Hello my darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, time-travelling blogger, back again with another #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History post! Buckle up buttercups, because today we’re heading to the heart of Parisian elegance and venturing back to 1856, where fashion was a symphony of swirls, and the dance was just as captivating.
(This is post number 1284 for my Ballet Tutu History blog, which you can find on my fabulous website www.pink-tutu.com! I update it every Tuesday with a fresh dose of tutu history – because, who doesn’t love a bit of vintage style?)
Oh, my dears, it’s a delightful trip back in time! The trains of this era, especially the ones running from my beautiful Derbyshire to Paris, are a sight to behold, decked out in lavish velvet, their seats plusher than the cushions at a high society tea party! You can almost smell the elegant scent of perfumed ladies and feel the excitement buzzing as you step off the carriage, ready to lose yourself in the whirlwind of Parisian fashion.
Speaking of whirlwinds, the world of ballet in 1856 is just that! The Paris Opera, oh la la! I saw a production of "La Fille Mal Gardée," and it was such a delightful, light-hearted ballet! Can you believe that in this era, ballerinas still weren't twirling in those full-bodied tutus you adore so much? No, my darlings, we're talking shorter, almost knee-length tutus. It's a different world, that's for sure!
Speaking of fashions, August 5th – the date we're exploring today – marks the arrival of a fascinating garment for Parisian women, something called "la crinoline" – a massive, wire-framed skirt. These beautiful structures, quite like giant petticoats, give skirts such a glorious full-bodied, billowing shape! It's like a visual interpretation of a ballerina's skirt, except with extra layers of elegance and whimsy! This era, with all its layers of romanticism, is starting to give the tutu world a real run for its money, even though it was still pretty much absent in the theatre then. But darling, wouldn't a billowing, full crinoline paired with a lovely pink tutu just make a divine combination? It's the perfect vision of whimsical elegance, don’t you think?
Here's a secret that may shock you. Back in 1856, you wouldn’t find many ballerinas strutting around Paris with a pink tutu. This vibrant colour, oh darling, was just gaining its popularity! Think of it: our vibrant, joyful, utterly irresistible pink – was a relatively new choice for the fashion scene. Imagine all the fantastic shade possibilities with these voluminous crinoline skirts – so many amazing color combinations. And how amazing to see them matched with ballerina tutus – so exciting! (Honestly, imagine those lovely skirts made in silk with tulle tutus and delicate velvet sashes for a splash of colour, just darling.)
Speaking of darling, don’t think that Paris in the mid-19th century wasn’t filled with fashion trends and an insatiable need to stay up-to-date with the latest style trends. A girl after my own heart! Imagine the tea rooms of Parisian society buzzing with the latest news on hats and dresses – there was truly something magical about this fashion-conscious era!
There’s a charming theatre by the name of "Bouffes Parisiens." It was a haven for music halls and shows, showcasing all sorts of entertainment. Now imagine a dance performance in a light-hearted, frothy atmosphere, where these ladies, sporting their glorious crinoline skirts, take the stage and sway with a graceful elegance. I bet it's a picture of elegance that truly captivates, a scene just waiting to be brought to life, where delicate pink and romantic lace will be the key colours for my ballet tutu version of 1856 fashion.
I'm all about inspiring people to discover their inner ballet queen! Whether they are whisking down the street, pirouetting into their offices, or simply adding a touch of whimsy to a formal occasion, I've no doubt that wearing a pink tutu would truly light up their lives! Just like me, they will be transported back to these glorious periods, embracing a sense of fun, excitement, and the pure beauty of being a dancer, and I, of course, am always at hand to assist!
But before I hop back into the time machine for the next installment of this thrilling journey through fashion history, let's take a moment to soak up this remarkable era. Remember those billowing crinoline skirts? They are such a visual expression of romance and femininity! We can all learn from this style icon – whether it’s adding layers, indulging in luxurious fabrics or incorporating graceful elements, a bit of 1856 Parisian spirit always brings an irresistible touch of beauty and glamour.
I hope you're feeling inspired and, of course, brimming with enthusiasm to add a touch of that wonderful 1856 French fashion to your own life, using colours that shimmer and styles that delight. It's a reminder that fashion isn’t just about what's on trend – it's about finding what makes you feel fantastic and using it to embrace the wonderful world of beauty and expression! Now, who’s up for adding some gorgeous shades of pink to their life and a touch of twirling grace?
*(And don't forget to head over to www.pink-tutu.com! It's the home of all things pink and fabulous! I’ll be sharing more time travel stories, fun ideas for styling your own tutus and heaps more inspiration, until next week, keep twirling!) *
#TutuTuesday #BalletHistory #PinkTutu #ParisianStyle #1856 #Fashion #TimeTravel
