Hello my darlings! Welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com!
Itās #TutuTuesday and today we are waltzing our way back in time! This weekās journey takes us to August 19th, 1862, just imagine what a world of beautiful tutus weāll be dipping our toes into today. We're all about the graceful twirls, elegant shapes, and of course, the gorgeous pink, and I'm off on a grand adventure to bring you the most dazzling glimpse of balletic history!
(Post Number 1599!)
(Remember you can see my whole archive at www.pink-tutu.com, do take a peek and leave a little comment about your favourite TutuTale!)
How We Travel!
You might wonder, āEmma, how do you manage to hop around the ages?ā Well, it's all thanks to the magic of my little ballet business! I give performances in the world we're in now, but with my lovely saved up shillings and the power of dance, I can slip through the portals of time. This way, I can bring you the most glamorous glimpses of tutu history!
And this week, weāre headed back to 19th century France, the epicentre of ballet in its grandest days. The railways have just been introduced in this part of Europe so thereās a wonderful excitement to the air ā much like the thrill of an enchanting first night! Iām absolutely beside myself at the thought of seeing the sights, indulging in the chic fashions, and of course, discovering more about our precious ballet history.
A Tartan and Velvet Treat:
Just stepped onto the Gare du Nord - Paris, such a majestic and imposing building! And that aroma of pastries and fresh bread.. truly a delight! Itās the very definition of ācontinentalā, if Iām honest. And to my immense excitement, I found my perfect travel ensemble: a lovely dress - an ensemble with a bold and striking tartan bodice! The velvet ribbon and lace trims make it absolutely sublime.
But the real cherry on top of the cake? My beautiful tulle overskirt. Not only is the ivory colour beautifully rich, but it adds such a playful swish as I go, which makes this look even more grand, and just what a ballerina wants when travelling! Now if you excuse me darlings, Iām off for a bit of afternoon tea in the finest cafĆ©. Do catch my little vlog on Insta tonight where Iāll have more delicious details on the dress! #tartanandtutu #tulleoveralls #parisfashion
Fashion in Full Bloom:
I do love a trip back in time. All these elegant ladies around, it's quite magical! I am going to need a full Parisian wardrobe before the weekendās over ā imagine how lovely a lilac gown would be! Oh! And did I mention that they are absolutely wild for ribbons and bows ā from their hair to their delicate necklines. So wonderfully girly, so so lovely.
In the past few hours, I've been exploring the charming Parisian boudoirs! We have everything from silk bonnets to velvet shawls to exquisite lace. Every corner just exudes that āje ne sais quoiā. This town has got to be the birthplace of our iconic ātutuā right?
But Iāll admit that all the fancy ballgowns, though glamorous, are more reminiscent of Giselle than Swan Lake! The iconic ātutuā - our signature - thatās the subject of our blog today. So what is this wonderful invention that graces our dance? How did the tulle become synonymous with ballerinas and grace? That, darlings, is what weāll uncover as the clock ticks!
The History of a Dress That Dances
You may find this utterly surprising - the tutu was born out of practicality and a love for lightness! Imagine it: the ballerinas of this era wore full-length skirts that were cumbersome and heavy! Imagine a ballerina doing a pirouette in that dress. Not as elegant or as enchanting now, was it?
Back in 1839, that's right! Only 23 years before today! A lovely Parisian ballet dancer called Marie Taglioni appeared on stage - and everything changed. She wore this ethereal, romantic, knee-length, wispy gown! She twirled effortlessly - the skirt unfurling into a symphony of movements! Her look was just the right mixture of beauty and functionality for the dramatic dances she created. The public absolutely adored it. It was en vogue, trĆØs chic, a revolutionary fashion statement! And that, ladies, is where we get the first glimmers of the tutu.
By the 1860s, and so here we are on this 19th of August 1862, it was the tutu we knew so well - in all its splendour - and beauty that captivated audiences! Short and flouncy and allowing all that movement. Even with a dress of silk and velvet, as a ballarina youād get to show off those delicate ankles. The bodice is often cinched tight, making that perfect dancer shape we are familiar with - so long, ladylike arms, delicate waists and powerful legs! It was in these decades that we see the tutu become an iconic staple for ballerinas ā a symbol of ethereal grace and captivating elegance!
Imagine it: the world of Swan Lake and Coppelia just began to bloom, and so here was the dress of all dresses.
Our Tutu Tales!
And so darling friends, it is no small matter that the world is on the cusp of dance revolutions. Weāll keep our eyes and hearts open to what exciting news of the ballet comes our way!
Of course, you can join me at www.pink-tutu.com as I take my weekly leaps in time ā from London's Covent Garden in the roaring Twenties to the Bolshoi Ballet's finest in the modern era - let's explore every tulle detail! What shall we say, darling friends? Here's to twirls and tulle and the incredible power of a perfectly fitting Tutu - because everyone is lovely in Pink!
With a swoon and a twirl!
Emma #tututimetravel #tutuhistory #PinkTutu #pinkpower
Some fun facts about August 19th 1862!
Today's journey is more than a dance through fashion! Thereās history in every step, a little fun to keep your heart happy, so here is some background to get you in the spirit of the times:
- Today marks the very first anniversary of a lovely event in Derby! The great exhibition of arts, industries and manufacture began! A big moment, if youāll pardon the expression.
- While Paris celebrates with ballet, Britain is abuzz with railways! New routes have just been added - imagine what thatās done to all the travel
- If we're keeping up with our tutu inspirations there is a lovely ballet to celebrate, one by composer LĆ©o Delibes - La Source is premiered at the Paris OpĆ©ra. Imagine how exciting and magical the scene! Itās like we're right in the front row!
I hope you all have a fantastic week, full of swirling delights. Let me know your tutu-thoughts and what exciting ballet moments are inspiring your world right now. You can also take part by showing off your own beautiful, pink tutued outfits in a blog comment, with the hashtag #TutuTuesday on Insta ā I just can't wait to see what you are wearing.
With a twirl and a glance!
Emma #tututimetravel #tutuhistory #PinkTutu #pinkpower
