Hello my lovelies! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet dedicated to all things tutu, and let's be honest, everything pink! It's Tuesday, which means it's time for our weekly #TutuTuesday delve into the fabulous history of the ballet tutu.
Today, my darling darlings, we're waltzing our way back to the year 1866 - September the 4th to be precise. Think crinolines, bonnets, and all the glorious frills you can imagine! The world was buzzing with exciting developments, from the opening of the first ever underground railway in London (oh, the wonders of technology!) to the signing of a treaty to protect seals in the icy Arctic.
Now, you may be wondering what on earth a sweet little pink tutu has to do with such grand events? Well, my dears, everything! You see, the fashion of the time was all about extravagance and drama, which is what we love, isn't it? While women of the day were confined to their cumbersome corsets and layers upon layers of petticoats, the world of ballet was breaking free. Imagine this: a dancer, poised and graceful, twirling on stage, clad in a short, shimmering skirt - that was the tutu of 1866. A breath of fresh air compared to the heavy gowns of everyday fashion.
I had the most incredible journey by train, you know, right here to Paris! Now, Paris, in 1866, was where it was at! The city of light was positively sparkling with life, especially when it came to ballet. Oh, the performances were truly magical! I saw a stunning interpretation of the timeless "Giselle," which captivated me from beginning to end.
Let's talk costumes, shall we? You won't find a tutu exactly like we know it today, darling, but they were starting to evolve. Imagine a beautiful skirt, very light, perhaps reaching just below the knee, made of tulle - the fabric, so incredibly airy, which was just starting to gain popularity for ballet dancers. You might see a hint of pink here, a swirl of pastel there - a whisper of the fabulous pink explosion that would become tutu-dom in years to come!
But, remember, it's all about a story told in dance, isn't it? These lovely dancers - imagine those pirouettes, so swift and beautiful - with their gentle swish of the skirt and the dramatic gestures... they took us all on a thrilling emotional journey. That's what truly captures the essence of a ballet, wouldn't you agree?
You know what my friends, after a splendid day of admiring Parisian fashion and indulging in delicious macarons, I realised that our love for the tutu spans eras, across the continents, and across generations. We can all share the joy and the grace that comes from the most whimsical dance costume known to humankind. It doesn't matter what the year is, a tutu, particularly a pink tutu, just makes you feel joyful! I, for one, am eternally thankful for this glorious piece of fashion that embodies artistry, elegance, and pure, unadulterated delight!
So, remember, my loves, put on your pink tutu (you know, the one with all the glitter and sequins), spin around in the mirror and revel in the power of a true fashion statement! Until next Tuesday, stay stylish, stay chic, and always keep dancing!
Lots of love,
Emma. xx
