in our own way, marking a little piece of history that, although less dazzling than a diamond tiara, is crucial to the ballet scene! It was on this very date that a rather momentous decree was signed! Emperor Napoleon III declared that French women could now wear bloomers, formerly viewed as an inappropriately masculine attire. Can you imagine that?! This may seem a bit mundane to you and I, dear reader, but this little change opened a huge door for women to move and dance with ease! Freedom of movement, especially on stage, was a big step forward, paving the way for more vibrant, exciting and comfortable balletic looks for years to come!
Tutu Tuesdays for Everyone!
Oh, and before I end this lovely little blog-ramble, don’t forget, darling dears! Every Tuesday is #TutuTuesday! I encourage you to find a reason to celebrate your own little dance. Whether it’s a spin around your kitchen while the kettle boils or a class at your local dance studio, embrace the joy of movement and bring a little tulle to your week! You can follow me on the website www.pink-tutu.com or catch me twirling on Instagram and Facebook!
Until next week, my dears, keep your eyes open for your own fashion and ballet inspiration. Don’t forget - every single one of us deserves to experience the magic of a dance, and with a little tulle and twirling spirit, we can all join the party! ✨
Lots of love,
Emma 💕
