Hello, my darling tutu-loving lovelies! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure through time! This week's #TutuTuesday journey whisks us back to October 6th, 1863, and trust me, this was a day for the history books... and the tutu rack!
Paris, Darling!
I must say, landing in Paris in 1863 was like stepping onto a stage set! I mean, seriously, have you seen the fashion? All the lovely ladies in their elaborate ball gowns, their hats as tall as my pointe shoes, and the gentlemen looking positively dapper. I just wanted to swirl and pirouette through the cobblestone streets!
The Empire of the Tutu
You're probably wondering why I landed in Paris, right? Well, let me tell you, Paris is where the tutu reigned supreme! It was here that the iconic form we know and love first really came into its own. I mean, let's face it, we can thank our favourite ballet stars and the brilliant dancers like Marie Taglioni, Fanny Cerrito and the fabulous Carlotta Grisi for these amazing pieces of ballet history. Can you imagine taking class in a long, restrictive skirt? Imagine having to hop around in something that restricted your movements like that? No thank you, a tutu is a revelation! I feel like a blooming rose in mine, delicate and beautiful! I was lucky enough to snag myself a pretty pink silk creation, straight out of the boudoir. Let me tell you, the detail on the trim was simply exquisite, and it swayed with every little movement.
The Royal Ballet Theatre
Now, it’s important to remember that Paris had this amazing ballet theatre called the Royal Ballet Theatre. Yes, it was called ‘Royal’ and they still wear tights! But the ballrooms! The decorations, the grand foyer – absolutely divine! And the performances? My darling dears, they were spectacular! Imagine the artistry! I was completely mesmerized by the dancing – all the grace, the elegance, and the passion just flew off the stage! Ballet was the absolute pinnacle of glamour back then. Imagine it! If we’re honest, nothing can beat the combination of a glittering chandelier, beautiful dance and the swish of a tutu!
Shopping Extravaganza
Naturally, with my love of ballet and my undying passion for fashion, I simply had to indulge in a little shopping spree! Oh, the frocks! And the lace, my darling dears, the lace! I practically lived for the boutiques and the milliners. Paris in the 1860s was truly a shopping paradise.
But Did You Know?
On this very day, October 6th, 1863, the wonderful Marie Taglioni's opera "La Valkyrie" premiered! Can you imagine a premiere night in the 19th century? It was quite the occasion! There was champagne, there was the orchestra, and of course, everyone wore their very best! This night, I could really understand the power of the tutu in all its glory!
Keep Those Tutus Twirling!
So, there you have it, my lovelies! Our Tutu Tuesday journey takes us to the heart of the 19th century, where the tutu was born and the ballerinas were captivating audiences with their every step! As for me, well, I’m off to dance my way back to Derbyshire, already dreaming up my next trip! I must find the time to travel to another ballet era. Oh dear, do you think it might be a good idea to try the 19th Century dancing shoes with those fancy little elastic bands! Hmmm. That would take some serious practice! But I suppose I must be brave! It will certainly mean more swishing for this ballet-loving pink tutu enthusiast. Remember, dears, the magic of the tutu is always with us. Let's keep on dancing and dreaming!
*P.S. Don’t forget to wear pink! Because the world needs more pink tutues, and I’m on a mission to get everyone wearing one! Just you wait, my lovelies, a pink tutu revolution is coming! *
And as always, let’s keep twirling, dears!
Emma x
[ www.pink-tutu.com ]
