Hello darlings! Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing time traveller! Today is Tutu Tuesday, and we're whisking back to 1859 - just imagine, a whole 164 years ago! It's like a time machine journey straight out of a ballet story!
Now, as you know, my obsession with tutus borders on the insane, and it’s my absolute mission to bring the world to embrace this delightful dancewear garment. So, for my latest time travelling adventure, I've come to a little corner of the world where tutus are already ruling the fashion scene - the birthplace of the iconic ballet - drumroll Paris, darling!
The date is the 25th of October 1859. It’s a Tuesday, so perfectly in line with our #TutuTuesday theme!
I'm perched at my charming Parisian cafe, enjoying a warm croissant with a steaming pot of French coffee, just like they did in the 19th century. I’m resplendent in a vibrant pink tutu, my darling readers, because let's be honest, a pink tutu is the only appropriate way to celebrate a day in Paris!
Just the other day I watched Giselle, my dear, with a magnificent dancer wearing an incredible white tulle tutu - what grace, what passion! And of course, with the music, I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. Paris has that effect on you! It makes you want to twirl and leap, and let me tell you, I couldn’t resist joining in at the end! Everyone laughed. Such fun!
The other thing I absolutely adore about travelling to this era is the train journey! Imagine travelling by steam train across beautiful countryside! And of course, everyone is always dressed to the nines, especially in Paris! It’s like one enormous, glamorous, sartorial parade.
Now, let’s talk history, darlings. While my favourite ballet stories like Giselle and The Nutcracker are well established (how fabulous!), back in 1859, a young choreographer by the name of Marius Petipa is creating waves! Now he knows a thing or two about tutus and ballet. The story goes that Petipa revolutionised tutus for dancers like the great Carlotta Grisi - by removing the extra weight and layers.
This was quite a revolutionary idea, my dear readers! It meant dancers could soar and twirl with more freedom. Now, isn't that just exciting! I find it truly fascinating how a simple tweak can bring such monumental change. Imagine all the possibilities that await in the future of tutu design!
Of course, the theatre here is electric, filled with a bustling energy of elegance. Think opera, my darlings! The elaborate costumes, the music that makes you want to sway… the sheer beauty of it all! Just as captivating now as it was then! I even heard tell of a very important performance by a certain M. Offenbach, and I daresay I would be swept off my feet by his lively, satirical, and mischievous operettas!
Speaking of captivating, how exciting it is to visit the Boulevard des Italiens today. What a bustling hub of fashion, food and culture! Imagine my delight! Why, just last week I strolled along its magnificent sidewalks, with its lovely shops full of beautiful, vibrant coloured fabrics - the inspiration for a hundred new tutus, I tell you! Imagine my delight at witnessing the avant garde fashions of Parisian milliners! Those bonnets, darling, those bonnets! The sheer ingenuity!
You know what else is fascinating? Here in 1859, fashion is changing. I love it! Fashion always reflects its time and Paris, always in the forefront, is embracing the new silhouette - a slightly more practical version of the traditional Crinoline - an almost balloon-like skirt, so airy and elegant, it adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the fashion scene, and frankly, inspires my imagination when it comes to tutu designs! I could spend days just wandering through these Parisian streets, soaking up the atmosphere, marveling at the stunning fabrics and dreaming up my own interpretations.
But I have a little secret for you, darling. You don’t have to be a Parisian fashionista or travel back in time to have a wonderful tutu experience! It’s all about finding the perfect tutu that brings you joy. And let me tell you, that’s a mission I’m passionate about.
So, to finish my trip with a real bang, imagine this. I just received an invite to Le Bal de l'Opéra, the very place where the biggest stars of Paris gather. You simply have to dress to the nines and you’ll have a whirlwind night! I wouldn't miss it for all the world. Now, for a fabulous, stylish look, what do I need, you ask? Naturally, a sensational tutu in a delicious shade of pink!
Darling, my quest to make tutus accessible to everyone continues. There’s something utterly liberating about a well-chosen tutu, something that allows you to step out of the everyday and into a world of possibilities! You simply must try it! Embrace the power of the tutu! Join me, my darlings!
Till next week’s #TutuTuesday!
Yours always, in pink!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
