Bonjour mes chéries! Welcome back to my weekly ballet tutu odyssey. It's a gorgeous Tuesday morning in Paris, and the city is positively buzzing with the excitement of a new day!
It's a special day today, not just because of the gorgeous Parisian sunshine and the beautiful bouquets I've spied in every window, but because I'm taking you back in time to August 2nd, 1853! My pink tutu's tingling with anticipation for this trip – this is the date, my dears, when the first mention of the word 'tutu' appeared in the Parisian theatre programme!
Ooh, it feels so momentous to be here! The streets are bustling with stylish carriages, elegant ladies in beautiful hats, and men sporting perfectly waxed moustaches. It's all so romantic! And oh my, I can already imagine the incredible theatre shows going on tonight! Imagine, dear readers, seeing a grand performance of a ballet with its beautiful ballerinas swirling in their tutus. The dream!
As a fashion-loving, history-obsessed ballerina from Derbyshire, it just fills me with excitement to be right here, in the birthplace of tutus, right before the dawn of a new era of feminine elegance. You can already feel the energy swirling in the air, the promise of beauty and creativity!
So, let's rewind to August 2nd, 1853, shall we?
Paris, the City of Lights, was bursting with creativity and artistry. The world of theatre was alive, buzzing with the spectacle of grand ballets. And while ballerinas danced with grace and passion in elaborate costumes, a new era of “tutu” fashion was starting to take shape.
It's easy to get carried away with the grand theatricality of those times. But just think about it! That one word - tutu - appearing for the very first time, like a sprinkle of fairy dust!
How it entered into the Parisian lexicon is a bit of a mystery, really. I've delved into theatre programs and historical journals to find its earliest appearances. While tutus had existed in earlier forms, they were known by other names, like the "short-waisted" or the "bell-shaped skirt."
Now, some historians believe it came from the French term “tutu”, meaning "petticoat". Others point to the word tout (which means everything), referring to the overall fullness of the costume!
Whatever its origin, the word "tutu" took the Parisian theatre by storm. Its brief yet beautiful design made a grand statement - the freedom of movement, the graceful lines, the ultimate symbol of femininity. It instantly captured the imagination!
I can already imagine how this enchanting, light and airy, dance-ready silhouette mesmerised the audiences of that era. These weren't just costumes, they were pronouncements!
That night, August 2nd, 1853, the stage would have come alive with the most glorious ballerina’s swirling across the stage, clad in these ethereal tutus, capturing the spirit of romance and freedom. Oh to be there in those early days, surrounded by the excitement and joy of the newly minted 'tutu'!
Speaking of tutus, my dearest friends, imagine what a grand sight this week's Parisian fashion shows must be. You see, there’s something rather magical about this whole fashion journey. The designs are so intricate, they use lace and tulle in exquisite ways - imagine the delicate fabrics they're using to craft these wondrous dancewear creations! I can almost imagine those soft swirls of chiffon and silk!
Imagine all the amazing vintage pieces and gowns I might discover amongst those bustling shops! There must be a treasure trove of history, a chance to immerse myself in the beauty and artistry of the 19th-century Parisian fashion world! And perhaps, maybe even, find some stunning tutus, too! Oh! I'm positively giddy! I'll definitely be documenting my adventure with snaps for my instagram - don't miss the @PinkTutuGirl account, my darlings.
You can follow my #TutuTuesday journeys, which follow my journey through the fascinating world of the ballet tutu’s history. Every Tuesday, I delve into a new story, a different date, exploring the evolving styles and innovations of this timeless garment, reminding everyone of the magical and transformative world of tutus.
To all my gorgeous readers, I must whisk myself off to the train station now to journey back to our present day, my darlings. Until next Tuesday, please join me in a toast to tutus, a toast to creativity and a toast to the incredible women who continue to push the boundaries of fashion and inspire a world filled with swirling tulle. Remember, if you feel brave and pink, always feel free to twirl in your own pink tutu - every day is a Tutu Tuesday! Au revoir mes chéries, and be sure to check my website - www.pink-tutu.com for exciting updates and exclusive photos from my trips!
