Bonjour mes chéries! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller Emma here, bringing you another scintillating instalment of Tutu Tuesday, all the way from the bustling streets of Paris! Yes, I've hopped in my trusty time machine and whisked myself back to the glorious year of 1857 - and oh my, the fashion is something else!
Now, today marks a rather momentous date - the 15th of December, 1857! And wouldn't you know it, that means the Theatre de l'Opera was presenting a very special ballet this evening! Imagine it - me, nestled into a plush theatre seat, surrounded by the glittering grandeur of Parisian high society. And, the star of the show, you ask? None other than the legendary dancer, Carlotta Grisi, the absolute Queen of the dance world. The Parisian audiences adored her!
The Art of Ballet, 1857 Style:
But, I'm getting ahead of myself. Before we talk about the enchanting ballet itself, we need to address the absolute foundation of a dancer's look - the tutu! Now, my darlings, you've got to understand, this period in time was all about those elegant and flowing skirts!
While today we enjoy a multitude of styles and designs, 1857 was very much the era of the romantic tutu. Think cascading layers of soft, fine netting. The epitome of "en pointe" grace. Now, back in the day, a dancer like Grisi wouldn't just twirl out there with just any old tulle, no. This is where the Parisian obsession with the finest materials comes in. Those tutus? Silk! Yes, ladies, genuine, gorgeous silk tulle. It moved like a dream, fluttering as she moved with such poise and grace! It wasn't all about practicality, it was all about exquisite beauty. And that, my dearest Tutu Tuesday readers, is a mantra I try to live by!
From Derbyshire to the Palais Garnier
So, imagine me, a Derbyshire girl at heart, suddenly standing amidst this opulent setting. There I am, clutching my little pink velvet purse, adorned in my own hand-crafted silk tutu, and feeling perfectly at home. (Yes, even though, fun fact, this era's Parisians loved their colour black, while my loyal pink tutu says "joy!" in a loud and proud fashion).
We have the likes of Giselle being danced here tonight! An enchanting tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, which Carlotta performs with such ethereal delicacy and precision. I love how her tutus become a character within the narrative. I love how ballet tells its story without a single word! She dances not just with her feet, but with every elegant movement of her whole being, and her magnificent silk tutu dances with her.
And of course, one couldn't forget the beautiful music by Adolphe Adam for Giselle. Oh, the emotional swells and melodic twists that swept the entire theatre into a sea of sighs and oooohs!
More Than Just a Dress
This tutu business? It's not just about the fashion, lovelies, although goodness, how I do love fashion. It's also about how the dance makes you feel. And when a dancer like Carlotta moves on stage, those cascading tutus don't just make the wearer seem like an angel – it’s like you can see that lightness and beauty of the ballet.
My Ballet Budget: From Stage to Style
Now, my dears, you all know, I love a good bargain. And for a bit of cheeky gossip, let me tell you, my time-travel jaunts are all funded by a clever little scheme - I sneakily dabble in the ballet world professionally. I mean, I am such a talented dancer (at least in my own humble opinion) - So, when I'm back in my own time, I offer a touch of magic to my local theatre’s performances. They think they are hiring a seasoned ballet pro... little do they know.
But anyway, that's how I finance these exquisite Parisian adventures, darling! All that shimmering silk I wear, that's a little bit of that Parisian ballet magic rubbing off on my personal style. A girl's gotta keep up with the times!
Sharing the Pink Tutu Love
You see, my loves, for me, there's no place like Paris. Even if it's a peek into the past. This city's energy, its love for the arts and extravagance, the beautiful fabric, it just... inspires! So I bring all this love and enchantment right back to my own blog - Pink Tutu.com, because sharing this passion with you makes all of it worth it!
So, as you twirl about your own little world, remember the romantic elegance of a silken Parisian tutu! Let it inspire you. And remember to embrace the joy, beauty and graceful movement. I'll see you next Tutu Tuesday for another blast from the past! Until then, may your twirls be delightful!
Au revoir mes amies! Emma x
