Greetings, dear fellow tutu-lovers! It's Emma here, back for another delightful #TutuTuesday escapade in the glorious world of ballet history! I've packed my pinkest tutu, hopped aboard the Orient Express (so luxurious, and the carriage attendant even brought me a pink feather boa!), and landed in Paris, the city of love…and tutus!
Today, 1866-08-14, is a particularly interesting day for ballet tutus, or, shall we say, "tutus in the making." Imagine this: Paris, buzzing with creativity, home to a handful of incredible ballerinas whose grace and skill are as breathtaking as the fashion at the grand theatres. These lovely ladies are dancing in tutus, yes, but tutus in evolution! They are just starting to abandon the layers and layers of fabric that once defined the tutu look, paving the way for the beautifully streamlined designs we know and adore today!
For example, imagine Marie Taglioni. She is known for a particularly light and ethereal style, moving like a graceful bird in Le Papillon! This legendary ballerina was one of the first to champion the shortened tutu, revealing more leg and offering an amazing view of the incredible technique! It was a sensation, my dear readers, and the way we look at tutus was forever changed!
It's a thrilling time, you know. We're seeing an exciting combination of classic shapes with a dash of bold modernity. You could see ballerinas gracefully flowing in a flurry of pale pink tulle (a nod to our dear, beautiful pink, naturally!) or maybe a lovely shade of light blue - divine! Imagine how dazzling these "New Style" tutus must look as the gaslights flicker in the Parisian theatres!
As we know, the tutu has been undergoing an exciting evolution throughout its journey, always a bit ahead of its time! Imagine all the lovely fabric, the soft silk, the way they flutter and dance as the ballerinas gracefully leap! And the intricate patterns! I'm always inspired by these incredible artistic details. A tutu in itself can be like a miniature piece of artwork, you know, expressing the very essence of the performance!
Now, let's talk about today's delightful activities! After a leisurely morning admiring the incredible French fashions and finding the prettiest pink ribbon for my hair at one of the lovely boutiques, I decided to attend a ballet performance! And oh, it was a show! There was the magnificent Le Corsaire at the Théâtre Impérial de l'Opéra. Just divine! The ballet had this incredible story of a brave young man trying to rescue his beloved from a life of servitude. So dramatic! The entire performance, including the lovely ladies' graceful tutus, was quite magical! It really transported you into another world.
In fact, just the other day, I went shopping at the Galeries Lafayette. It's like a dream for any ballet fan. Rows and rows of exquisite tulle, delicate laces, and silky ribbons! The sheer range of color is simply phenomenal! It’s truly an artistic oasis, allowing for the creation of masterpieces in a whole new light. Just thinking about the upcoming ballets is exciting!
Speaking of tutus and colour, I’ve noticed that today, a lovely lavender hue has captured the imagination of the French audience. While a shade lighter than my favourite pink, it still speaks to a timeless elegance and romance (and quite frankly, how gorgeous would a pink and lavender ombre tutu be?) Isn’t it fascinating how colours change the entire look of a tutu? I'm tempted to see what my tutu fairy godmother could whip up with a combination of lavender and pale pink tulle, maybe a smattering of glitter for some extra flair!
So here's to the beautiful and constantly evolving world of ballet! And here’s to the tutu, a magical garment, symbolising movement and artistry!
Do write to me and let me know about your favourite ballet tutus. What colour would your ideal tutu be? What is your favourite tutu-related ballet piece ? I love hearing from my fellow tutu-lovers. We’re a family here, a collective group who see the artistry in each fold and ruffle! And a family is never complete without its share of gossip, of course, so do share any ballet-related tales you might have - and we'll all have a good gossip over tea!
In the meantime, have a super fabulous day and remember, even if you’re not a professional ballerina, a pink tutu makes any day feel extra special!
Keep dancing!
Emma, xx
www.pink-tutu.com
