#TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History on 1864-06-21

Hello my darlings! Emma here, back for another edition of my beloved #TutuTuesday Ballet Tutu History blog. I'm writing to you from the heart of the Parisian theatre scene, surrounded by the delicious bustle of dancers, fashionistas and theatre-goers. Can you believe we are already halfway through June? Where does the time go?!

Today marks 1695 posts on the pink-tutu.com blog and, well, darling, I'm in a most fabulous mood. The reason? The date itself! Today is June 21st, 1864, and that, my darlings, is the day of my most recent time travelling escapade!

This week I'm focusing on tutu history. Let me tell you, researching ballet history is just SO exciting! My favourite part of time travelling, apart from getting to try on those stunning historical costumes of course, is watching ballet as it evolved from its earliest beginnings right through to the glorious artistry we enjoy today!

Paris, in the year 1864, is brimming with excitement. The city is positively pulsating with life - all thanks to the burgeoning Parisian ballet scene, darling.

You'll be relieved to know the traditional romantic tutu - the one with the layers and layers of tulle, a real pouffy vision of delicate beauty - was still very much the norm in ballet by this date. It wasn't yet being replaced by those shorter tutus that would become popular at the end of the 19th century. Imagine, no less volume! Simply unheard of in those days. It was all about fullness, layers and a dreamy cloud of tulle in the late 1800s - very much in keeping with my personal style! The tutus, my dears, were simply divine.

Oh! Don't let me forget to mention the absolutely captivating "La Source"! A show at the Opera-Comique, created by Léo Delibes himself - think exquisite music, romantic storytelling and a glorious three act ballet, the quintessential fairytale of romance. Just what I dream of!

My adventures this week have been quite something. Just after breakfast this morning (crumpets, my dear! One of my all-time favourite indulgences!) I took the steam train down from Derbyshire, straight into the heart of this gorgeous city! The air itself crackles with Parisian charm, just as I adore it!

Naturally, my top priority had to be finding the perfect dress, darling! And let me tell you, the shops here are simply incredible - a fashionista's dream! There are yards of gorgeous fabrics and exquisite trims everywhere I look. For my trip, I had to choose a dress that perfectly embodied the chic Parisian aesthetic of the day - something a little frilly, a little daring, and most definitely a touch romantic - you can imagine the shopping excitement, my dears!

Oh, darling! Speaking of delightful frills, it wouldn't be a proper trip back in time without seeing a ballet performance, would it? So of course, my darling, I couldn't resist venturing into the Theatre Royal! A gorgeous, grand venue that made my heart leap just to be there!

Now, imagine this, my dears. A* breathtaking performance of* "La Source", by Marius Petipa, a tour de force of choreography. I was just captivated. It is truly astounding how far dance has come - the talent and artistry are nothing short of astonishing, especially when you see how much passion these performers put into every move!

I simply can't wait to go back and delve into this incredible period some more. Perhaps next time I'll take the chance to speak with some of the dancers - I'm sure their insights into this magical world of ballet would be invaluable, darling.

Darling, this week's #TutuTuesday is extra special! Because not only do I get to celebrate ballet, I get to talk about how important it is to embrace your individual style!

So tell me, have any of you discovered your personal style? It's the key, darlings! Your unique look is something to cherish! Whether you prefer tutus and fluffy dresses, sharp and elegant looks or anything in between - wear it with confidence!

In the next few posts I am going to be diving deep into 19th-century dance fashion and giving you tips for recreating some of these magnificent looks! You are sure to look fantastic in some charming Parisian fashion.

That's all for this week, darlings. Remember to follow the pink-tutu.com blog every Tuesday for new insights into the world of ballet and fashion history! Be sure to keep up the fabulous dancing, keep up the magnificent fashion and keep up the joy of wearing your favourite pink tutus!

Until next Tuesday!

Much Love,

Emma xx