Hello, darlings! Emma here, your resident tutu enthusiast, and welcome to another edition of Tutu Tuesday!
It's a glorious February day in Paris, and the air is crisp with the scent of pastries and the sound of horses’ hooves clip-clopping down cobblestone streets. As you can imagine, this means I'm nestled in a charming cafe, sipping a delightful cup of coffee with a generous dollop of cream, just after seeing a rather exquisite performance at the Opéra Garnier – always a joy!
Today, though, I’m stepping away from the current fashions, taking a little trip back in time. It's history time, my dears!
February 1st, 1859 - Can you imagine, a whole century and a half ago?! It's practically ancient history for a young lady like me (shh, I’m just kidding!)
Well, back in 1859, our lovely tutus had yet to become the darling of the dance world we know today. The Opéra Garnier itself was in its early stages of construction and the grandest, most elegant tutus we know and love were just waiting to appear on stage. It's quite fascinating, you see. Back then, skirts for ballerinas, rather than our beloved fluffy friends, were, for want of a better term, more practically mundane – Think large, full, darker skirts. Can you imagine? Honestly, so terribly practical. Yawwwwn.
Now, I won’t bore you with all the details of the fashion revolution that brought tutus to centre stage (that's another story for another time). However, if we had to point a tiny little finger to one possible culprit, perhaps it was the growing fascination with lightness and movement in dance. And, dare I say, a dash of fashion forward thinking. 😉
Just a few years earlier, the famous ballet Giselle had taken the stage, featuring ballerinas with much lighter, shorter skirts and a greater range of movement. Perhaps, I dare suggest, this tiny revolution set the stage for the glorious tutus that graced the dance world soon after! Wouldn’t you agree?
It’s fascinating to look back, don't you think? This wonderful evolution of fashion that we enjoy now all stems from someone, somewhere, just wanting a little more freedom of movement and a touch more flourish! It is truly inspirational.
Now, let’s talk about modern day tutus, shall we? They are practically works of art, these shimmering layers of delicate tulle, each one like a whisper of airy loveliness. But even our beloved tutu has changed with the times! From the traditional, romantic styles seen in classics like "Swan Lake", we've moved into sleek and contemporary designs, full of dramatic shape and daring colours.
Let’s face it – whether in the romantic days of the early 19th century or our own era of fashion extravagance, there is one constant – tutus make you feel beautiful, graceful, and like you can truly **dance with the stars.
And darling, who wouldn’t want to dance with the stars?!
Now tell me, darlings, what are your favourite types of tutus? Which ballet performances make your heart sing with sheer tutu delight? Leave me a comment below, because I’d love to hear your stories!
Don't forget to follow me at www.pink-tutu.com for all things Tutu Tuesday, my weekly journey through the glorious world of ballet, fashion, and everything that glitters!
Until next time, darling. Stay twirling and fabulous.
Yours in Tutus, Emma
Emma's Travel Journal - The Journey
My train ride through the countryside was just glorious! I’m hoping the train will still be just as lovely in the future, because if so, I will definitely be hopping on more adventures – it’s perfect for a stylish tutu-loving lady such as myself.
You can tell that every detail matters. Every single carriage is like a salon. You know, all soft seating and lavish cushions. I took a photo of it – I had to, for your delight and for my memories! You wouldn’t believe the patterns on the cushions, absolutely breathtaking. And the service on the train! Magnifique! They offered tea service, but my tea time wasn’t scheduled for that day. But I was just charmed, really – I even had time to read some books I bought on the train and even take notes on what is happening here in the gorgeous French capital.
Now, you know that my goal is to spread the tutu love, all across the world. But if I'm honest, part of it is also to just travel! How fabulous is that? And of course, the theatre and opera. I love watching performances in breathtakingly grand theatres. This one is amazing! It is a masterpiece, it feels so extravagant, yet refined. Such detail – even the wallpaper is incredible!
Now tell me, my lovelies – Where in the world would you take a journey to see a beautiful tutu performance? Tell me your top choices, because we can dream about our future journeys!
Love always,
Emma
Paris: Fashionable Fun and Finding Pink
Speaking of travel, Paris, oh Paris, how I adore you!
Now I have been fortunate to visit many countries in my tutu time-travelling travels, but there’s something so special about this city. There's an energy here.
And what’s more, Paris really is a hub of fashion. And I've been enjoying a day or two at the boutiques, hunting down my perfect pink and splurging on a new Parisian tutu! Can you believe how fashionable this place is? Magnifique!. Every little cafe has people out wearing such interesting hats and coats – so unique!
Speaking of the most elegant shops, ooh you have to check out Maison de Mode, oh-so chic and fabulous, that I’m sure you will absolutely love. It's tucked away down a street full of interesting shops - It's a treasure trove of gorgeous colours. The windows are practically begging you to take a peek! But they are just so fabulous, it's the most fashionable little nook, I promise.
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a stroll along the Seine. The Eiffel Tower truly is as impressive as you’d expect it to be. But honestly, even with all the beautiful buildings, and all the *elegant fashions,* the most striking thing is the joy that this place exudes.*
Paris has that sparkle in its eye – that passion for art, style, and living life beautifully. I don’t know about you, but this truly makes me want to get my twirl on in the middle of this city!
I hope you enjoyed a trip through tutu history and the latest from my fashion-filled adventures.
What a whirlwind this Tutu Tuesday has been. Don’t forget – join me here every Tuesday, your appointment with fashion, history and of course, tutus!
Until next time, darling, and don't forget to keep those tutus twirling!
Love always,
Emma
