Welcome back, lovelies! 🎀 It's me, your friendly neighbourhood tutu enthusiast, Emma, and today, we're going on another historical adventure to celebrate #TutuTuesday!
For this week's journey, I've hopped on the time-traveling express (the engine is a rather delightful pink steam train, of course) to September 2nd, 1862! I know, I know, that's quite a long way back!
This is post #1601 of my Ballet Tutu History blog, here on www.pink-tutu.com! And I'm so excited to share with you the fashion delights that await! I simply had to pack a pink and sparkly ballgown tutu to go with my travel ensemble! And it's been SO much fun waltzing my way around this beautiful era!
Let's just say, 1862 in Paris is a truly wonderful experience for a tutu-obsessed gal like myself! The Parisian streets are teeming with people, and everyone looks so elegant! It's a complete fashion parade, with ladies flaunting the latest trends, their voluminous crinolines swishing around them. The air is filled with music, the tinkling of piano keys echoing through the boulevards.
Now, you might be wondering, dear readers, what on earth could have possibly happened on this very special day in history? Well, for a truly glamorous moment, let's skip the dusty annals of political and societal happenings and dive straight into the captivating world of the ballet! On September 2nd, 1862, a breathtaking spectacle unfolded in Paris at the Opéra Garnier. The legendary Marius Petipa—you might know him for being one of the great choreographers in ballet history—created a magical ballet named "La Source. I absolutely adore his use of folk and exotic themes. He masterfully blends drama and romance. It was all the rage back in 1862! 🩰
While "La Source" was certainly the talk of the town, I must tell you about some of the enchanting costumes! The dancers graced the stage in exquisitely crafted tutus that shimmered and sparkled with every graceful move. Just imagine layered tulle, with tiny, delicate pearls embellishing the hemline, creating a magical mist of pure elegance.
Now, while this all seems incredibly enchanting, 1862 was an era of much stricter guidelines in terms of the shape of the tutu! It was more structured, and the focus was all about a beautiful and refined, classic outline. The shape resembled a bell, flowing downwards and outwards with a beautiful symmetrical sweep.
We're all about the shorter, dramatic fluffy cloud shapes here at www.pink-tutu.com, aren't we! But those structured tutus from the 1800s...oh so elegant, and just the slightest peek at the ballerina's graceful legs beneath! 🩰💖
But let's travel back to "La Source"! The ladies, adorned in those exquisite, full-skirted tutus, twirled and leapt, their movements bringing the story to life! They conveyed stories of nature, myth, and love, each movement, every gesture, capturing hearts. Even with a structured tutu shape, they showcased the brilliance of the ballerinas with their incredible agility. And then there were the gentlemen, clad in sleek black tights and flowing white costumes, their poses just as mesmerizing. Oh my, the whole thing sounds absolutely magical!
What I adore most about traveling to this era (apart from those charming horses pulling carriages along the avenues) is the focus on the intricate art of making the tutu itself! I've witnessed the meticulous handiwork of seamstresses as they layered tulle, patiently stitching it together with exquisite precision. Each tutu felt like a masterpiece in itself, not just a piece of costume. Imagine the amount of care that went into just one! We could easily take a cue from the elegance and dedication of those Parisian seamstresses. Don't you think? The passion behind the creation is everything. I mean, wouldn't we all be so proud if we had handmade our own gorgeous tutus! And isn't that what all our favourite ballets really are...the artistry and passion coming to life with those amazing dancers? 🩰
This incredible history lesson wasn't just about the ballet either! Think of all the beautifully dressed women in the audience. They were the VIPs of that time! Think of the magnificent ladies adorned in their beautiful silk gowns with those gorgeous corsets! Isn't it incredible to see how even a structured look with its curves can be SO fabulous! Those big pouffy crinolines, those delicate little hats. The men, well, their fine waistcoats and crisp suits certainly matched the elegance! It was simply spectacular!
And, of course, no trip back in time is complete without a little bit of indulgence, so after the performance, I took myself for a splendid walk down the famous rue de la Paix! There, I found the most fabulous shops with enchanting garments, exquisite hats, and even the most glorious perfumes to be found! Everything was just...perfect!
Before I whisked myself back to Derbyshire with a handful of souvenirs (you'll have to check my stories on Instagram for my finds!), I just had to sit back and admire the way this Parisian world truly embraces the enchantment of ballet. From the enchanting music in the air to the elegant outfits worn by everyone, it's truly captivating! They embrace a beautiful and romantic style, a world that radiates an elegant beauty and sophistication that transcends time!
This historical trip truly was a delightful experience! But it is truly important to remember how each era of the ballet holds its own special beauty.
If you can, I do hope that you all try and make a trip to your local ballet theatre to see these beautiful performers for yourselves!
I love them.
So, until next week's exciting #TutuTuesday adventure, be sure to twirl, dance, and let your own personal flair shine through! We're all about that bright, confident pink tutu spirit here at www.pink-tutu.com! ✨💖
Stay fabulous, my lovelies!
Lots of love,
Emma
xx
