Welcome back to my #TutuTuesday blog, dears!
It's your favourite Derbyshire girl, Emma, back here with another dose of tutu-licious history for you!
This week, we're going on a grand adventure, stepping onto the cobbled streets of Paris in the year 1863. Imagine it - the bustle of carriages, the scent of pastries, and the thrill of the ballet, the ultimate in Parisian entertainment!
For those of you who don't know, September 15th, 1863, was a Tuesday, just like our dear #TutuTuesday! (Fancy that, eh? Isn't it fascinating how time marches on?)
But enough about that...
Tutus on the Parisian Stage:
In 1863, the tutu was in its prime. A mere three decades after its first appearance, it had captured the imagination of ballerinas and audiences alike, and had even evolved from the simple, short 'jupe' skirts, or petticoats, of its beginnings to something more elaborate and romantic!
Think fluffy tulle: think of layers of delicate fabric swirling and floating, perfectly framing the graceful limbs of ballerinas, enhancing their leaps, and lending a sense of airy lightness to every movement.
Imagine a world where dancers were still grappling with the rigid constraints of corsets, yet yearning for freedom and expression, and suddenly... there was the tutu! A glorious invention that combined beauty and function. It was the symbol of a new era of dance, an era of grace and athleticism.
And this brings me to the very special event that happened in Paris on this day back in 1863: The debut of Coppélia. This classic ballet was so celebrated because it revolutionised the use of the tutu. In the dance world, they call it a 'whimsical' and 'character' tutu - it wasn't just any old tutu - it was the kind that showed us the beauty and versatility of the tutu, revealing a whole new world of imagination on the stage! I mean, can you imagine? The tutu becoming a story-teller?! Pure genius!
Think pink, think graceful, think magical: I love these early tutus for their delicate pastel colours. Remember, dears, these weren't the vibrant, eye-catching tutus we see on the stage today. These early tutus were dainty affairs, a subtle whisper of colour against the backdrop of a well-dressed audience. They made every step, every pirouette, and every grand jeté seem even more effortless, almost like they were dancing on clouds.
Think layers, think texture, think fluffiness! And those intricate patterns, oh my! Can you imagine a little frill here, a gentle ruffle there, all adding a touch of whimsicality and personality? Each layer added depth and elegance to the already stunning fabric of the tutu. Imagine, my dear, a ballet costume, delicate, and whimsical, not too heavy - perfectly capturing the ethereal nature of the dance.
How do I make my time travel journey so exciting and fabulous?
Well, of course, I make sure my outfits are as glamorous and dazzling as the ballets themselves!
For this week's #TutuTuesday, my inspiration is Coppélia, and its "whimsical and character" tutu theme. Think pale blue satin ribbon running across a dreamy tulle fabric, a little dash of blush pink ribbon swirling around the waist - it's just divine!
Of course, my trip back to 1863 wasn't all about tutus. The joy of travel is exploring new cultures, new cuisines, and most importantly, new outfits!
I just had to pop by La Belle Jardinière, the hottest couture house in Paris! (Let me tell you, these women knew how to sew! I have never seen so many layers and ribbons, just absolutely divine! ). Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the Palais Garnier, a grand palace of a theatre with glittering chandeliers, sumptuous red velvet seats, and the most incredible performance!
But this trip, it wasn’t about the grand houses or the spectacular theatre - no, this was all about the tutu! I want to discover its history and see how it's grown and changed. It is, after all, my absolute favourite dance-wear accessory - a true emblem of femininity, beauty, and the enduring power of the arts.
Don’t forget to leave me a comment below about your favourite type of tutu, your best ballet-related memories, or even a funny story from your last ballet class. Remember, darling, the magic of ballet lives on in every fluttering, whirling, and graceful movement - and the tutus that add an extra touch of magic to the stage. Until next #TutuTuesday!
Yours in all things twirling,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Post number 1655
