Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad time traveller, and welcome to another #TutuTuesday adventure! I've been waltzing through history again, and let me tell you, things are getting decidedly more twirly!
This week we're hopping on the train and heading back to 20th November 1860, a glorious year in ballet, where tutus are taking centre stage! The French are still enamoured by the elegant grace of the Parisian Opera Ballet, a beacon of creativity, elegance and fashion! My darling, there is nothing more intoxicating than being in Paris during the peak of its ballet craze! And the stars are absolutely dazzling - just imagine a show featuring the lovely Carlotta Grisi, the phenomenal* Marie Taglioni* or Fanny Cerrito, whose leaps and pirouettes would make your head spin!
So why is this date particularly special, you ask? Well, this is the date of the grand premiere of a beautiful ballet called “Giselle.” You wouldn’t believe the buzz it's causing! And just to put a little cherry on top, our beloved tutu makes a smashing entrance! It’s almost as though the tutu was designed for "Giselle," with its delicate layers of white tulle, a wisp of chiffon, and those ever so slightly puffy shoulders - the ultimate symbol of romanticism. Honestly, just the image of Giselle gliding across the stage in this breathtaking white tulle confection would be enough to send me into a flurry of pirouettes!
Can you believe tutus were so popular in this period they had a little makeover?! They ditched their older form and went for something much more delicate and romantic, something more suited to the emotions of "Giselle". We're talking about those beautifully fluttering layers, creating that sense of delicate flight, of effortless grace! And trust me, it's not just a case of "anything goes" - the silhouette, texture, and drape are all meticulously chosen. Imagine, my darlings, a ballet costume as important as the design of your new dress - so sophisticated!
Paris, oh Paris! You are the heart of fashion and beauty! I must tell you, walking through the Parisian streets, a swirl of pastel dresses and feathered bonnets, is an utter delight! It's no wonder these graceful ballet performances captivate everyone, the clothes alone could give the dresses worn in Derbyshire a run for their money! We need to bring the **whimsy of the Parisian fashion scene to our English streets! A few more tutus amongst the masses will certainly brighten the day and set our hearts alight with romantic joy!
Now, even though it's lovely to think about, this all seems awfully far in the past - which begs the question how did these beautiful Parisian ballet creations get to our humble shores?! Well, thanks to our Victorian love affair with all things French, (that's right, I'm looking at you London) the Parisian ballerinas found a welcome home across the channel - and with them, our beloved tutus! The romanticism of "Giselle," the beauty of the tutus - it took the UK by storm! And let me tell you, this story isn't over yet - tutus went on to become the international darling of ballet, influencing generations of designers and captivating audiences all over the globe!
But hold your horses, my dears! I’m going to take a little detour before jumping onto another exciting #TutuTuesday journey. Because remember my precious Pink Tutu's?! That dream of a world adorned in pink tulle, dancing its way through every town and city? That dream's not just an airy fairytale, my lovely's! I'm going to bring you along on the journey of finding that *perfect pink tutu – just the right shade of pink, the perfect puff and the ideal layers.* It's time to spread the joy, the magic, and the *absolute joy of *dancing with a tutu to the whole world!* So stick with me, the *Pink Tutu *Adventures are only just beginning!* Until next week, darlings, and don't forget to twirl!
P.S: Remember you can find me on the web, www.pink-tutu.com where I share all the secrets of finding your perfect pink tutu!
And my darlings, remember to let me know which period you’d love to see me travel to in the comments below! I’ll be adding my own tutu to the journey - until next time, bonjour mes chéries!
