Hello darlings, and welcome to #TutuTuesday, post number 1454 on www.pink-tutu.com, your one-stop shop for all things tutus, from the classic to the completely fabulous!
This week, I've taken a rather delightful journey in my trusty time machine (which, as you know, is a rather glamorous steam train, decked out in pink and festooned with ribbons). I found myself whisked away to a delightful Parisian evening in 1859 - oh, the atmosphere! The gaslight shimmering, the sound of carriages rattling over the cobblestones, and all around, the intoxicating buzz of theatre-goers and the most incredible array of bonnets, gloves, and gowns! And of course, nestled amidst the finery, the absolute epitome of elegance - ballet!
Now, in this rather exciting time, the tutus we know and love, the airy wisps of tulle that whirl around us like enchanted clouds, are still finding their feet, so to speak. Imagine a beautiful ballerina in a flowing, ethereal dress – almost like a wedding gown – only shorter and fitted close around the hips and waist. And imagine, if you will, this gorgeous gown covered with layers upon layers of gauze! A magnificent, slightly more structured, take on that whimsical look, you could say! This "bouffant" - a word I love - shape that still echoed the bell-shaped gowns of the day, would morph into the beautiful tutu designs we know and cherish, all those flounces and layers.
Today, in this bustling 1859, ballet, still a young and playful art form, was experiencing a veritable golden age. This magical era would become a bedrock for ballet history, marked by innovative choreographers like the legendary Marius Petipa who would bring us so much delight in years to come!
Now, whilst the tutus were slightly different in style from today's masterpieces of twirling tulle, let me tell you, the ballerinas themselves were quite something else! Think elegant poses, graceful leaps, and movements with a finesse we can only marvel at from our distant vantage point in the 21st century. Oh, the thrill of witnessing it! I felt like I could waltz right through the air beside them!
Imagine how it felt, stepping onto the stage, surrounded by hundreds of eager gazes. The smell of the gaslights mingled with the excitement of the crowd, the rhythmic thudding of music setting your heart aflutter. Now picture a skirt that could sweep out and expand to touch the very edges of the stage - I don’t know about you, but I get butterflies just imagining it!
But wait! What exactly is the most exciting news of November 8th, 1859? It's a brand new theatre opening its doors right in the heart of Paris, in fact, it's only just been finished - Théâtre du Châtelet. Think elaborate interior, glistening gold and chandeliers, a throng of elegantly dressed people… just the most marvelous setting to take in a grand ballet show! I bet the sound was exquisite too!
What’s my advice to you, my lovely ballet bunnies, if you find yourselves lucky enough to be attending a performance in the late 19th century? ( I'll tell you more about my exciting time-traveling tips another time – my little secret). For a true bouffant experience, layer upon layer - is the name of the game! I would suggest a skirt (of the full, lovely, crinoline kind), topped with multiple layers of lace or tulle for that extra bit of volume! Then a beautifully cinched waist, a graceful bustline with ribbons, and of course, an alluring sash - don't forget the sash!
And my dear dears, never forget to carry a lovely pair of opera glasses to get a closer look at all the fabulous fashion, and those impressive jetés! Now that I am home again from my delightful trip to 1859 - with a few special fashion finds (shhhh, no time to reveal my little treasures!), I can tell you, I’m definitely feeling inspired to embrace all things "bouffant" and put a little Parisian sparkle in my step.
Join me next week, for a thrilling trip back in time. Will we be exploring ancient Greek ballet, or perhaps a pirouette in the Renaissance? The world of ballet is filled with endless wonder! Do share your thoughts and fashion favourites! I love reading your comments! And don’t forget, you can follow me on Instagram @pinktutu for behind-the-scenes glimpses of my adventures.
Until next week!
Your ever-so-slightly-tutu-obsessed friend,
Emma 💖💕
