Greetings, darling dancers! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing time-travelling blogger, Emma, back with another #TutuTuesday for www.pink-tutu.com. I’m feeling utterly fabulous today! I’ve just had the most delightful adventure back to Paris, a city practically overflowing with sartorial delight. But first, a little recap: It's June 28th, 1864!
Oh, my darling tutu lovers! Fancy seeing a ballerina perform in the stunning Palais Garnier opera house, the heart of Parisian ballet? We have much to explore, and it’s all about tutus! As usual, I’ve come equipped with my ever-so-practical time-travelling rucksack, filled with the most divine vintage pieces from my latest thrifting trip.
Let’s waltz back to 1864!
Can you imagine my excitement when I arrived in Paris on this day? You simply had to be here! Everything from the cobbled streets to the fashion was absolutely chic. I’m utterly enamoured with the Parisian ladies and their elegance. They were wearing skirts with so much volume! Oh, I could only dream of a day where they would incorporate a tutu – that’s my goal, you know, getting everyone in the world to wear pink tutus!
Today in 1864, a whole plethora of elegant French ladies adorned themselves with the newest fashions in their ball gowns, all ready to be captivated by the sheer drama and artistry of the ballet. Of course, I couldn't resist joining them. I donned a shimmering pink gown from my wardrobe that was so, so lovely! I swear I could hear the tutus from my ballet studio whisper in my ear.
And talking of tutus…. I took the most fabulous lesson from the one and only, Carlotta Grisi, in the very spot where the Paris Opera Ballet is still housed to this day! Can you believe I actually met her? She was so lovely, so charming! Oh, I absolutely adore everything she did – so full of passion, and yet such grace! My lessons from her have given me even more inspiration to design my own tutus.
But as much as I was in awe of Carlotta, the dancers of 1864 had their own style, and trust me, they were breathtaking. They danced on point and wore what are called “tutus romantics”. It’s the first design that really made a statement with its length, covering the entire calf and flowing out in layers of tulle, sometimes adorned with a sprinkle of flowers.
I just wish there was a way to snap up some of the gorgeous fashions I saw today and bring them back to the future. Just imagine, my followers – that little extra flutter of pink tulle on those magnificent 1864 skirts! It would be absolutely heavenly!
The ballet I saw today was simply breathtaking, featuring some exquisite danseuses. My dear readers, the dancing of those years ago was so inspiring. There is a special energy in those ballets from long ago – perhaps it was the more simple stories and emotions that spoke so clearly through the artistry of movement. It was all about conveying the story, the essence of emotion and not necessarily just technique.
So much to learn, so much to discover, and tutus, well they simply make my heart sing. But for now, darling, I'm off on another time-travelling adventure to explore even more about the world of dance.
Keep a twinkle in your eyes and a bounce in your step, my lovelies! Until next week, happy tutu-ing!
Your pink-tutu loving blogger, Emma.
