Hello my darling darlings! It's Emma here, your resident Tutu Time Traveller, and welcome back to another #TutuTuesday adventure on the magnificent pink-tutu.com. Today we're dipping our toes into the wonderful world of ballet history, taking a trip back to 1856 – a time when tutus were starting to make their mark on the world of dance. I'm so excited to share this particular date with you all, it’s truly fascinating!
Right now, I’m sat in a plush theatre box in Paris, overlooking the magnificent Palais Garnier, which will be completed in a mere decade. I tell you what, my dears, the French definitely know how to do a lavish opera house! Oh, but the architecture is exquisite. Can you imagine all the glittering, exciting premieres, the stunning ballet performances held right here on this very stage? (The ballet! Oh, I must stay for the show, I simply cannot resist! More about that later!).
I love exploring the fashion of a bygone era, and tutus certainly are having their moment in the spotlight. My little heart feels full to the brim, just looking at the designs from the time. While today we may associate tutus with ballerina lightness, back then they were still evolving and taking inspiration from fashion of the day. Think delicate fabrics, lavish embellishments – and most definitely an emphasis on form-fitting silhouettes. They weren't just about pirouettes, these early tutus were all about expressing elegance and poise – so very glamorous, just like us!
Now, imagine you're a young lady back in 1856, just starting ballet lessons. Can you envision that glorious first glimpse of a tutu? The delicate fabric, the perfectly pleated layers? A whole world of imagination opens up when you wear one, don’t you think?
That's what makes ballet tutus so special. They allow us to dream, to escape into the realms of elegance and grace. And it's all because of the imaginative minds and tireless efforts of some of the most talented costume designers of the time.
Speaking of talented designers, imagine my delight when I saw the magnificent opera costumes on display today in this very city! From luxurious brocades to dazzling embroideries, Paris in the 19th century was certainly a haven for the fashion conscious! Oh, it's enough to make you want to get out those sewing needles and start a whole collection, I tell you!
Today is also special for the city itself! October 28, 1856, was the birthdate of the illustrious Maurice Ravel, the famous French composer, who, in his time, will write some of the most remarkable music for the stage. Who knows, maybe a few of our current favourite ballerinas will perform a graceful number to his captivating compositions. Can't you picture a captivating performance featuring Ravel's music and a beautiful pink tutu? What a dream come true for this ballerina at heart!
As for today, I’m going to be watching the Parisian ballet premiere and soaking up the beauty of it all. After that, I have a date with a lovely tea room to indulge in a pot of the finest Earl Grey – what else would one do in this glamorous city?! You just can’t resist the Parisian elegance, can you? And the pastries are to die for. My tummy will be in heaven! (Do you know my weakness is chocolate, especially when it’s accompanied by tea and cream? My tummy just sings when it gets the sweet stuff!)
It’s such a privilege to be here, immersed in the captivating culture and exquisite art of this city. Now, as the grand curtain opens to the premiere and the lights dim to unveil a majestic spectacle, I’ll have to say farewell for now. It’s time for some ballerina ballet! And before I depart, don't forget to follow me on social media, where I'll be posting all my amazing adventures, and check back next Tuesday for more #TutuTuesday historical explorations, don't you dare miss out, darling!
See you next week, Emma
xx
P.S. Don't forget, you can shop my amazing collection of pink tutus here at www.pink-tutu.com! We’re not afraid of pink in this house – embrace the magic, my lovelies! You may not have a TARDIS (that's Time And Relative Dimension In Space, my darlings!), but that doesn’t mean you can't live out your time travel dreams, just through fashion! We’re going to travel through time, but mainly in our dreams – in a glorious pink tutu of course! Remember – pink is always in fashion. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
