Hello, my lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet where we explore the glorious world of the ballet tutu! Today, weāre taking a trip back in time, all the way to the 16th of May 1854.
I just love those historical train journeys, you know? Chugging through the English countryside, a warm breeze through the window, the rhythmic clackety-clack of the train wheels - perfect for daydreaming about tutus! This time, my journey took me toā¦ wait for itā¦ Paris! Ooh la la! Paris is the absolute creme de la creme of ballet fashion, so I couldnāt wait to see what exciting designs were taking the stage in the year 1854.
A Little Bit of Lace and a Whole Lot of Dreams
Imagine, if you will, a theatre bursting with anticipation. The orchestra is tuning their instruments, and the hush of excitement is all around. Then, the stage lights dim, andā¦ oh my! Itās La Fille Mal GardĆ©e! You might be wondering why Iām getting so excited. This ballet, you see, is a very important one when it comes to the history of tutus.
In this performance, the young ballerina, a vision in her delicate lace and white, takes the stage, twirling and dancing in a new kind of tutu: the Romantic tutu. This style was all about flowy and dreamy layers of tulle, cascading in gentle ripples around the dancerās legs. This was a huge departure from the heavier, āPagliacciā or āskirtā tutu, that we see in ballerinas like Marie Taglioniās, in the previous decades.
Itās truly enchanting, seeing these graceful movements against a backdrop of delicate, airy layers. The romantic tutu captured the spirit of its time perfectly, embracing the imagination, the dreams, and the poetic beauty that captivated Europe in the mid-19th century.
A Romantic Dream of Parisian Glamour
Paris, darling, was a true fashion capital in 1854. The city was a vibrant whirlwind of elegance and beauty, and everyone was fascinated with the beauty of the ballet. And who wouldnāt be? These performances were the most elegant events on the Parisian calendar! Imagine ā plush velvet seating, the orchestra filling the air with a symphony of music, the shimmering lights illuminating the stage, and those romantic, dreamy, wispy tutus swirling like clouds on the breeze. It was absolutely spellbinding!
And, of course, a trip to Paris wasnāt complete without a visit to some of its fabulous fashion houses. The stores were overflowing with incredible garments: frocks of silk and satin, bonnets with feather adornments, and delicate, hand-painted parasols. I indulged in a stunning piece of embroidery ā just the thing to add a touch of Parisian charm to my tutu collection!
A Touch of Pink, A Pinch of History
Speaking of tutus, darling, do you know what I was thinking on the train journey? My time-travel budget is still a little tight after my last trip to the Great Exhibition in 1851 ā and let me tell you, the souvenirs at that event were fabulous! The fashion is so innovative ā I'm thinking of channeling Victorian sensibilities in some future tutu designs!
So, in an effort to save some precious pennies for more future fashion trips, I'm going to make my own little version of a Romantic tutu at home! This will involve a few strategically placed pins, some pretty lace trimmings, and of courseā¦ the most perfect shade of pink. I can already imagine it, twirling gracefully on my Derbyshire dance floorā¦
Pink Tutu Diaries: 1168
If you'd like to follow my travels, darling, be sure to check in again next Tuesday. I'll be here every week, bringing you all the latest news and insights into the fascinating world of tutus and all things pink! Don't forget to check out my #TutuTuesday blog post and share your favourite memories about the ballet! And if you want to give the pink tutu lifestyle a try, well, the more the merrier! Just donāt forget, a pink tutu and a bit of imagination can transport you anywhere, any time!
Until then, happy dancing!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
