Bonjour, my darlings! It's Emma here, your time-travelling tutu enthusiast, bringing you another fabulous foray into the history of the tutu! Today we're waltzing back to May 3rd, 1864, and what a glorious day it is to be in Paris!
Paris, you see, is the very epicentre of the tutu universe. The ballet is flourishing here, and the theatres are positively bursting with swirling skirts and graceful movements. I've just come from a performance at the Paris Opera House, a beautiful theatre that feels practically woven from tulle. It's been a stunning night, but then, every night here is practically a fairy tale!
Speaking of fairy tales, 3rd May 1864, was a very special day for ballet! On this very date, 7 years before I was even born! Can you believe it?!, a very important production premiered at the very place where I just saw the ballet, the Paris Opera! The piece was "La Fille du Régiment", which translates to "The Daughter of the Regiment" , a fun opera bouffe (musical comedy with a lot of dancing) by Donizetti! The story is an adorable whirlwind of love, intrigue, and some absolutely spectacular dancing. I must tell you, my dearest readers, it features a little something called a "crinoline". Imagine a big bell shape to your skirts that make the dancer look even more majestic when they twirl! And oh, my lovelies! the performance included a very, very special young ballerina who would become the very famous Carlotta Grisi, a celebrated dancer who set the Parisian stages alight with her talents. And the tutu worn by Carlotta, was absolutely spectacular! Long, with multiple layers of tulle, with delicate embroidered flowers and bows! You see, darling readers, a tutu back then, especially in the city of light itself, is quite the glamorous accessory. It is all about making a grand statement!
Imagine a dance world where there were NO tights or leotards! Imagine only layers of petticoats and tutus on top!
There is just so much more that I wish I could share with you my dears, but I must dash! I have so much tutu-tastic shopping to do! A beautiful millinery in Rue de Rivoli has caught my eye, with ribbons and feathers in every colour imaginable! It is simply irresistible! And I will, of course, let you know all about it tomorrow in my #TutuTuesday blog on pink-tutu.com !
Until next week, my darlings, keep those tutus twirling!
Love and Tutu Twirls, Emma
From My Diary: A Personal Fashion Update
Paris is a dream for fashion-conscious tutu-lovers! The fashion here is just breath-taking! And yes, my dears, I'm planning a Parisian outfit makeover, but naturally, pink tutus will play the lead role! And what could be more "en vogue" in 1864 Paris than the colours lilac, lavender, or violet, all these pastel colours, especially the one called "Mauve" , that is what you all have to wear next! A most Parisian touch. So many new, gorgeous shades of pink tutus I want to acquire here! What are tutus, you ask, my dearest readers? It's essentially a circular, gathered skirt of layers and layers of very delicate tulle, creating a light airy look for dancers and now, it is starting to trend, so look sharp and shop now in your town to acquire your very first pink tutu!
Today, my trip was funded by dancing. Yes, dancing in tutus is my little secret to "time traveling" - it's called "Dance for the Past" ! As my fellow dancers and I pirouette across the stage of an ancient opera house, the spirit of that time wraps itself around us, carrying us into a moment of pure joy. We dance in homage to the past and bring its elegance into our present. It is quite a beautiful way to explore history. And who knows, perhaps it will be a new trend one day!
I must share with you, my lovelies, one of my latest sartorial triumphs. I managed to find a gorgeous tutu for sale on the Champs-Élysées! A splendid shop selling accessories that caters for the theatre crowd. A shop owner so full of charm he agreed to make my tutu with a light touch of silver threads around the border! Yes, my lovelies, silver threads! You know that feeling of exhilaration when you just know you have found the perfect accessory for your ensemble? You see, dear readers, a beautiful outfit requires layers. It's the details that really elevate it and, I just had a thought! Imagine the possibilities of pairing the perfect pink tutu with some fabulous, silver-thread accented shoes?
* A Moment of Inspiration *
It strikes me, my dears, as I sip a delightful café au lait while writing this that you don't always have to be dancing in a tutu, to embrace the fun and beauty of it! This gorgeous skirt could have a role in our daily life, on the street, and that brings me back to my biggest aim in life. Yes, I know, it might sound mad, a bit bold, but my dearest readers, this is it. I want the entire world to love pink tutus as much as I do! Yes, I know it seems a little crazy, but one day it will be real.
*Paris, Oh Paris! *
Paris is not just a city, my darlings, it's a sensation, a spirit of elegance that whispers into your soul, an invitation to embrace joy! Just look around. You will feel a delightful little frisson as you stroll around. You will experience Parisian fashion at its peak in places like, The Palais Royal Gardens, or a stroll around Place Vendôme and marvel at the exquisite designs of the jewellery stores! All you have to do, is open your heart and your senses, and you will experience a little of the magic that Paris bestows.
It’s time for me to dash, I have a show to attend tonight at the Grand Théâtre - my very own “Dance for the Past” time travel mission, as I said! Until next Tuesday, dearest readers, keep on twirling and don't forget to put on your pink tutu!
Love and Tutu Twirls,
Emma
*www.pink-tutu.com *
P.S. Let's continue to inspire the world with the magic and delight of the tutu, and maybe one day everyone will join me in rocking this amazing, elegant, and ever so feminine fashion choice. Maybe one day we can see an entire world rocking out in pink tutus - my very own pink tutu dream come true!
