Oh my dears, what a delightful day for a spot of #TutuTuesday! Today's journey through time whisks us back to the enchanting year of 1859! Can you imagine? A whole century before those dazzling Charleston dances and feathered flapper frocks. Fashion, even in ballet, was still clinging to the beautiful Victorian era - with long skirts, layers of lace, and lots and lots of tulle, of course.
My dears, this date marks a rather special occasion! This very day in 1859 saw a premiere performance of "La Source" by Léon Minkus, a stunning ballet set in a beautifully idyllic mountain valley in the Caucasus! Imagine! Picturesque mountains, sparkling streams, and dancing with an elegant backdrop of glorious nature! My darling readers, I dream of being a ballerina there, twirling amidst those picturesque vistas!
The most magical thing about "La Source" is that this performance helped popularize the *romantic tutu! This was no ordinary tutu though - no, no! "La Source" featured the very first tutu to feature *just one layer of tulle! Isn't it splendid? Think about how much weight those beautiful dancers had to carry previously! All those yards and yards of tulle, it must have been like being in a giant poofy skirt, so difficult to leap! It seems it took a bold artistic choice, in "La Source" to finally break from that convention, giving the dancers greater freedom to truly dance - to soar through the air with such ethereal grace that would have everyone mesmerized, including this darling pink tutu wearing blogger, of course!
My dear readers, wouldn't you simply love to twirl with just one layer of gossamer tulle, just as the lovely "La Source" dancers did? Imagine how effortless you'd feel - the tulle catching the air and swirling around you, whispering secrets as you take each elegant step! I simply must add this style to my collection... perhaps it can be the star of my next performance. Perhaps I can find a time traveling seamstress to help create my dream tutu! After all, it wouldn't be #TutuTuesday without a hint of dreamy innovation!
While I imagine those lovely dancers on the stage in "La Source", twirling and gliding through their exquisite dance with an elegance that was simply revolutionary - imagine how captivating this was for those fortunate enough to witness it! Such a momentous event! My dears, we simply must celebrate it!
Oh, but that's not all for 1859! The famous Russian ballerina and choreographer Marie Taglioni was dazzling everyone with her beauty and grace! You all know how much I adore her. Imagine being there at the theatre, watching her in the grand theatre in the evening, the stage lights glittering down on the ballerina - you'd simply have to applaud her beauty!
As a Derbyshire girl myself, I do feel a connection with Marie, as she spent some time in Buxton performing, the charming town with those incredible thermal baths! The beauty of her dance must have truly enchanted the people there.
What more can we ask for on #TutuTuesday? Gorgeous costumes, elegant dance and inspiring innovation? I simply must* make a trip back to this fabulous year myself to soak in all of the sights and sounds, especially in this exciting ballet year for dance! It would be truly enchanting! What an amazing time for *ballet and its fashion!
Oh, and speaking of *fashion, let me tell you about a few of the beautiful and timeless looks I simply had to find. It was so much fun finding delightfully vibrant colour and playful designs amongst the black and white prints of the era! Perhaps these can give you inspiration for your own #TutuTuesday outfits - the beauty of #TutuTuesday is, you never know what delights you might discover - even in the fashion of the past.
Here's a peek at my recent Parisian vintage finds!
First stop was, naturally, a visit to the Parisian Opera House to catch a delightful ballet, *I am absolutely delighted by how this theatre is one of the most fabulous and magnificent buildings! Imagine that this house was once an ancient Roman ampitheatre! (And in true Parisian fashion, everyone loves fashion.) I simply couldn't leave without shopping! It was *delightfully packed with incredible and rare pieces I haven't seen since my last Parisian trip! It is no wonder they say "It is never too late to be what you might have been". Oh darling, do you think we can start the #BalletHistoryBucketList now?* Just think about all of these enchanting ballet shows we could see. I have *such wonderful ideas and adventures in store!
So here it is! Here is my Parisian finds from *"Le Bazar de la Bonneterie": * ( Oh darling readers! - My favourite little boutique! What a charming and perfect little vintage Parisian boutique - so chic. They always have the perfect vintage dress to suit my pink tutu wardrobe) I will be wearing them for my #TutuTuesday celebration in the Derbyshire Peaks today - you have to wait for my Instagram posts!
A ravishing ruby velvet corset dress - oh darling, this would be exquisite for an evening soiree. A simple red silk top could easily make it the ideal #TutuTuesday outfit! This will also make a wonderful and simple #BalletTutuHistory blog costume! I need to give this a whirl...
The absolute show-stopper? I simply couldn't resist this - an adorable turquoise blue lace frock! With its full, flowing skirt it does remind me a little of an old-fashioned romantic ballet tutu, doesn't it? A perfect choice for a romantic evening dance! The color reminds me of the seascapes in Giselle. Darling! A *#BalletTutuHistory outfit! I *must find some vintage ribbons, and get these pictures on the blog this week - what a wonderful way to begin the weekend!**
I did not resist this amazing satin turquoise frock! The color reminded me of the fabulous sky as it changes to a vibrant sapphire color in the Derbyshire countryside... I had to have it, didn't I? It would look so cute with a pink tutu and ballet shoes! I am excited to do my first photo-shoot! This will make a perfect #BalletTutuHistory photo-shoot, so let me know if you can guess which date this will be for my #TutuTuesday - and do follow my Instagram if you wish! I simply must add an image or two for my #BalletTutuHistory blog next Tuesday
As always my darling readers - you must visit my "Pink-Tutu.com" website for a further look! Let's keep our eyes fixed on #TutuTuesday and our fascination with all things elegant, romantic, and a little bit twirly! What is your favorite piece? Let me know on my social channels - #BalletTutuHistory
Next week we journey to the magical world of early 20th century dance! Be sure to join me next Tuesday, darling readers, and we can talk all things Tutu!
* Until next time my dearest readers - keep twirling in that delightful world of beauty, colour, and tulle! *
Your stylish ballerina, Emma.
