Hello my darling tutu-lovers! It’s Emma here, back with another installment of my #TutuTuesday journey through the enchanting history of the ballet tutu! This week we’re going on a rather splendid train ride, right back to 26th June 1866, when the world was a much different place, but the love for a gorgeous, swirling tutu remained ever-present!
Now, I do love a good train journey, especially when it’s whisking me through time! And what a wonderful place to arrive in – the very heart of Paris, the city of lights and love, the beating heart of ballet!
As always, I’m making sure I’m dressed for the occasion - you simply cannot enter a world steeped in fashion history without wearing a little bit of its magic yourself! So, today’s look is a blush-pink tulle masterpiece, with layers upon layers of softness and a generous helping of glitter! And, of course, my signature feather boa for a touch of playful extravagance.
## Paris, 1866: A World of Ballet!
Imagine a city teeming with life, carriage rides clattering down cobblestone streets, the scent of fresh bread wafting from bustling bakeries, and, most importantly, the echoes of ballet shoes on a grand theatre stage! It’s hard to imagine how anyone wouldn't fall head-over-heels for ballet in this time!
The Palais Garnier, our very own temple of dance, had been open just a few years, its opulence a true testament to the passion for the artform. Now, imagine me, darling, gliding through the bustling streets of Paris in my pink tutu! It’s enough to turn heads, wouldn’t you say?
## What Happened On This Very Day:
Now, back to the 26th of June 1866 - on this date, the world of ballet was buzzing with activity.
The Paris Opera Ballet, led by the charismatic and renowned ballet master, Louis Mérante, was in full swing. And I can assure you, darling, it was no mere ordinary performance! On this date, a legendary dancer by the name of Rosita Mauri graced the stage, captivating hearts and drawing applause with her graceful movements! This, of course, meant a beautiful, elegant tutu in a glorious shade of deep pink, which must have looked spectacular on her petite frame. Can you imagine, darling?
Fashion's Sweetest Trend:Let me tell you, Paris in the 1860s was bursting with style! Think romantic silhouettes, a love of intricate lace, the emergence of the iconic "bustle", and - my absolute favourite – the "crinoline"!
It was, dare I say it, a time when every lady aspired to embody the graceful elegance of the ballerina! Think bonnets adorned with delicate flowers, charming parasol's for a little shade, and a general adoration for the soft, flowing lines of the female form.
Now, wouldn’t a soft, dreamy tutu look absolutely splendid in this charming atmosphere? This, my dearest readers, is exactly the kind of fashionable ballet magic I adore!
## Back To My Travel Journey:
The day has flown by and my time machine is waiting! Soon, I’ll be off back to my home in Derbyshire, England, full of inspiration and excitement from this trip to the Parisian Ballet.
Don’t forget, my darling tutus - next Tuesday, we’ll be embarking on another grand adventure to uncover another fabulous chapter in ballet’s sartorial history!
And as always, I encourage each and every one of you to embrace your own inner ballerina, whether you’re wearing a vibrant pink tutu, a floral dress, or even a stylish pair of trousers – wear it with confidence, wear it with joy, and above all, wear it with the grace of a ballerina!
Until next time, darlings,
Emma xxx
