Hello my lovely ballet-loving darlings! 🎀 Welcome back to Pink Tutu - my little corner of the internet dedicated to the exquisite history of the most delightful garment known to woman: the tutu! This is blog post #1374 and I'm so excited to be taking you all on another historical trip, this time to the year 1858. Buckle up your ballet shoes, girls, we're off to the glittering heart of ballet in Paris!
The Parisian Scene
Oh darling, there's nothing quite like the Parisian atmosphere. I must say, it is every bit as delightful as I imagined! The streets are lined with impossibly elegant boutiques and grand cafés, and the scent of freshly baked croissants hangs in the air, simply intoxicating!
You wouldn't believe the fashion, though! Ladies are positively swathed in silk and lace. But don't be fooled, my lovelies! It's not all about corseted gowns and billowing skirts. The Parisian women are bold, adventurous, and always on the lookout for the newest trend. And oh darling, ballet is definitely trending!
Our Tutu Tales
Now, where were we in the world of tutus, you ask? 1858! The Romantic era of ballet is in full swing, and the tutu is really starting to find its place on stage. The shorter, layered tutu, what we call a "Romantic tutu", is coming into vogue and what's exciting is how much it gives the dancers room to move. It is truly a symbol of feminine freedom.
However, there's a difference in the length and style of the tutus at this time - the shorter, Romantic tutu is favored for ballets with delicate, flowing movements, while the longer, full-skirted tutus remain a mainstay in classic works.
My Time-Traveling Tales
Speaking of classics, I managed to sneak in a visit to the Opéra Garnier, the brand new opera house that just opened this very year, on April 27th 1858. The architecture, dear readers, it is stunning, so very opulent and grand. The opera is an event that rivals any ball and oh, the people watching! The very epitome of Parisian chic.
I made a beeline for the stage as soon as I was allowed and I'm completely captivated. Seeing the ballets performed here in such an iconic venue is breathtaking! Imagine the joy of watching Giselle or La Sylphide dance in this magnificent setting - It's truly a sensory explosion of beauty, grace and artistic brilliance.
Speaking of Giselle (have I mentioned how much I adore the tragic story? It brings tears to my eyes!), guess who danced the lead? No other than the incredibly talented and stunning Mademoiselle Marie Taglioni, a ballerina who needs no introduction to the discerning ballet connoisseur, especially as the niece of legendary Mademoiselle Taglioni (of La Sylphide fame). Such beautiful movements, her every step a masterpiece. I felt the whole theatre hold their breath as she twirled and jumped with such grace and elegance - it was spellbinding.
Tutu Tuesday Take Away
Right now, Paris is truly the epicentre of the ballet world, and the tutus are truly having their moment! But don’t think for a moment, darlings, that this is all there is to be said. You know me. It’s never simply enough to say "fashion is lovely", oh no, we need to think beyond that. We need to see the art in every single step of the ballerina and see it reflected in the way she twirls and takes to the stage. The beauty of the art form is mirrored in the tutu, don't you think?
Outfit Inspiration
Speaking of inspiring outfits, oh I'm positively bubbling with excitement, darlings! It's the perfect time to add a dash of Paris to your wardrobe. I must say, it's been a dream to be shopping for fabrics in Les Halles, and I have found the most exquisite silk to be custom making my new Romantic tutu. The pale rose shade with a touch of silver sequins? Simply stunning.
To complement, imagine a flowing blouse and a delicate pearl necklace, a dash of lavender perfume and a touch of lipstick that can only be described as the shade of a Parisian sunset! I'm picturing this outfit at an upcoming event in Derbyshire, England - just imagine! The gasp of admiration that will erupt when I waltz into the room. This outfit will have me swirling like a dancing daisy in a sunlit meadow. And yes, there will be a photo-op. You won't want to miss my next blog!
So, there you have it my lovely tutu-lovers! The world of ballet continues to inspire and evolve, and our dear tutu continues to play a role. And it’s all happening in the heart of Paris!
Don't forget, you can find me on social media - follow me on Instagram @PinkTutuGirl for more glamorous updates. I am posting live stories daily from Paris.
Until next week darlings! Until next Tuesday when we can dive even deeper into the world of tutus. Don't forget, you can check out all the #TutuTuesday posts and subscribe at www.pink-tutu.com
Sending all the pink and fluffy love,
Emma
Your pink tutu obsessed time traveller
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