#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1864-03-01

Dearest Tutu-Lovers!

Welcome back to your favourite blog! I'm so delighted to see you back for another #TutuTuesday - can you believe we are on post #1679?! Where do the days go?!

Today, my darling tutu fans, we're whisked back in time once more, with a trip back to 1st March, 1864! I traveled via my trusty, pink train carriage (complete with a tutu-themed interior, of course!). The smell of hot chocolate, that aroma of Parisian fashion and the scent of delicate jasmine carried me back in time. Paris, darling, Paris - you'll see, was where I needed to be for today's adventures.

The Paris Opera is where our tutu journey will take us this Tuesday! Think extravagance! Imagine the finest silks, sparkling gems, a grand ballroom. Now imagine all those delights fused with elegant dancing and breathtaking grace! That's the Paris Opera, in a nutshell.

This was a period when ballet was entering a brand new chapter, a stage of evolution, of new choreography. Ballet dancers were starting to wear tights to emphasize their legs. In 1864, some ballerinas were starting to ditch the rather full, weighty, floor length skirts that were the tradition and trying something altogether different. They were adopting these shorter tutus to make the choreography less cumbersome. Can you imagine! The tutus, becoming shorter, showcasing those lovely graceful legs? A triumph!

Of course, I made a quick trip to La Samaritaine Department Store on Rue de la Paix - absolutely fantastic shop, you must visit it if you can! Such divine creations! I treated myself to an exquisite emerald green silk evening gown that is a masterpiece! It perfectly reflects the grandeur and sophistication of ballet performances of the time, whilst also complementing a most delicate tulle tutu I picked up. Can't wait to wear these both to a performance this evening! I am very much looking forward to the elegant ballet steps and delightful music. I do adore a pas de deux. You all know I love my dancing, fashion and history.

Oh, by the way - * *what do you call the skirt that dancers wear over their tutu ? A ballet skirt. And can I tell you - they come in such colours. There was a wonderful display of fabrics and colour combinations and so much variety and beauty. They're a delight. An excellent opportunity to show off a dancer's graceful silhouette. Imagine tutus being seen from a distance, all shimmering and swirling. Oh heavenly dreams! My dear friends, there really is nothing like it.

This is where tutus began to really capture my imagination! These wonderful fabrics of shimmering tulle in all colours of the rainbow - such a delight! A sheer sensation! This style became synonymous with elegance and a lightness of form. It revolutionized ballet dance wear for sure. It still makes the heart race now doesn't it - the thought of a perfect, tulle tutu swirling as a ballerina takes flight?

We may not have all travelled by train or been in Paris this day - but we can celebrate our favourite piece of clothing - a tutu in all it's fabulous glory. A must-have item - I wouldn't leave the house without one!

Well, my sweet Tutu enthusiasts - I must bid you adieu for this week. Remember - I'm at my studio for classes and at your local theatre for ballet shows, you just have to follow me at www.pink-tutu.com and see you next Tuesday for another #TutuTuesday!

Keep your toes twinkling! Madame Emma