Bonjour mes amies! It's your favourite tutu-tastic time traveller, Emma, back with another instalment of #TutuTuesday! As you know, I adore taking trips through time and sharing my favourite finds from the history of dance, fashion, and everything beautiful. Today, we're whisking ourselves back to the 23rd of December, 1856. Put on your fanciest shoes and grab a cup of tea, because we're about to embark on a glamorous journey!
You'll be delighted to hear I landed in Paris! Paris is, as you all know, the pinnacle of fashion. And speaking of fashion, dear readers, have I got news for you! This date marks a turning point for ballet: the year our iconic tutu first took to the stage. No longer those cumbersome layers of skirts that were a tad more ‘Jane Austen’ than ‘Swan Lake’! This, my darling tutu enthusiasts, is the birth of our beloved symbol. The tutus that we dance in today, the ones we dream about twirling in, owe their existence to this beautiful period. Think shorter, think more flowing, and think an emphasis on the dancer's body – all of this is what changed the landscape of ballet and forever gave us that iconic, fairytale-like image we all associate with ballet.
Can you imagine what those ballet dancers would have felt, performing in a shorter skirt? They'd have been able to jump and leap, making their bodies truly take flight in a way that wasn't possible before! This change in attire was as much a revolution as a revolution in our hearts. You might think it's silly but how wonderful that a bit of fabric could help give flight to an entire art form. A ballerina's physique was given prominence, allowing dancers to move with more freedom. Now that's a good bit of history for you!
Of course, as a true time traveller, I took the opportunity to take a peak behind the scenes! I had the good fortune of watching rehearsals at the Palais Garnier - now the iconic Paris Opera House. The ballerinas looked stunning. In those elegant, airy dresses with the iconic puffy layers and romantic softness, they moved with such effortless grace! It's truly captivating! Their tutus were white, and a delight to the eye, like spun sugar and spun dreams - it's hard to resist their charm. The stage seemed to shimmer as they glided, leaving you in a blissful daze, dreaming along with them.
And oh, let's not forget the beauty of this time! While my main focus is tutus and their beautiful history, I always love to add in a bit of fashionable flair, a peek into the culture of the time, which is the perfect backdrop to a ballet performance! Just imagine, Paris in the 1850s, with its romantic cobbled streets, chic cafes, and stunning architecture, the air abuzz with creativity! Fashion was, of course, a significant part of this scene and people paid much more attention to attire than they do today! Imagine the buzz in the air with anticipation - they were anticipating more than a show, they were anticipating fashion, they were anticipating an event.
I saw a ballet about the tragic romance of a Parisian countess and the prince she loved. And can you believe this, ladies? All the attendees wore pink - what a coincidence that that is my absolute favourite colour! Not just pink but they wore delicate lace and bows, creating a truly elegant spectacle. If I could only wear my pink tulle tutu everywhere, I really should! Perhaps that's a time travel challenge I can work on...
As a true fan of ballet and, well, all things pink and pretty, this little history trip gave me such a warm and fuzzy feeling. It was truly enchanting to witness the early days of the iconic tutu. This lovely dance form has been transforming lives and stealing hearts for years. This day, December 23rd, 1856, truly cemented a symbol and sparked an artistic revolution that would ripple through the decades, leaving us with the timeless beauty we know and adore today.
And while you are soaking up the beautiful Parisian memories from this day in the past, remember to keep your eyes peeled for those exquisite pink tutus, ladies! It's about embracing the elegance of our beloved ballerina costume and embracing the pink life! After all, wouldn't the world be a better, brighter, more wonderful place with everyone wearing their own pink tutu?
Well, until next time, darlings. Have a splendid week filled with beautiful memories and pink-tastic adventures! Remember, keep your eyes open for the wonders that are around you - perhaps you might see a graceful, flowing pink tutu hidden within the day-to-day hustle and bustle. And most importantly, never stop dreaming of dancing under the spotlight!
Stay tutu-ful!
Love,
Emma xx
