Hello darlings! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, dedicated to all things tutu! It’s #TutuTuesday, and today, we’re taking a trip back in time to 20th February, 1855! Can you imagine what ballet looked like all those years ago? So much has changed!
For this week's journey, I packed my most delicious pink tulle tutu, with matching frilled gloves and my favourite lavender ribbon for my hair, as we're headed to... Paris!
Paris, the city of love, and oh, the fashion! You wouldn't believe how important ballet was to the social calendar in the 1850s. I mean, who doesn't love a good ballet performance? Even if you're not dancing, it's an excuse for a lovely gown, jewels, and an evening out!
Now, imagine you're in Paris on this very date. The year 1855 – such an important time in history, as it was the year the first Exposition Universelle opened!
Just picture it: beautiful Parisian buildings filled with magnificent inventions and the latest innovations! Now imagine that very same spectacle, with stunning dancers swirling and leaping on stage! The Grand Opéra House was THE place to be. Every single person in society flocked to it – a sea of elegant women in extravagant gowns, charming gentlemen in their finest suits, and of course, the ballerinas themselves, gracing the stage with the most glorious ballet.
Speaking of those magnificent ladies, it's amazing to think that in 1855, tutus had only been around for a handful of years! Remember that first, groundbreaking, tutu design by Marie Taglioni back in 1832? It was all about lightness and freedom – just like a feather!
The 1855 tutus weren't exactly short like the tutus you see today. No, no, no, dearie. The skirt was longer and a bit wider. Think more “bell-shaped,” if you will. But the effect was just as enchanting! And, the colour, my dears, you just wouldn't believe it – it wasn't all about the pretty pinks we see nowadays! I was particularly impressed with some shades of white, especially with fluffy layered ruffles. It must have been a dreamy spectacle. And the embellishments! A flutter of sparkling jewels and dazzling embroideries created a stunning optical illusion on the stage.
As you may know, darling, tutus have come a long way since that date. Nowadays, they're almost as light and breezy as a summer’s breeze. And don't forget those magnificent modern-day leotards and those sparkly ballet shoes, made just for our magical dancing steps.
So, imagine my excitement when, during my most recent performance at a little ballet studio in Derbyshire, I stumbled upon a rather curious little treasure. You wouldn't believe this, but it was a small pamphlet - the oldest one I've found! And would you believe it – a detailed sketch of one of the 1855 Parisian ballet shows! Imagine! The costumes are drawn so exquisitely – I’m going to frame it as soon as I return to Derbyshire!
Oh, I could tell you so much more about ballet during that exciting era! I really have to try and plan another trip there and see if I can track down even more fascinating little treasures. Now that the Grand Palais was the exhibition site in 1855 I bet there is a beautiful library inside it – perhaps I’ll be able to squeeze in a ballet-themed afternoon tea at the tea rooms inside there, that’s a new outfit, to say the least!
For now though, I have to dash! You know how much I love to try out new shopping spots after a truly delightful ballet performance – oh my goodness, how I love exploring those new boutiques near the theater! If anyone wants to take my advice, Paris is the place to be for ballet. Oh, and I shall be doing a new post in the next couple of days about all of those new fabrics, embellishments and designs I picked up in the city - I can't wait! I think I have some wonderful ideas for my next little performance back in my hometown…
So, my lovelies, keep twirling and spreading that #TutuLove!
See you next Tuesday!
Yours always in tulle,
Emma
