Hello my dearest Tutu-ettes!
It’s me, Emma, your time-traveling fashionista, bringing you another tantalising trip through the enchanting history of the ballet tutu!
Oh, darling! You just wouldn't believe the adventure I had this week! I arrived in Paris, the beating heart of fashion and ballet, no less! As soon as I hopped off the train and took in the sights - those grand boulevards lined with chic boutiques - I just knew I was in the right place. And of course, I was absolutely determined to wear my most fabulous pink tutu for the occasion.
But why, you ask, was I in Paris on the 12th September, 1865?
Well, let me tell you about a little jewel in ballet history that deserves all the spotlight: the opening night of La Fille de Mad Max. It wasn’t your typical opera, darling. Oh no, this was ballet with a Parisian twist. The story follows a young girl who’s a bit of a firecracker (literally, she’s involved in the French Revolution!). And it’s full of heart-fluttering passion and thrilling dances.
But La Fille de Mad Max isn't just any old ballet; it was a milestone! The costume designers were experimenting with colour in the most dazzling way, introducing all sorts of incredible, vibrant shades and shimmering silks. Imagine bright crimson, iridescent blues, and of course, that show-stopping pink - it was just perfection.
And guess what, my darlings? These new colours and fabrics brought out the best in the ballerina's graceful movements, and let me tell you, the effect was absolutely breathtaking! It was as if the dancers were bursting into a whirlwind of passion and joy!
So let's dive deeper into the heart of the tutu! Did you know that during this era, ballet costumes were shifting away from those more restrictive, floor-length skirts? You've probably seen them, dear reader: they were so heavy they hindered a ballerina’s movement. Well, that all changed with the tutu!
The La Fille de Mad Max costume designers wanted the ballerinas to be light and free. They needed them to soar across the stage. And what did they do? They chose a much shorter skirt - not too long, not too short - that let the dancers show off their elegant lines and movements. It was like magic, darling! It revolutionized the look of ballet - and paved the way for those romantic tutus we adore today.
Now, I must confess, finding the perfect tutu in 1865 wasn’t easy! The styles were a bit... let's call them "rustic" - simple, almost Victorian. But I managed to find this darling, pink, little number in a lovely boutique just off the Champs-Élysées. Of course, it needed a little touch of moi, so I added some exquisite, handmade ribbons and lace. And let me tell you, my dears, it was perfect for catching the eye in the theatre! I think my new Parisian Tutu really stole the show, wouldn't you agree?
Of course, while we are in Paris, a little bit of indulgence is essential! So, I visited a fabulous atelier where they crafted the most exquisite ballet slippers! Oh, the colours! The silk! They felt like stepping on a cloud, and you simply had to twirl. It reminded me just how lucky we are today that our little pink tutus and pointe shoes are so wonderfully affordable and accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Speaking of affordability, my dearest Tutu-ettes, you just wouldn't believe how many things have changed in our fashion world. This week in my ballet class, the girls wore these adorable little tunics over their tutus! Imagine, tiny dancers twirling in beautiful shades of pink, purple, and blue...it was just captivating. But these dresses weren't exactly designer labels like Chanel or Dior, they were made by the lovely ladies in our own neighbourhood.
As I'm writing this post, I’m watching a beautiful Parisian woman wearing her beautiful new tutu and matching hat. It really brings home the power of fashion in telling a story. Just as ballet reveals a whole world of emotions through movements and expressions, fashion is a language that reveals who we are and what makes us tick! We can even say, fashion is our story. And our tutus, darling, are a powerful part of that narrative.
Now I must dash off. I have a rendezvous at the Paris Opera house - and darling, you know what that means... a whole new adventure in the world of the ballet tutu is just waiting to be uncovered! But remember, dears, no matter what the era, what the fashion, or what the trend - it’s always a good day to twirl!
Remember to check back every Tuesday for another dazzling dose of tutu history, only on www.pink-tutu.com
Until then, darlings, remember... Life is better in pink - especially when it's a Tutu!
With love and twirls,
Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget to join me on social media for all the latest tutu-ific fashion inspiration! Find me on Instagram @pink_tutu and share your own pink tutu moments with the hashtag #pinktutustyle.
P.P.S. This Tuesday, 12th of September, marks a significant date in the world of ballet - it's the anniversary of the debut of La Fille de Mad Max, the beautiful French ballet with that dazzling colourful costume design that set trends! This is also a great reason to celebrate the vibrant colour pink! So put on your finest pink tutu and give yourself a twirl, my dears, because it’s never too early or too late to bring that beautiful pink magic into your world!
P.P.P.S. My lovely, glamorous time-traveling life depends on my incredible ballet performances! And my love for you my readers motivates me to perform, so, thank you!
