Welcome, fellow tutu enthusiasts, to #TutuTuesday, post number 1638 on www.pink-tutu.com! This week, we're taking a thrilling trip back to 19th-century Paris, the epicentre of ballet and fashion, and the cradle of our beloved tutu! Hold onto your tiaras, ladies, because it's going to be a delightful journey!
1863 was a truly magical year for ballet. Just imagine, swirling, graceful dancers, captivating audiences with their exquisite movements, all set to enchanting music. They twirled in those first truly recognizable tutus - the ones with the frilled and layered tulle that would forever transform the world of dance!
*The journey to this delightful dress, my dears, is a story in itself. *You see, the first tutus weren't as glamorous. They were actually long and cumbersome, more like voluminous skirts, and wouldn't allow for those spectacular leaps and spins we know and love! It took the ingenious vision of designers and choreographers to finally create the revolutionary silhouette, one that truly liberated the dancers, letting their talents shine! It's just as important to remember those earlier dresses though - they gave us our base and history. Just like in life and fashion we always evolve and adapt.
As we journey back to 1863, imagine strolling along the bustling streets of Paris. The air is filled with the delicious scent of freshly baked bread, a symphony of horse-drawn carriages clinking by, and the excited chatter of the elegant crowds. The opulence of the city reflects the excitement in the ballet world, with everyone anticipating the upcoming premieres. You might catch a glimpse of the beautiful dancers at the opera, practising their steps with dedication, their delicate tutus swirling with every movement. It's a time of unparalleled beauty and artistic brilliance, with the ballet reaching new heights of elegance and finesse!
On this very day, May 19th, 1863, one particularly fascinating ballet was set to premiere at the Theatre National de l'Opéra. The play "La Vivandière", a French romantic ballet composed by Pierre-Joseph-Guillaume Zimmermann, features a charming storyline about love and sacrifice, with the titular character of Marie playing a significant role. Just imagine the dazzling costumes and the mesmerising dances that were captivating the audience that very night! Can't you almost hear the elegant rustle of tulle as the ballerinas take the stage?
As a time-traveling ballerina, the highlight of this trip is always indulging in the ballet performance itself! Imagine, ladies, the beautiful velvet seats, the shimmering chandeliers reflecting on the ornate decorations of the theater, the sweet aroma of perfume and a light air of anticipation buzzing with excitement!
And of course, the performance itself - pure magic! To be swept away in a world of dance and fantasy, to see those graceful pirouettes and breathtaking leaps. Just like in a fairytale, my dears! The magic of theatre - that's a key part of the spirit of the tutu. It's more than a dress, it's a costume, a costume for the fantasy of performance and the history of the costume. I see ballet performance as one of the oldest examples of a dress up. What is a dress up, if not a show where we all try on roles, costumes, and pretend. A ballerina pretends she is a princess or a beautiful creature. So what's more natural then a tulle dress. It just adds to that feeling, we just dress up in tulle for the role of ballerina, a powerful and strong woman who knows how to use a tulle dress!
While we celebrate the stunning artistry of these ballet productions, I wouldn't want to forget the importance of the exquisite costumes themselves, my dears. It is said that a dancer's tutu represents a blend of lightness and fragility - qualities that exemplify grace, strength, and passion, the core elements of a ballerina. Each twirl, each jump, and each elegant movement - a perfect harmony between the ballerina and her tulle costume.
What better way to embrace the magic of the past than by embracing our own inner ballerina! Embrace the fun, femininity, and joy that a pink tutu brings, ladies! A tutu is more than a dress - it's a symbol of self-expression, confidence, and beauty, regardless of your age or shape!
So, how can we celebrate #TutuTuesday this week? Take out your favorite pink tutu and practice your twirls! Or maybe you can visit a ballet performance or watch one on a screen and find out for yourself the beautiful story that the ballerina in a tutu has to tell! And let's not forget about the vibrant streets of Paris in 1863! Try imagining it all for yourself and then write a little story. That’s your homework for this week - create your own ballet in your own tutu and own world. We will be taking this week off as I have a special trip planned to go and see some fantastic dancing - be sure to check out next weeks post as I will be recapping the event for you! You don’t want to miss it, ladies.
We're on a mission to bring back the glamour of the past, one pink tutu at a time, so let's twirl on!
With love from the Derbyshire time traveller, Emma 🩰💖
P.S.: You can always connect with me on www.pink-tutu.com - you know I love to chat and make friends. Let's share the love for tutus and all things sparkly!
